Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are some recipes that just make you happy. They’re a little wild, a little indulgent, and completely delicious. These Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken Bombs are exactly that kind of recipe. They’re a perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken, smoky, crispy bacon, and a sweet, tangy BBQ sauce, all wrapped up into a perfect, bite-sized package. This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a flavor explosion that’s perfect for a party, a game day, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The chicken chunks are seasoned and then wrapped in bacon, which keeps them incredibly juicy as they bake. The BBQ sauce creates a beautiful, sticky glaze that is simply irresistible. The cheese and green onions inside add a perfect layer of creamy and fresh flavor that ties it all together. This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, and it delivers a result that is far superior to anything you can get from a store. It’s a great way to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat that they will be talking about for days.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but chicken thighs would also be fantastic, as they stay incredibly juicy.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best here, as it gets crispy more quickly. You can also use a thick-cut bacon, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce. A smoky, tangy sauce works great here.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses.
- Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential here to hold the bacon in place. Make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut each chicken breast into 2-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper.
- Fill the Chicken: Flatten each chicken chunk slightly and place a small amount of BBQ sauce, a pinch of cheese, and a few chopped green onions in the center.
- Wrap and Secure: Wrap a slice of bacon around each chicken chunk, securing it with a toothpick.
- Bake the Bombs: Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bombs on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the tops of the chicken bombs. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling, as it can make it hard to wrap the chicken and bacon tightly.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential here to hold the bacon in place. Soaking them in water first is a great trick to prevent them from burning.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the cooking time, as chicken breasts can dry out quickly.
- Serve Immediately: These are best served hot and fresh from the oven.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken Bombs are a perfect appetizer on their own. They’re so fun to eat and a true crowd-pleaser. For a full party spread, you could serve them alongside other great appetizers like a crockpot nacho dip or a platter of easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These are best served fresh and hot. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can pop them in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- These Totchos are my favorite party food hack: tater tot nachos for the win
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
Final Thoughts
These Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken Bombs are a perfect example of a new classic. They’re a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic meal on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite creative appetizer? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken Bombs: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chopped green onions
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound bacon, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Take a piece of chicken and a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese and wrap it with half a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Leave a Reply