Every once in a while, I stumble across a recipe that’s so simple yet so irresistible, I end up making it for every gathering and weeknight treat. These maple-glazed turkey bacon chicken bites are exactly that kind of recipe. They hit every craving — juicy chicken, salty turkey bacon, and a sticky-sweet maple glaze that caramelizes to perfection. Whether I’m making them for a party appetizer, game-day snack, or even a fun weeknight dinner, they’re always the first thing to vanish from the plate.
Let me walk you through why this recipe works so beautifully and how to make them in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
These chicken bites have that perfect sweet-and-savory balance that’s completely addictive. Here’s why I love them:
- Juicy, tender chicken pieces wrapped in smoky turkey bacon
- A rich maple glaze that caramelizes while baking
- Simple ingredients with maximum flavor
- Kid-friendly, party-friendly, and great for meal prep
- Bakes in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 20 bites | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes)
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 10 slices turkey bacon (cut in half)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks for securing
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
How I Make Maple-Glazed Turkey Bacon Chicken Bites (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat and Prep
I preheat my oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Wrap the Chicken
I take each piece of chicken and wrap it with a half-slice of turkey bacon, securing with a toothpick.
3. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, I whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
4. Brush and Bake
I arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the baking sheet and brush them generously with the maple glaze. I bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning once and brushing with more glaze halfway through.
5. Caramelize and Serve
During the last 2-3 minutes, I turn the broiler on high to help caramelize the glaze, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn. Once they’re beautifully golden and sticky, I let them cool slightly and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Chicken Bites
- Cut the chicken evenly: This ensures even cooking.
- Secure with toothpicks: This keeps everything together and makes serving easy.
- Don’t skip the broil: That quick burst of heat creates a caramelized, sticky finish.
- Use pure maple syrup: The flavor difference is worth it.
- Double the batch: These go fast, and you’ll be glad you made more.
What I Serve with Maple-Glazed Chicken Bites
These bites are a show-stopping appetizer on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- A crisp, fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables or sweet potato fries
- Garlic butter rice for a complete meal
- A simple cheese board for party spreads
- Sparkling apple cider or a light white wine to balance the sweetness
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
A: Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as pork bacon may cook faster and crisp up more quickly.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can wrap the chicken and prepare the glaze ahead, then bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I air-fry these instead of baking?
A: Yes, air-fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with glaze.
Q: Can I make them spicy?
A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-heat combo.
Why These Maple-Glazed Turkey Bacon Chicken Bites Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
These chicken bites check every box — sweet, savory, sticky, and bite-sized. They’re easy to make, look impressive on any platter, and disappear in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for game day, or just want to add something fun and flavorful to dinner, this recipe will become one of your all-time favorites.
I hope you give them a try — because sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones you make over and over again.
The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Appetizer: Maple-Glazed Turkey Bacon Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them thoroughly in the marinade.
- Wrap each piece of chicken with a half slice of turkey bacon and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the wrapped chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top of the chicken bites.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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