Barbecue Chicken Bites

You know the smell: smoky bacon crisping in the oven, mingling with a whiff of spice and a hint of something sweet. These bacon-wrapped chicken bites deliver exactly that, with tender, juicy chicken swaddled in salty, just-fatty-enough bacon. A swipe of barbecue sauce turns sticky in the heat, caramelizing at the edges and leaving your fingers a little messy. Best of all, these bites come together fast—no marinating, no fuss—and the flavor payoff is wildly out of proportion to the effort.

Ingredients for Barbecue Chicken Bites

• Bacon
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Prepared horseradish
• Barbecue sauce

Directions

Step 1: Parcook the bacon

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the bacon crosswise into thirds, then place it on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover it with another layer of paper towels. Microwave the bacon on high for three to four minutes, or until it’s partially cooked but not crisp.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Place the chicken cubes in a small bowl. Sprinkle them with the steak seasoning and toss until they’re evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the chicken bites

Wrap a bacon piece around each chicken cube and secure it with a toothpick. Arrange the chicken bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Bake and glaze the bites

Bake the chicken bites for 10 minutes. If you like a little kick, stir the horseradish into the barbecue sauce, then brush the sauce over the bacon-wrapped chicken. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crisp, 5 to 10 minutes longer.

How to Store Barbecue Chicken Bites

Store any leftover bacon-wrapped chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat them, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350° oven for about 10 minutes, or until they’re heated through.

Barbecue Chicken Bite Tips

What can you serve with bacon-wrapped chicken bites?

Bacon-wrapped chicken bites pair well with crisp, fresh sides that balance their richness. Try serving them with a simple green salad, crunchy creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables. For a party spread, they also go great with chips and a crowd-pleasing dip, deviled eggs or fruit skewers.

Can you make bacon-wrapped chicken bites in an air fryer?

You can cook bacon-wrapped chicken bites in an air fryer for faster results and extra crispiness. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, and cook it at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the pieces once halfway through. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches 165° before serving it.

Do you have to wrap the chicken bites in bacon?

You can skip the bacon if you prefer a lower-fat version of these chicken bites. Instead, season the chicken generously and bake or air-fry it as directed. A quick brush of barbecue sauce near the end adds flavor and a glazed finish.

What other seasonings can you use for bacon-wrapped chicken bites?

You can swap the Montreal steak seasoning for other spice blends to change up the flavor. Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, garlic herb and even taco seasoning all work well. Coat the chicken evenly for the best flavor in every bite.