Maple Bacon Chicken Bites
Some nights, you just need a quick, irresistible recipe that you know will be a crowd-pleaser. That’s exactly what Maple Bacon Chicken Bites have become in our house. It all started on a cozy Friday evening when I was staring into the fridge, trying to come up with something satisfying but fun for dinner. I had chicken breast, some leftover bacon, and a bottle of pure maple syrup calling my name—and magic happened.
The first time I made these, my kids practically danced around the kitchen waiting for them to come out of the oven. The aroma alone had them hooked. And my husband? Let’s just say he now requests these bites every time we have guests over. They’re the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and smoky, with a caramelized glaze that clings to each bite-sized piece of chicken and crispy bacon. I mean, how could anyone resist?
They’re also surprisingly easy to whip up—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. That’s a win for any busy parent who wants to get something delicious on the table without spending hours cooking. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or even a dinner alongside some roasted veggies or rice, they always disappear fast. I truly believe once you try these, they’ll become your go-to too. Because honestly, when something tastes this good and comes together so effortlessly, it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep them a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake just before serving. They reheat beautifully too.
Do I need to use real maple syrup?
Absolutely. Real maple syrup gives the glaze its signature depth and richness—avoid pancake syrup, which is often too artificial and sweet.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, especially if you’re worried about overcooking.
Can these be made in the air fryer?
Yes! Reduce the cook time slightly and keep an eye on them, as the sugars in the glaze can caramelize quickly in an air fryer.
What’s the best bacon to use?
Go for thick-cut bacon for more chew and flavor. It holds up well and complements the tender chicken perfectly.
What You Need to Make Maple Bacon Chicken Bites
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
12 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh chopped chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Special Equipment:
Toothpicks or skewers (optional, for serving)
Baking sheet with wire rack (helps crisp the bacon)
Parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup)
How to Make Maple Bacon Chicken Bites
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Wrap each chicken cube with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if desired. Place wrapped bites seam-side down on the rack.
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Brush the glaze generously over each bacon-wrapped chicken bite. Reserve a bit of glaze for later.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
Brush with remaining glaze and return to the oven for 5 more minutes to caramelize.
Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and serve hot!
Tips for Making the Best Maple Bacon Chicken Bites
Use a rack on your baking sheet so the bacon crisps up all around.
Don’t skip the Dijon! It balances the sweetness with just a little tang.
For spicier bites, add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to the glaze.
Make it bite-sized. Smaller chicken pieces cook quicker and get more glaze per bite.
Use real maple syrup. It’s worth the splurge for that perfect sweet-savory glaze.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were gone in 10 minutes at our potluck! Everyone asked for the recipe—definitely a new favorite!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the flavor, but next time I’ll try using chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Still a total hit.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy weeknights. I prepped them earlier and just popped them in the oven when the kids got home.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Tasted amazing, though mine needed a few extra minutes in the oven to get the bacon crispy.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Seriously addictive. I’m already planning to make a double batch for our next game night!”
Printable Recipe
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Maple Bacon Chicken Bites
Maple Bacon Chicken Bites are a savory-sweet crowd-pleaser made with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a sticky maple glaze. Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or weeknight dinner addition, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers big flavor with minimal prep. The sweet maple glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, making each bite irresistible. Serve them fresh and hot, and watch them disappear in minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chopped chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Special Equipment:
- Toothpicks or skewers (optional, for serving)
- Baking sheet with wire rack (helps crisp the bacon)
- Parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Wrap each chicken cube with a half-slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if desired. Place wrapped bites seam-side down on the rack.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Brush the glaze generously over each bacon-wrapped chicken bite. Reserve a bit of glaze for later.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
- Brush with remaining glaze and return to the oven for 5 more minutes to caramelize.
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley and serve hot!
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