Prepare to elevate your chicken game with these Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites – a harmonious fusion of sweet, savory, and heat that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with this chef-crafted recipe that delivers big comfort and bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites
These Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a sweet-and-spicy maple glaze creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal, these bites are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this recipe are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thick-cut bacon, and a few pantry staples that come together to create the irresistible spicy maple glaze. The result is a dish that’s loaded with texture and bursting with bold, craveable flavors.
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 slices – Thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup – Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp – Hot sauce
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (a leaner option)
- Bacon: Maple-flavored or pepper-crusted bacon (for added flavor)
How to Make Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites
The key steps to creating these delectable Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites are simple and straightforward. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and cooking the bacon until crispy. In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, hot sauce, and other glaze ingredients.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Toss the chicken pieces with the spicy maple glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Arrange the glazed chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken bites are out of the oven, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top, pressing them gently into the glaze. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and heat in every bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice It Up: Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick of heat.
- Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top for a delightful textural contrast.
- Serve Over Mashed Potatoes: For an even more indulgent experience, serve the Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Smoked Paprika Twist: Incorporate a sprinkle of smoked paprika into the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: fluffy white rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Store leftover Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the bites in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until hot and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and glaze in advance, then bake and assemble the dish when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites are a hearty and satisfying dish, but they also pack a nutritional punch. Each serving provides a good source of protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, the bacon and maple glaze do contribute to the dish’s calorie and fat content, so be mindful of portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through?
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will help you avoid any undercooked or dry chicken in your Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and glaze in advance, then bake and assemble the dish when ready to serve. Just store the cooked chicken and glaze separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to put it all together.
Is there a way to make it less spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce in the glaze or omit it entirely. You can also try using a sweeter hot sauce, such as sriracha or gochujang, to balance the heat with more sweetness.
How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?
To make this recipe more budget-friendly, you can swap out the thick-cut bacon for a less expensive regular bacon. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, which are generally more affordable.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken breasts are a leaner option, but the thighs will provide a bit more moisture and richness to the dish.
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Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Maple Bacon Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Perfect for parties or as a snack!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup maple syrup
6 strips of bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the maple syrup, sriracha sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them in the marinade.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top of the chicken.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra heat, add more sriracha to the marinade.
These bites can be served with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, appetizer, spicy, maple