Savory BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. These irresistible appetizers are bursting with smoky flavor! They're perfect as a make-ahead appetizer or dinner.
Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and top the baking sheet with a cooling rack. The cooling rack allows the heat to evenly circulate around all sides of the chicken. The foil or parchment is for easy cleanup.
Season chicken pieces with the Sweet BBQ Rub and set aside.
Cut the bacon slices into 3 sections. If you use center-cut bacon, you may need only to slice it in half.
Wrap each piece of chicken with a piece of bacon. Please the chicken seam-side down onto the cooling rack. Repeat with all chicken pieces. Lightly season the bacon with salt and pepper. (If you're sensative to salt, omit the salt in this step),
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.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite BBQ dipping sauce.
Notes
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.