If you’re craving a dish that combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, these Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Bites are the answer! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich maple-bacon glaze and topped with crispy bacon crumbles for an irresistible combination. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main course, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and Savory: The perfect balance of maple syrup, bacon, and spices.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, game day, or family dinners.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with your favorite sides.
Ingredients Breakdown
- 1 lb chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
- 8 slices bacon: Cooked until crispy, adding a smoky crunch.
- ½ cup maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization of the glaze.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy contrast to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tsp soy sauce: Deepens the umami flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder & ½ tsp onion powder: Adds a savory, aromatic touch.
- Salt & black pepper: To season the chicken.
- Cooking spray or oil: For cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds extra crunch and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook just until golden and cooked through to keep it tender.
- Double the Glaze: If you love extra sauce, double the glaze ingredients.
- Make Ahead: Cook the bacon and prepare the glaze ahead of time for quicker assembly.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Honey Substitute: Replace maple syrup with honey for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Pairing Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
- Main Dish: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Beverages: Enjoy with a cold beer, iced tea, or a glass of white wine.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
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2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and bacon, then reheat and add the glaze before serving.
3. Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders work well and may require less cutting.
Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Maple Bacon Glazed Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich maple glaze and tossed with crispy bacon for an irresistible dish. Serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with your favorite sides!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (for tender, juicy bites)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (for smoky, crispy texture)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (adds depth and caramel notes)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for tanginess and flavor)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for umami and saltiness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for a savory kick)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (adds depth of flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil (for cooking the chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Bacon:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil or cooking spray.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the Glaze:
- Reduce the heat to low and pour the glaze over the chicken.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the chicken.
- Add the Bacon:
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken bites warm as an appetizer or main dish. Garnish with extra bacon crumbles if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings—these bites disappear fast!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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