BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Your Family will love

Savory BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. These irresistible appetizers are bursting with smoky flavor! They’re perfect as a make-ahead appetizer or dinner.

These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are culinary magic in every bite. Succulent chicken pieces, lovingly embraced by a crispy bacon hug and then kissed by the sweet, smoky allure of BBQ seasoning. It’s a flavor sensation that’ll have your taste buds dancing with delight!

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a game day gathering, or just craving some scrumptious finger food, these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are your culinary MVPs. They’re the life of the party, the star of the show, and the reason your guests will be asking for seconds (and thirds!).

But the magic doesn’t stop there. These bites are incredibly versatile. Skewer them for a stylish appetizer, serve them with a crisp salad for a quick meal, or create a platter for your next potluck—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.

And for those who like to plan ahead, these bites are freezer-friendly! Make a batch or two, freeze them, and you’ve got a savory snack at your fingertips whenever those cravings hit.

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the delectable BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites.

• Chicken: The star of the show, chicken provides a lean and protein-packed base. Its mild flavor and tender texture pair perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Sweet BBQ Rub: This seasoning blend infuses the chicken with a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor profile. It adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a true BBQ delight.
• Bacon, thin-cut: Bacon brings a delightful combination of saltiness and smokiness. It not only wraps around the chicken, adding a crispy, savory layer but also infuses every bite with its rich, meaty flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall taste. Salt highlights the natural flavors of the chicken and bacon while pepper adds a subtle hint of spiciness, balancing the sweetness of the BBQ rub and sauce.
• BBQ Sauce, for dipping: The BBQ sauce not only serves as a dipping companion but also provides an extra layer of sweet and tangy flavor. It complements the savory bacon and chicken, tying all the elements together in a harmonious, lip-smacking blend. It’s the finishing touch that elevates these bites from good to unforgettable.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Wrap chicken pieces with bacon and season with sweet BBQ rub, salt, and pepper. Bake until crispy. Serve with BBQ sauce for dipping. Enjoy your BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites!

1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper [paid link] and top the baking sheet with a cooling rack [paid link]. This allows the heat to circulate around all sides of the chicken.
3. Season chicken pieces with the Sweet BBQ Rub and set aside.
4. Cut the bacon slices into 3 sections. If you use center-cut bacon, you may need to slice it in half.
5. Wrap each piece of chicken with a piece of bacon. Please the chicken seam-side down onto the cooling rack [paid link]. Repeat with all chicken pieces. Lightly season the bacon with salt and pepper. (If you’re sensitive to salt, omit the salt in this step),
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until bacon is crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165℉. If the bacon is not entirely crispy, as with thick-cut bacon, broil at 500 °F for about 3-5 minutes turning halfway through the boil time.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite BBQ dipping sauce

Why this Recipe Works

This recipe works because it combines complementary flavors and textures. The chicken and bacon create a savory and crispy contrast, while the sweet BBQ rub and tangy BBQ sauce add depth and balance. It’s easy to prepare, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that satisfies both flavor and convenience cravings.

Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks

1. Choose Thin-Cut Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best for this recipe because it crisps up nicely without overcooking the chicken. It also wraps around the chicken pieces more easily.
2. Marinate for Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in the sweet BBQ rub for a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator before wrapping them in bacon. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
3. Bake on a Rack: Place the wrapped chicken bites on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This allows the excess fat from the bacon to drip down, resulting in crispier bacon.
4. Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want your bacon extra crispy, you can broil the chicken bites for a minute or two at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Customize the BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties to find your favorite flavor profile – from sweet and smoky to spicy and tangy.
6. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Provide BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. It’s not only convenient but allows each person to control the amount of sauce they prefer.
7. Presentation Matters: Garnish your serving platter with fresh herbs for an attractive presentation.
8. Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken bites in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for parties and gatherings.

Recipe Variations

These variations offer a range of flavors, from sweet and spicy to tangy and savory, allowing you to customize your bacon wrapped chicken bites to suit your taste preferences or the theme of your gathering. Enjoy experimenting with these different flavors!

