Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks for skewering
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each piece of chicken. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick.
- Glaze with Maple Syrup: In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup with olive oil. Brush the mixture over each bacon-wrapped chicken bite.
- Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites hot. They make a perfect appetizer or party snack that everyone will love!
Variations:
- Spicy Maple Bacon Bites: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the maple syrup mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Bacon Bites: After baking, sprinkle some shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) over the chicken bites and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until melted.
- Herbed Chicken Bites: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley) to the chicken before wrapping it in bacon for a more aromatic flavor.
Tips:
- Bacon Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, broil the bites for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
- Chicken Alternatives: Use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or swap out the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the bites in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready, just bake them according to the instructions. Perfect for parties!
- Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary based on the size of your chicken pieces and bacon thickness. Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes