The sound of sizzling bacon wrapping tender chicken pieces fills the air, instantly transforming my kitchen into a smoky haven of mouthwatering aromas. These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites not only capture the essence of comfort food but also make for a show-stopping appetizer perfect for game day or family get-togethers. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe offers an easy yet satisfying way to please a crowd while keeping your budget intact. The sweet kiss of brown sugar paired with savory bacon creates a delightful contrast, ensuring each bite is a celebration of flavors. Plus, these bites are a dream for both novice and seasoned cooks alike. Curious to find out how simple it is to elevate your next gathering? Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe.
What Makes These Chicken Bites Irresistible?
Irresistible combination: These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites marry sweet brown sugar and smoky bacon for a taste that’s hard to resist.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for game day or dinner parties, they guarantee to impress your guests and satisfy everyone at the table.
Quick to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time, letting you enjoy the fun instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Versatile options: Feel free to swap chicken for pork or turkey, or experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor blend, just like with my Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe!
Easily stored: Leftovers can be stored for up to five days, making them convenient for meal prep or quick snacks during busy weekdays.
With these tempting bites, your culinary creativity is infinite!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein that keeps the dish juicy; feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
• Heath Riles BBQ Honey Chipotle BBQ Rub – Infuses sweet and spicy notes; you can use any preferred BBQ rub if this one isn’t available.
• Heath Riles BBQ Chicken Rub – Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors; substitute with other seasoning blends if you prefer.
• Bacon – Provides a crispy, savory exterior; thicker slices typically yield better results for wrapping.
For the Sweet Coating
• ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust while cooking; coconut sugar can be a great healthier alternative.
• Heath Riles BBQ Brown Sugar Honey Habanero BBQ Glaze – Adds an extra layer of flavor and glossy finish; any sweet BBQ glaze can work if you’re in a pinch.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to crafting mouthwatering Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites that will make your gatherings unforgettable!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by preheating your Traeger Ironwood XL or any pellet grill to 275℉. This temperature is perfect for allowing the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites to slowly cook and develop a deliciously smoky flavor. For the best results, use Royal Oak Charcoal Hardwood Pellets, which will enhance the aroma of your cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Trim and cut your boneless skinless chicken breasts into nugget-sized pieces, ensuring they’re uniformly sized for even cooking. Generously season the chicken with both Heath Riles BBQ Honey Chipotle BBQ Rub and Heath Riles BBQ Chicken Rub, making sure each piece is fully coated. This seasoning blend is key to infusing flavor into your chicken bites.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Now, take your bacon and cut it into thirds. Wrap each piece tightly around your seasoned chicken bites, securing the ends with toothpicks to hold everything together. For an extra flavor punch, try to use thicker slices of bacon, as they’ll crisp up nicely and add texture to each Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bite.
Step 4: Mix the Sweet Coating
In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar with a few tablespoons of your BBQ rubs. This mixture will add a sweet, caramelized finish to your bites. Sprinkle it generously over the bacon-wrapped chicken, ensuring an even coating, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken Bites
Carefully arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Keep an eye on them to ensure the sugars don’t burn, and you’ll know they are done when the bacon is golden brown.
Step 6: Brush with BBQ Glaze
After the initial cooking time, take your BBQ glaze and brush it generously on both sides of the chicken bites. This provides a shiny finish and enhances the sweetness. Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully and create a tantalizingly sticky coating.
Step 7: Let Them Rest
Once cooked, remove the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites from the grill and let them cool slightly on a plate. This resting time helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Get ready to serve these delightful bites and watch them disappear quickly!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites Variations
Feel free to unleash your kitchen creativity with these fun twists and substitutions that can add a burst of flavor to your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites!
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Chicken Thighs: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for added juiciness and tenderness. You’ll enjoy even more richness in every bite!
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Pork or Turkey: Swap out the chicken entirely for pork or turkey; both options bring unique flavors and textures to this delicious dish.
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BBQ Sauce Variety: Experiment with different BBQ sauces or glazes to give your bites a fresh spin. Whether you prefer tangy, sweet, or spicy, there’s a sauce for everyone!
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Spice it Up: Add a kick by incorporating cayenne pepper or chili powder into your seasoning mix. Who doesn’t love a little heat to balance the sweetness?
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Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme with the rub for a fragrant twist that beautifully complements the sweetness!
