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Chicken Appetizers Pork
4.4 from 203 votes

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Jump to RecipeVideoPrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •8/26/23 68 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Crispy, succulent, and delightfully sweet—these aren’t just any appetizers, they’re Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites rolled lovingly in brown sugar. Imagine biting into a tender morsel of chicken that’s been enveloped in a smoky bacon hug, then caramelized to perfection.

a few bacon wrapped chicken bites in a clay bowl garnished with parsley.
Table of Contents Open
  • Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
  • Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
    • Preheat and Prep the Pan
    • Season the Chicken and Wrap with Bacon
    • Roll in Sweetness
    • Place and Season Again
    • Bake Them Up
  • Serve With This
    • BBQ Sauce
    • Antipasto Platter
    • Mashed Potatoes
    • Mojito Recipe
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Can I make these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites ahead of time?
    • Can I use something other than dark brown sugar?
    • My bacon isn’t crisping up. What can I do?
    • Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    • What’s the best dipping sauce for these bites?
  • Expert Tips
  • Storage
  • Discover More Delicious Appetizers
  • Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
    • Video
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

You could serve store-bought snacks, or you could effortlessly dazzle your guests with Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites, the no-fuss appetizer with maximum payoff. Imagine cubes of tender chicken hugged in a cocoon of crispy bacon, each bite sparkling with a brown sugar glaze that’s caramelized to sheer perfection.

The best part? These little gems are absurdly easy to make. No culinary gymnastics here—just a simple wrap, a quick roll, and a brief stint in the oven. In less than an hour, you’re serving a dish that screams ‘gourmet’ but whispers ‘effortless.’ Trust me, you’ll be fielding recipe requests faster than these bites disappear off the plate.

a white plate with a few bacon wrapped chicken bites garnished with parsley.

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

  • Flavor Explosion: The harmony of succulent chicken, smoky bacon, and sweet brown sugar creates a trifecta of flavors that’s hard to resist. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, delivering a gourmet experience that will have people reaching for seconds—and thirds!
  • Quick and Easy: Convenience is king, and this recipe reigns supreme. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up an irresistible appetizer in under an hour.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual game day gathering, an elegant cocktail party, or a holiday feast, these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites fit the bill. The recipe is also easy to adjust for larger or smaller crowds, making it as flexible as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients needed to make bacon wrapped chicken bites.
  • Chicken Breasts serve as the core of each flavorful bite. For a juicier option, chicken thighs work well.
  • Bacon Slices wrap around the chicken for smokiness and cohesion. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative.
  • Dark Brown Sugar caramelizes during baking, adding sweetness and depth. Light brown or granulated sugar can substitute.
  • Salt is key for flavor enhancement. You can opt for kosher or sea salt based on your preference.
  • Pepper provides a touch of spice to balance the sweetness. Cayenne or paprika could add a different kick.
  • Parsley is used as a garnish for both taste and visual appeal. Chives or green onions make good alternatives.

How To Make Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

You won’t believe how easy and quick these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are to make. Trust me; this dish is a game-changer for any get-together.

Preheat and Prep the Pan

First up, crank that oven to 350℉. Slap some aluminum foil onto a baking sheet for a no-mess situation, and then place a cooling rack on top. Trust me, it makes life easier.

Season the Chicken and Wrap with Bacon

process shots showing how to make bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Now, season those chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; this is the base layer of flavor we’re building. Cut each slice into halves or thirds, depending on how long they are. Now wrap each chicken cube in a bacon slice. No toothpicks needed—the bacon will cling to the chicken like they’re best buds.

Roll in Sweetness

process shots showing how to make bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Next, grab a shallow plate and dump that dark brown sugar onto it. Now roll those bacon-wrapped chicken pieces in the brown sugar you set aside earlier. Make sure each piece is coated well; we want that sweet caramelization.

Place and Season Again

process shots showing how to make bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Lay those sugar-coated pieces on the cooling rack you’ve set on the baking sheet. Hit them with another sprinkle of salt and pepper. A little extra seasoning never hurt anyone!

Bake Them Up

process shots showing how to make bacon wrapped chicken bites.

Slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Now, the original recipe says 45 minutes, but let’s keep an eye out, shall we? Start checking around the 30-minute mark. What you’re looking for is bacon that’s crisped up beautifully and chicken that’s fully cooked—that’s an internal temp of 165℉ if you want to get technical. Ovens can be quirky, so adjust your time depending on those factors.

a white plate with a few bacon wrapped chicken bites garnished with parsley.

Serve With This

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Mashed Potatoes

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Mojito Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them up to the point of baking and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be starting off cold.

Can I use something other than dark brown sugar?

