Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with our irresistible Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites! This mouthwatering dish combines the savory goodness of tender chicken with the sweet crunch of caramelized brown sugar and crispy bacon, making it the perfect appetizer for any gathering or a delightful main course for family dinners. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your guests or indulge your cravings with these delectable bites that are sure to disappear in a flash. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 lb bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Take the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast and coat each piece in the brown sugar mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Wrap each coated chicken piece with a half slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if necessary to keep it in place.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other. This will help them cook evenly and become crispy.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken bites cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and enhances the flavor.
- Serve the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites warm as an appetizer or main dish. Enjoy!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can marinate the chicken pieces in the brown sugar mixture for a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken even more.
- Bacon Choices: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, though it may not crisp up as much.
- Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking. This will help them cook through at the same rate and ensure every bite is perfectly tender.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the chicken bites during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the bacon from burning. Every oven is different, and you want that perfect crispy finish!
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these bites with a dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue for an added flavor kick. They also make a great topping for salads or can be served on skewers for a fun presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
