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A platter of Glazed Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites, glistening and caramelized, ready to be served as an appetizer.

Glazed Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

These chicken bites are the perfect trifecta of sweet, salty, and savory. Each bite features tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze, making for an irresistible appetizer that's simple to make and disappears in minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 12 oz thin-cut bacon, slices cut in half crosswise
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 24-30 toothpick s

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Wire Rack (optional but recommended)
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Toothpicks
  • Pastry brush or spoon
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Ensure bacon slices are cut in half, ready for wrapping.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside half of this mixture for the final glaze.
  4. Sprinkle the first half of the seasoning mix over the chicken cubes, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
  5. Take one piece of seasoned chicken and wrap it snugly with one half-slice of bacon. Secure the bacon by piercing a toothpick through the overlapping ends and into the chicken.
  6. Place the wrapped chicken bite on the prepared wire rack, seam-side down. Repeat with all chicken and bacon, leaving a small space between each bite.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon begins to cook and render its fat but is not yet crispy.
  8. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Generously sprinkle or brush the remaining brown sugar mixture over the top of each chicken bite.
  9. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy and the glaze is caramelized.
  10. Let the bites rest on the pan for a few minutes before serving, as the glaze will be very hot. Serve warm.

Notes

For the best results, cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Using a wire rack is highly recommended as it allows hot air to circulate, making the bacon crispy on all sides by elevating it above the rendered fat. Keep a very close eye on the bites during the final 5 minutes of baking, as the sugar glaze can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly. For variations, you can add a slice of jalapeño or a small chunk of pineapple inside the bacon wrap. These can be assembled up to one day in advance (without the seasoning) and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator before baking.