Irresistible Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Bites
Introduction
Few dishes satisfy a craving for big flavor quite like Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Bites. The combination of juicy chicken, sticky honey-garlic glaze, and crispy bacon transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer or crowd-pleasing main dish. Salty, sweet, and smoky, these bites are always a hit at parties, gameday gatherings, or even as a weeknight dinner.
Their incredible flavor profile, convenient bite-sized shape, and irresistible crispy finish make this recipe a must-try for anyone looking to impress guests or simply treat themselves.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Bites
The magic of this recipe lies in its addictive contrast of flavors and textures. Tender chicken is wrapped in savory bacon, then coated with a glossy honey-garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully. What sets these bites apart is the perfect balance: the sweetness of honey, the umami punch from soy sauce, a little tang from garlic, and the unmistakable depth of crispy bacon.
You can serve them as a finger food, pile them on salad greens for a hearty lunch, or nestle them into rice bowls for a satisfying dinner. They’re quick to assemble and even easier to devour.
Essential Tips for Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
For best results, use uniform chicken pieces so they cook evenly. A sturdy bamboo cutting board makes chopping prep both safer and neater.
Wrapping each chicken bite snuggly with bacon is key to achieving that crackling, caramelized finish. Use kitchen shears, such as the KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath, to easily cut bacon strips to size.
To get perfectly cooked bacon and juicy chicken without excess grease, consider baking the bites on a lined tray or, for extra crispiness with less oil, use a modern COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1.
How to Achieve the Best Honey Garlic Glaze
The sticky, aromatic glaze is what takes this recipe over the top. Simmering honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic together until syrupy creates an alluring crust on the bacon. For super-fine garlic, you can quickly mince cloves with a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.
Be sure to brush the glaze on the bites during the last half of the cooking time to avoid burning. If desired, spoon leftover glaze over the finished chicken for even more flavor.
Serving and Storing Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Bites
Pile these gorgeous bites high on a platter for party appetizers, or tuck them into a Bentgo Salad Container alongside crisp veggies for lunch on the go. Paired with simple sides like steamed rice or a crisp salad, these bites are as versatile as they are delicious.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—though they rarely last long!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 24–28 pieces, making it perfect for sharing. Each serving (about 4–5 bites) typically contains around 280–320 calories, depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the fattiness of your bacon.
Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Bites (Recap)
Marrying the bold flavors of bacon, honey, garlic, and tender chicken, these bite-sized morsels are pure crowd-pleasers. Whether for entertaining or an easy meal, their flavor and simplicity will win every time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F or your air fryer to 390°F. Line a baking sheet with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup and to avoid sticking.
- Wrap each chicken piece with a bacon strip and secure with a toothpick. Place the bites seam side down on your prepared tray or COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 basket (in a single layer).
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic (use the Mueller Pro-Series Vegetable Chopper for easy prep). Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Brush half of the honey garlic glaze over the bites. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the pieces and brush with remaining glaze. Continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes, or until bacon is crisp and chicken cooked through. (In an air fryer, cook for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway and glazing both sides.)
- Transfer the bites to a platter. Garnish with parsley and chili flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
With big flavors and bite-sized appeal, these Irresistible Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Bites will disappear fast—don’t forget the extra napkins!