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Coconut Sugar: Replace light brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier alternative that still offers that delightful sweetness while being a bit less processed.
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Cheesy Version: Try adding shredded cheese like sharp cheddar inside the wrap before grilling. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, savory surprise inside each bite!
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Serve with Dips: Pair these bites with different dips like ranch, BBQ, or spicy mustard for an interactive, flavor-filled experience at your gatherings!
Ready to take your cooking to the next level? For more ideas and inspiration, explore my Garlic Chicken Bites or try out my Jalapeno Popper Chicken for another crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead Options
These Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate and wrap the chicken bites in bacon up to 24 hours in advance, simply refrigerating them until you’re ready to grill. This not only saves you time but allows the flavors to develop even more, making them just as delicious when cooked later. To prepare ahead, just season the chicken, wrap it with bacon, coat it with the brown sugar mixture, and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, just preheat your grill and cook as directed, ensuring you achieve that perfect crispiness and caramelization. Enjoy the convenience of having this mouthwatering appetizer ready to go for your next gathering!
What to Serve with Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites
Transform your appetizer into a full feast with delightful companions that enhance each bite’s smokiness and sweetness.
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Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds a refreshing, tangy balance to the savory bites, making each mouthful a well-rounded experience.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Rich and buttery, these potatoes offer a soft, smooth contrast to the crispy chicken, creating a comforting dish everyone will love.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweetness and smokiness from grilled corn pairs beautifully with the Chicken Bites, infusing an irresistible flavor that screams summer BBQ.
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Hummus and Veggies: A colorful platter of fresh veggies dipped in creamy hummus brings a healthy crunch that brightens your spread and balances the richer flavors.
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BBQ Sauce: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, including classic BBQ, ranch, or spicy mustard, allowing guests to personalize their bites and adding to the fun.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and zesty, this beverage complements the smoky, sweet taste of Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites and keeps the energy high during gatherings.
These delicious pairings will surely elevate your culinary experience and make your gatherings unforgettable!
Expert Tips for Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites
Uniform Pieces: Ensure chicken is equally sized for even cooking. Inconsistent sizes can lead to some bites being overcooked or undercooked.
Bacon Choice: Opt for thicker slices of bacon to achieve an ideal crispness. Thinner bacon may not provide the right texture and can become too crispy too quickly.
Flavor Infusion: Allow your seasoned chicken bites to rest for a few minutes before grilling. This step helps the Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites absorb the flavors for a richer taste.
Glaze Guidance: Keep an eye on the chicken while the glaze is cooking. The sugar content in the glaze can burn quickly, so it’s essential to monitor closely.
Experiment with Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to explore substitutes, like using chicken thighs for juicier bites or different BBQ rubs for unique flavor profiles.
How to Store and Freeze Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites
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Fridge: Store leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain their texture.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 5 months.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350℉ for about 15-20 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
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Thawing: If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results. Enjoy these savory bites anytime!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! For these Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites, I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, while breasts are a leaner option. Whichever you choose, ensure the pieces are cut into uniform nugget-sized bits for even cooking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s important to let them cool completely before sealing, which helps maintain their delicious texture. Just pop them in the fridge, and they’ll be ready for quick snacking!
Can I freeze these chicken bites?
Very! To freeze, first arrange the cooked chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 5 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results!
What should I do if my bacon isn’t crisping up?
For crispy bacon, ensure it’s wrapped tightly around the chicken and that you’re using thicker slices. If the bacon still isn’t crisping as expected, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly or finish them under a broiler for a few minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning!
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Yes! If cooking for guests, be mindful of bacon’s pork content, particularly for those who avoid pork. Additionally, if anyone has a sugar allergy, consider using coconut sugar or another alternative sweetener. Always good to double-check, especially during gatherings!
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with pork or turkey for a delightful twist on flavor and texture. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as thicker cuts will take longer to cook. Enjoy experimenting with different meats for your Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites!
Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Bites: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistible
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your grill to 275℉ for perfect cooking.
- Trim and cut chicken into nugget-sized pieces and season generously with both BBQ rubs.
- Wrap each chicken piece with bacon, securing with toothpicks.
- Mix light brown sugar with BBQ rubs and sprinkle over the bacon-wrapped chicken.
- Grill for about 45 minutes until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
- Brush BBQ glaze on both sides and grill for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let the chicken bites rest on a plate before serving.
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