Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
- Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch each. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder over the chicken pieces. Toss to coat evenly for a balanced flavor.
- Wrap the Bacon: Wrap each piece of chicken in half a strip of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. This will ensure the bacon stays wrapped around the chicken as it cooks. Secure each piece with a toothpick to keep it in place.
Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
- Simmer the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil over.
- Set Aside: Remove the glaze from heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes. It will thicken more as it cools, creating a sticky coating for the bites.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Arrange the Bites: Place each bacon-wrapped chicken bite onto the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down, so the bacon doesn’t unravel during cooking.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken Bites
- Bake for Initial 15 Minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Brush with Maple Glaze: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet and brush each chicken bite generously with the maple glaze. Turn each bite over and brush the other side as well.
- Bake Again: Return the bites to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Final Glaze and Broil
- Apply a Final Layer of Glaze: After baking, give each bite one more brush with the remaining maple glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For extra crispy bacon, switch your oven to the broil setting on high. Broil the bites for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This step is optional but adds a delicious, caramelized finish.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish: Let the bites cool for a minute or two, then transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve: Arrange the bites on a plate with toothpicks for easy snacking, and enjoy these irresistible sweet-and-savory treats!
Tips for Success
- Choose High-Quality Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. The sweetness of real maple syrup elevates these bites with a subtle, rich taste.
- Monitor the Broiling: If you choose to broil, keep a close eye on the bites, as the glaze can caramelize quickly and may burn.
- Make Extra Glaze: If you love extra sticky bites, consider doubling the glaze recipe for more generous brushing throughout baking.
These Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites are sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering. The combination of savory, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a rich maple glaze makes these bites hard to resist. Prepare a double batch, because these bites will disappear fast!