Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch, bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Step 2: Cut each slice of bacon in half. Wrap one bacon half snugly around each chicken piece and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange chicken bites on the sheet, ensuring they are not crowded. Generously brush each bite with the maple glaze. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and brush with any remaining glaze. Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or experiment with turkey bacon or thin-sliced prosciutto. Vary the glaze with more cayenne, a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or a bit of dried thyme or rosemary. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped chives. Serve these bites over rice, with roasted vegetables, or alongside a crisp green salad to make it a full meal.
Tips for Success: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; use two if necessary to ensure bacon crisps. Pat chicken pieces dry with a paper towel before wrapping to help bacon adhere and crisp. Always secure bacon with toothpicks (remember to remove before serving!). Brush with glaze twice—once before baking and again right out of the oven—for the best sticky, sweet coating. You can prep these bites up to a day in advance by wrapping the chicken and bacon and storing them covered in the fridge, then whisk the glaze and bake when ready.
Storage & Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for 1-2 months by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the bacon is crispy again.