You bet! Light brown sugar or even granulated sugar can work in a pinch. Just know that the flavor profile will change a bit—the molasses in dark brown sugar adds that extra depth of flavor.

My bacon isn’t crisping up. What can I do?

If you find that the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can pop the bites under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on them, though, to make sure they don’t burn.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are generally juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, and double-check that the internal temperature reaches 165℉.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these bites?

Oh, the sky’s the limit here! BBQ sauce, honey mustard, and spicy Sriracha mayo are all fan-favorites. But feel free to get creative and match it to your own taste preferences.

a few bacon wrapped chicken bites in a clay bowl garnished with parsley.

Expert Tips

  1. Opt for Thinner Bacon – Thinner slices of bacon will crisp up more easily in the oven, giving you that perfect crunchy texture without overcooking the chicken.
  2. Use an Oven Thermometer – Oven temperatures can vary, so using an oven thermometer can help you ensure that you’re baking at precisely 350℉. This makes a big difference in achieving that ideal crispness.
  3. Double Layer of Seasoning – Don’t skip the second layer of salt and pepper before baking. It might seem like a small detail, but it adds a nice depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
  4. Temperature Check – For absolute certainty that your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165℉. It’s a foolproof way to ensure both taste and safety.

Storage

If you find yourself with leftovers—though let’s be real, that’s a big “if”—just pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes to get that bacon crisp again.

But hey, maybe you’re planning way ahead or cooking for a smaller crowd; these bites are freezer-friendly too! To freeze, lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, you can bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

a white plate with a few bacon wrapped chicken bites garnished with parsley.

Discover More Delicious Appetizers

  • Maple BBQ Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
  • Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
  • Buffalo Chicken Dip
  • Bacon and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites
  • Cheesy Chicken Fritters

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

a few bacon wrapped chicken bites in a clay bowl garnished with parsley.
4.44 from 203 votes

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Prep 15 minutes minutes
Cook 45 minutes minutes
Total 1 hour hour
8
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Meet your new go-to appetizer: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites. Imagine tender chicken enveloped in crispy bacon, all coated in caramelized brown sugar. They're as quick and easy to make as they are irresistible, making you the undisputed star of any gathering.
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Video

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 12 slices bacon (thin cut, cut into halves or thirds)
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (for garnish)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil, this will save you from having to scrub your baking sheet. Place a cooling rack on top the baking sheet. I used a cooling rack here. Place the sugar in a shallow plate.
  • Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Depending on your bacon how thin or thick it is, cut each slice in either half or 3 pieces. I cut mine into 3. Wrap each piece of chicken with a piece of bacon. There is no need for toothpicks, the bacon will stick to the chicken. Roll the wrapped chicken into the brown sugar and make sure each piece is nicely coated in the brown sugar.
  • Place chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and season again with more salt and pepper.
  • Bake for about 45 minutes or until bacon is nice and crisp. Start checking around the 30-minute mark. What you're looking for is bacon that's crisped up beautifully and chicken that's fully cooked—that's an internal temp of 165℉.
  • Garnish with parsley, so that it looks pretty.

Notes

  1. Bacon Choice: Thinner slices of bacon work best for this recipe, as they’ll crisp up nicely without overcooking the chicken.
  2. Sugar Swap: While dark brown sugar is recommended for its rich molasses flavor, light brown or granulated sugar can also be used if you’re in a pinch.
  3. Cooking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s a good idea to start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165℉.
  4. Freezer-Friendly: These bites can be prepared ahead and frozen for up to 3 months. Just extend the cooking time when baking from frozen.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 249kcal (12%)Carbohydrates: 21g (7%)Protein: 10g (20%)Fat: 14g (22%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 40mg (13%)Sodium: 403mg (18%)Potassium: 203mg (6%)Fiber: 0.1gSugar: 20g (22%)Vitamin A: 64IU (1%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 22mg (2%)Iron: 0.4mg (2%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

a few bacon wrapped chicken bites in a clay bowl garnished with parsley.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

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68 Comments
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Allison
Allison
Posted: 8 months ago

About how many people will this serve?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Allison
Posted: 8 months ago

It should serve around 8 people.

0
Reply
Karen W
Karen W
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 12 days ago

How many pieces in a serving? Trying to figure out how much to make for 100 guests.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Karen W
Posted: 12 days ago

Ah, the million-dollar question! The number of pieces per serving really depends on how generously or sparingly you cut those chicken bites. But fear not, if you’re cooking for a small army of 100, just slide the ‘number of servings’ on the recipe card to match your guest list. The ingredient quantities will adjust automatically. Now go wow those 100 guests! 🥳🥓🍗

0
Reply
Laura Thomas
Laura Thomas
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
I love this recipe and my husband loves me even more when I make it!