• Honey Mustard Glazed Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites:
  • Marinate chicken in a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard.
  • Wrap with bacon, bake until crispy, and brush with more honey mustard glaze before serving.
• Spicy Sriracha Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites:
  • Add a kick by mixing Sriracha sauce into the BBQ rub or using a spicy BBQ sauce.
  • Serve with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dip to balance the heat.
• Teriyaki Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites:
  • Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
  • Wrap with bacon and bake, then drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce before serving.
• Mango Habanero Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites:
  • Combine mango puree and minced habanero pepper for a sweet and spicy marinade.
  • Wrap with bacon and bake, then serve with a mango habanero dipping sauce.
• Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites:
  • Drizzle chicken with maple syrup before wrapping with bacon.
  • Bake until crispy and brush with more maple syrup for a delightful sweet and savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These serving suggestions not only make your BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites look appealing but also provide different ways to enjoy them, whether as a snack, appetizer, or even part of a larger meal.

1. Party Platter: Arrange the chicken bites on a large platter with a variety of dipping sauces in the center. Add some fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers for a colorful and crunchy accompaniment.
2. Game Day Snack: Serve the chicken bites alongside other game day favorites like sliders, nachos, and guacamole for a winning spread during sports events.
3. Appetizer Skewers: Thread the cooked chicken bites onto wooden skewers with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and chunks of cheese for a delightful and easy-to-eat appetizer skewer.
4. Salad Topper: Add a few chicken bites to a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and your favorite salad dressing for a protein-packed salad with a smoky twist.
5. Wrap ‘Em Up: Use the chicken bites as a filling for mini soft tortillas or lettuce wraps. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a quick and tasty wrap.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Remember that the reheating time may vary depending on the size and quantity of the chicken bites, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites even after they’ve been stored or frozen!

Storing:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.

Freezing:

1. Flash Freeze: To freeze uncooked chicken bites for later, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper [paid link] and place them in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag with layers of parchment paper [paid link] in between to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
2. Cooked Bites: You can also freeze already-cooked chicken bites. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag with layers of parchment paper [paid link] in between to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

1. Oven: For the best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the bacon is crispy.
2. Microwave: To reheat a small portion quickly, you can use the microwave. Place the chicken bites on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and turning them halfway through.
3. Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, reheat frozen chicken bites at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are hot and the bacon is crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different types of chicken? Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast or thigh pieces. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

2. What can I use if I don’t have thin-cut bacon? You can use regular bacon, but you may need to partially cook it before wrapping it around the chicken to ensure it becomes crispy during baking.

3. Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken bites in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for parties and gatherings.

4. Can I grill these instead of baking? Yes, you can grill the BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Use indirect heat and turn them occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.

5. Are there alternatives to BBQ sauce for dipping? Of course! You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or blue cheese dressing.

6. Can I make a vegetarian version? You can create a vegetarian version using meat alternatives like seitan or tofu wrapped in vegan bacon. Marinate and season them similarly for a flavorful alternative.

7. Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free bacon and ensuring that the BBQ rub and sauce you choose are also gluten-free.

Wine & Cocktail Pairings

Remember, personal preferences play a role, so feel free to explore and discover your own favorite pairings!

Wine Pairings:

1. Chardonnay: The buttery and oaky notes of a Chardonnay complement the smokiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, creating a well-balanced pairing.
2. Zinfandel: The bold and fruity flavors of Zinfandel work well with the savory and slightly spicy elements of the chicken bites, enhancing the overall taste.
3. Rosé: A crisp and fruity rosé is a versatile option that can complement the smoky bacon and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Cocktail Pairings:

1. Whiskey Sour: The tangy and citrusy notes of a whiskey sour complement the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and add a delightful contrast to the savory bacon.
2. Margarita: The zesty and salty flavors of a classic margarita pair excellently with the smoky bacon and can cut through the richness of the dish.
3. Moscow Mule: The ginger-spiced kick of a Moscow Mule complements the sweet and smoky flavors while providing a refreshing, palate-cleansing effect.