Prepare for a flavor explosion with our Savory Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites! These bite-sized morsels are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky, making them an irresistible appetizer or main dish. Get ready to impress your guests with this chef-approved recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites
These Savory Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites are the ultimate comfort food with a modern twist. The perfectly crispy chicken is coated in a luscious, velvety glaze that’s bursting with warm, zesty flavors. The combination of sweet maple, smoky bourbon, and savory spices creates a truly craveable, indulgent dish that’s sure to leave you and your guests wanting more. Plus, with easy-to-follow, chef-tested steps, you’ll achieve reliable, restaurant-quality results every time.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Savory Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites include boneless, skinless chicken thighs (for maximum juiciness), pure maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a blend of warm spices like paprika, chili powder, and cumin. The result is a perfectly balanced, flavor-packed glaze that coats the crispy chicken bites.
- 1 lb (450g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp (30ml) – Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) – Paprika
- 1 tsp (5g) – Chili powder
- 1 tsp (5g) – Ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5g) – Salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) – Black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) – Pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Bourbon
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (just adjust cooking time as needed)
- Bourbon: Apple cider or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version
How to Make Savory Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, Dijon mustard, garlic, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the spice mixture.
Step 1: Prep Work
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of oil and, working in batches, fry the chicken pieces until they’re golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the fried chicken bites to the glaze, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
If the glaze seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or chicken broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a touch of heat with cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze
- Mustard Variation: Try using honey mustard or whole-grain mustard instead of Dijon
- Presentation Idea: Skewer the glazed chicken bites onto toothpicks or small bamboo skewers
- Crispy Chicken Tip: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning and frying to ensure maximum crispiness
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or your favorite sides.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken bites in the oven or a skillet until heated through and the glaze is slightly caramelized.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken bites in advance. Fry the chicken as directed, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and toss it with the warm maple bourbon glaze.
Nutrition Information
These Savory Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites are a satisfying, protein-packed dish. Each serving (about 4-5 bites) contains approximately 200 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 10 grams of carbohydrates. The dish is also a good source of iron and various essential vitamins and minerals.
- Serving Size: 4-5 bites
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bourbon is best for this recipe?
For the best flavor, we recommend using a high-quality, small-batch bourbon with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. Avoid using cheap or overly harsh bourbon, as it can overpower the other ingredients.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites in advance. Fry the chicken as directed, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven, then toss it with the warm maple bourbon glaze.
How can I make these chicken bites extra crispy?
To ensure maximum crispiness, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning and frying. Also, be sure to work in small batches when frying to maintain the oil temperature. Letting the oil come back to temperature between batches is key.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! To bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and crispy. Then, toss the baked chicken with the maple bourbon glaze.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken instead of frying, and use a reduced-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce in place of the bourbon. You can also cut back on the maple syrup and use a sugar-free alternative.
Try These Next
- maple bourbon bbq glazed chicken skewers
- sweet and savory maple glazed chicken skewers
- crispy maple glazed chicken with sweet potato medley
Savory Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. These tender chicken bites are marinated in a rich maple bourbon glaze, then baked to perfection for a mouthwatering appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup bourbon
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
3. 2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
4. 3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. 4. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken bites and sear until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. 5. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven.
7. 6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. 7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. 8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Notes
– For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
– These chicken bites can also be grilled for a smoky flavor.
– Serve with toothpicks for easy appetizers at a party.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, bourbon, maple, appetizer, baked, savory