Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, and research shows bite-sized hors d’oeuvres increase party satisfaction by up to 35%, making this recipe a smart pick for gatherings. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites, simple to prepare and high on flavor, outperform many store-bought snacks. This guide is optimized for quick reads and social sharing, and it links to related recipes and protein-rich ideas. In this guide, you’ll learn step by step how to make perfect bites, smart variations, storage tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
For more protein-forward meal ideas, check out my collection of high protein chicken recipes that pair well with these bites.
What Is Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites?
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are small cubes or strips of chicken breast wrapped in bacon and baked until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is cooked through. They work as appetizers, party food, or a protein-packed snack, with a balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors when glazed.
These bites are versatile and fast, typically ready in 30 minutes total, and they are ideal for nibbling during game night or as a protein-rich party platter. For a regional twist, pair with a Tex-Mex side or a creamy dip.
Quick Facts about Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Prep time, 10 min; Cook time, 20-25 min; Total time, 30-35 min
- Serving size, 1 serving = 3 bites approx, Calories, ~120 kcal per bite (estimate)
- Protein highlight, chicken adds lean protein, bacon adds fat and flavor
Did you know? Using thin-sliced bacon crisps faster and reduces oven time by about 5 minutes.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Fast, crowd-pleasing, easy to scale
- Cons: Higher in saturated fat, needs toothpicks for serving
If you like bold comfort flavors, try these with a side of my best chicken enchiladas for a full party menu.
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 450 g chicken breast, cut into 1.5 in pieces Use lean chicken breast for a healthier option.
- 1/2 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 tsp pepper Adjust to taste.
- 6 slices thin sliced bacon Thin bacon crisps faster.
- 1 tbsp mango chutney For glazing, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Wrap each piece of chicken with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Place the wrapped chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with foil.
Cooking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Brush the chicken bites with mango chutney during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve warm as an appetizer.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for reliably crispy bacon and juicy chicken. Each step notes the action and the expected result so you can hit the texture and temperature you want.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Action, set oven and rack to middle position.
- Expected result, even heat for browning bacon and cooking chicken.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Action, toss 450 g chicken breast cut into 1.5 in pieces, salt 1/2 tsp, pepper 1/4 tsp.
- Expected result, each bite is seasoned at the core.
Wrap each piece of chicken with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Action, use thin bacon and wrap tightly, secure with a wooden toothpick.
- Expected result, bacon stays in place and crisps uniformly.
Place the wrapped chicken bites on a baking sheet.
- Action, line sheet with foil and place bites 1 in apart.
- Expected result, hot air circulates for even browning.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Action, bake and check internal temp, 165°F (74°C).
- Expected result, bacon is golden, chicken is safe to eat.
Brush the chicken bites with mango chutney during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Action, apply 1 tbsp chutney per 12 bites and return to oven for glazing.
- Expected result, glossy sweet glaze that caramelizes slightly.
Serve warm as an appetizer.
- Action, transfer to a serving platter and let rest 2 minutes.
- Expected result, easy to pick up and eat, juices settle.
If you want an accompaniment, I recommend pairing with creamy dips such as the creamy white chicken chili for contrasting textures.
Variations & Substitutes
A few swaps change the dish for diet or regional flavor, and each affects nutrition and cook time slightly.
- Air fryer option, cooks in 12-15 min at 400°F (200°C), yields crisp edges faster.
- Turkey bacon, lower fat, may need 2 extra minutes for crisping.
- Add spice, rub 1 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky kick, increases sodium minimally.
Chef tip, substituting thinner bacon slices reduces cook time by about 4-5 minutes and lowers overall fat per bite.
If you prefer bold sauce pairing, try this with a blackened chicken alfredo style dip for crossover flavor.
Mistakes to Avoid
Common beginner errors will cost texture or safety, fix them with these quick checks.
Checklist
- Under-seasoned chicken, fix by seasoning before wrapping.
- Overcrowded pan, fix by spacing bites 1 in apart.
- Using thick bacon and undercooking, fix by par-cooking bacon 2 min.
- Skipping toothpicks, fix by securing wraps tightly.
- Not checking temp, fix by using instant-read thermometer to 165°F (74°C).
Quote, “Always rest the bites 2 minutes after baking for better texture,” chef tip.
Storage, Reuse
Leftovers keep and reheat well, and you can repurpose them into other meals.
- Refrigerate in airtight container, up to 3 days, 4°C.
- Freeze individually on tray, then bag, up to 2 months.
- Reheat, oven 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 min, or air fryer 5-7 min.
For creative reuse, slice and add to salads or pasta, or shred and fold into a creamy sauce like a high protein alfredo sauce for a new meal.
Related Recipes / See Also
If you love this, try our other easy chicken dishes and crowd-pleasers linked below for menu building.
- If you want more protein-packed appetizers, try high protein chicken recipes.
- For a Tex-Mex party night, consider best chicken enchiladas.
- To serve a warm dip with these bites, see creamy white chicken chili.
External resource, for safe poultry temps see the USDA food safety guidelines.
Conclusion
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are quick, sharable, and flexible, making them perfect for weeknight snacks or party platters. With the steps above, common fixes, and storage ideas, you will confidently deliver crispy, juicy bites every time.
