Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure with these Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites! Coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, these bite-sized morsels are a delightful blend of crunch, juiciness, and bold, comforting flavors. Get ready to wow your taste buds and bring people together around the table with this irresistible recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites with Sweet Heat Glaze
Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. The sweet and spicy glaze made with maple syrup, brown sugar, and a touch of heat creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s sure to leave your guests craving more. With a simple, straightforward preparation process, this recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. Indulge in the cozy, comforting warmth of these delectable bites and let the flavors transport you to a cozy, satisfied state of mind.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. The sweet and spicy glaze is the star of the show, perfectly complementing the crispy chicken and bacon.
- 1 lb (453 g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6 oz (170 g) – Thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) – Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Brown sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) – Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp (5 ml) – Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (adjust cooking time as needed)
- Cayenne Pepper: Reduce or omit for a less spicy version
How to Make Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites with Sweet Heat Glaze
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Slice the bacon into 1-inch pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Slice the bacon into 1-inch pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the chicken pieces and bacon on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Bake the chicken and bacon until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy, about 20-25 minutes. While the chicken and bacon are baking, keep a close eye to ensure they don’t burn.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken and bacon are cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the sweet heat glaze over the chicken and bacon, making sure to evenly coat all the pieces. Toss gently to combine.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can optionally sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or green onions over the top of the Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Marinate the Chicken: To add even more depth of flavor, try marinating the chicken in the sweet heat glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
- Serve Over Grains: For a heartier meal, serve the Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Double the Glaze: If you prefer a saucier consistency, you can double the glaze ingredients.
- Add Cheese: For a fun twist, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites are best served hot and fresh from the oven. They make a delectable appetizer or main dish, perfect for game days, potlucks, or any casual gathering.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and bacon up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss the chicken and bacon with the sweet heat glaze and bake until hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites with Sweet Heat Glaze provides a satisfying blend of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Packed with 28 grams of protein per serving, these bites are a great option for a filling and nutritious meal. The sweet and spicy glaze adds a touch of sweetness, while the bacon provides a savory, smoky element.
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 17 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
To achieve the ultimate crispiness, be sure to pat the chicken pieces dry before baking. You can also try dredging the chicken in a light coating of all-purpose flour or cornstarch before adding it to the baking sheet.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe would also work well with cubed pork or turkey. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients, such as tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How spicy is the sweet heat glaze?
The level of spice can be adjusted to your personal preference. The recipe calls for a moderate amount of cayenne pepper, which provides a subtle heat. For a milder version, start with a smaller amount of cayenne and gradually increase to suit your taste buds.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bacon up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss the chicken and bacon with the sweet heat glaze and bake until hot and crispy.
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Crispy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites with Sweet Heat Glaze
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy maple bacon chicken bites are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, finished with a spicy glaze that will leave you wanting more! Perfect for parties or a fun dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. 3. In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. 4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet with the bacon drippings and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5. Toss the cooked chicken in the maple hot sauce mixture until evenly coated.
6. 6. Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top.
7. 7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
8. 8. Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
– For extra heat, add more hot sauce to the mixture.
– These bites can be served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken bites, bacon, maple syrup, appetizer