Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are the ultimate appetizer, delivering a delightful combination of salty, sweet, sticky, and crispy flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings, game day feasts, or pool parties, this crowd-pleaser is made with five simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious!

Brown sugar bacon wrapped chicken bites on white plate on the table

These bacon-wrapped chicken bites are seasoned with rich spices, rolled in brown sugar, and baked to caramelized perfection. The sweet and savory combo is so irresistible that you’ll fight over the last piece—consider making a double batch!

Easy Swaps: Chicken Bites Customized for a Perfect Dish

This versatile recipe is a must-have in your culinary arsenal, as you can easily swap out ingredients and spices to suit your taste or the occasion. Whether you prefer a hint of heat with chili powder, a touch of herbaceousness with fresh rosemary, or a smoky twist with barbecue sauce, these bacon-wrapped chicken bites can be customized to perfection. Plus, they can be prepared in the oven, on the grill, or even in an air fryer, making them adaptable to any kitchen setup or event.

Elevate Your Appetizers: Bacon Bliss in Every Bite

The secret to mastering these fantastic little appetizers is choosing the right bacon. Now, I know what you’re thinking: isn’t all bacon “the right bacon”? Bacon is always a winning choice in my book!

I highly recommend splurging on the best quality bacon for this specific recipe. Trust me, it’s worth it. And be sure to go for thin-cut bacon, not thick-cut. The thin-cut bacon melds perfectly with the juicy chicken, enhancing the spices and elevating these bacon-wrapped chicken bites to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Because, let’s face it, bacon makes everything better!

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

This simple recipe boasts a short and straightforward ingredient list, and you likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized cubes.
Bacon: As mentioned earlier, opt for high-quality thin-cut bacon for the best results.
Brown Sugar: The bacon fat renders and blends with the seasonings, naturally caramelizing the brown sugar.
Onion Powder: Making your own onion powder is a great alternative if you don’t have onion powder on hand.
Chili Powder: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the bites.
Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone that complements the other spices.
Red Pepper Flakes: My new go-to seasoning! These add a perfect kick of heat—make sure your hands are clean before you touch your eyes!
Parsley: For garnish (totally optional)

With these ingredients, you’ll achieve a flavor-packed dish that balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

How to Make Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Mix the Spices:
Combine onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Prepare the Chicken:
Trim boneless, skinless chicken breasts into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Wrap with Bacon:
Cut thin-cut bacon strips in half.
Take one piece of bacon and wrap it around a piece of chicken, securing it with a toothpick. Make sure the bacon is long enough to wrap around the chicken entirely.
Coat and Arrange:
Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken bite in the brown sugar and spice mixture, ensuring a generous coating.
Line them up on your prepared baking sheet. Remember, there’s never too much coating!
Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked.
Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Enjoy these delicious bites with their perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

Can I Make the Chicken Bites in an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! When we tested these in the air fryer, they were just as delicious as their oven-baked counterparts. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare as Usual: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking.
Prep the Air Fryer: Spray the basket of your air fryer with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook in Batches: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary.
Air Fry: Cook the bites at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time (around the 4-5 minute mark).
Enjoy: Once the bites are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer, then serve and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites

Toothpicks for Security: While not strictly necessary, toothpicks can provide extra assurance that the bacon stays wrapped around the chicken. If you prefer not to use them, place the chicken bites on the baking sheet with the bacon seam facing down to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
Cut the Bacon: Trim the bacon slices to fit the chicken pieces without excessive overlap. This ensures that every bacon part crisps evenly, avoiding undercooked inner layers.
Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra touch of browning and crispiness, broil the bites for the final few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, but this step can elevate the texture and flavor of your bacon-wrapped chicken bites.