1
Reply
Dianne
Dianne
Posted: 3 years ago

5 stars
Delicious. Used light brown sugar and they were wonderful. Ran short of bacon so just rolled my last few pieces of chicken in the sugar and it was great

0
Reply
nick krawchuk
nick krawchuk
Posted: 4 years ago

do you need brown sugar if you wrap maple flavored bacon instead

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  nick krawchuk
Posted: 4 years ago

Yes! Maple bacon isn’t sweet at all- it is smoked with maple wood.

0
Reply
Sue Griner
Sue Griner
Posted: 4 years ago

Could Chicken Bites be reheated in microwave? My grandson would love to take these to school for lunch.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Sue Griner
Posted: 4 years ago

Yes, you can either reheat them in the microwave or pop the in the oven for a few minutes. 🙂

0
Reply
Lori
Lori
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
Jo, thank you for sharing this recipe! I have done the chicken breast version but was nonplussed by the blandness, too much chicken vs. skinny wrap of bacon..
I made your recipe exactly except I used white pepper. Came out premo!
A few days ago I changed up the finishing touches. The last 15 minutes, I basted the wrapped chicken with a simple mild bbq sauce that I mixed crushed pineapple in.
Super good. Going to try it on breast tenders/bacon on the bbq next weekend. Thanks again!

0
Reply
Shellie
Shellie
Posted: 4 years ago

5 stars
These are truly delicious, I’ve been making a version of these for years, they are expected to be on the menu for my Christmas Eve appetizer dinner every year I always add smoked paprika to the brown sugar, give its whirl and see if you like it that way, too. Thanks for all the fabulicious recipes, Jo!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Shellie
Posted: 4 years ago

Thanks, Shellie! 🙂

0
Reply
Nancy
Nancy
Posted: 5 years ago

4 stars
I made these Sweet Chicken Bacon Bites as an entree for New Year’s Eve dinner and they were quite good. My husband loved them. This is a simple, foolproof recipe with minimal preparation time, but it looks and tastes special. DO follow the instructions to put a cookie rack on top of the baking sheet as the bacon fat and a lot of the brown sugar will melt and make a gooey mess at the bottom. For this reason, make sure the aluminum foil goes up the sides of the baking sheet. Once the baking sheet cools, the melted material will solidify and you can lift it out with the aluminum foil.

1
Reply
Lisa
Lisa
Posted: 5 years ago

How well do these freeze?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Lisa
Posted: 5 years ago

They should freeze pretty well, I’d actually reheat them in the oven to get the bacon crispy again.

0
Reply
Kristen
Kristen
Posted: 6 years ago

5 stars
These are absolutely delicious! I am wondering if these could be skewered and grilled as well?

0
Reply
Renee
Renee
Posted: 7 years ago

Do you serve them as a main dish or an appetizer? They look so yummy

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Renee
Posted: 7 years ago

I usually serve them as an appetizer but they could work as a main as well along with some salad.

0
Reply
Renee
Renee
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 7 years ago

Thanks! I can’t wait to try them

0
Reply
Cecilia
Cecilia
Posted: 7 years ago

I would love to take this to a pot luck, how long can they sit out. Or do they have to be eaten immediatly

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Cecilia
Posted: 7 years ago

You can leave them out, but I wouldn’t leave them out for more than 4 hours.

0
Reply
Cecilia
Cecilia
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 7 years ago

Thnk-you gonna try it.

0
Reply
Annet Homsma
Annet Homsma
Posted: 7 years ago

5 stars
Hello Jo,
Thanks for the recipe.
We enjoyed it with a nice salade, it was delicious.
Greetings from The Netherlands
Annet

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Annet Homsma
Posted: 7 years ago

That’s awesome, hello Netherlands!!

0
Reply
Ruth
Ruth
Posted: 7 years ago

5 stars
Thank you for this – When I make these, everyone in the house goes crazy! I’ve had people cancel plans to stay home and eat them hot, and one friend actually cried when she tasted them!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Ruth
Posted: 7 years ago

My pleasure, that’s actually quite funny, don’t think I’ve had anyone cry before over the food. 🙂

0
Reply
Loretta
Loretta
Reply to  Ruth
Posted: 4 years ago

Would it be good with cheese?

0
Reply
Brendan O'Hara
Brendan O'Hara
Reply to  Loretta
Posted: 4 years ago

OMG fondue dip type cheese. YES please!!

0
Reply
Anne
Anne
Posted: 7 years ago

looks like pure yummyness! Can’t wait to try

0
Reply

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I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is the place where I share my passion for easy and delicious recipes. From comforting classics to global flavors, I believe that cooking should be fun, approachable, and most importantly, rewarding. Join me on this culinary journey and let’s get cooking!

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