Maple Bacon Chicken Bites

Maple Bacon Chicken Bites bring together everything home cooks love—crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a perfectly balanced sweet-savory glaze. First, tender chicken pieces are seasoned and wrapped snugly in smoky bacon. Then, they’re brushed with a simple maple-Dijon glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. As a result, every bite is rich, golden, and irresistibly flavorful.

While bacon-wrapped dishes have long been party favorites, adding real maple syrup elevates this version into something truly special. In fact, maple has been paired with savory meats for centuries, especially in North American cooking, where sweet and smoky flavors naturally shine together. Because this recipe is oven-baked, it’s also easier and cleaner than pan-frying, yet still delivers incredible texture.

Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a cozy weekend dinner, or prepping a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these bites fit effortlessly. Plus, they’re simple enough for weeknights while still feeling elegant and indulgent.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-in pieces
12 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in half
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp kosher salt
Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
First, preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set a wire rack on top for even crisping.

2. Season the chicken:
Meanwhile, place chicken pieces in a bowl. Add olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Toss thoroughly until evenly coated.

3. Wrap with bacon:
Next, wrap each chicken piece tightly with a half slice of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed, then place seam-side down on the rack.

4. Mix maple glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup and Dijon mustard until smooth. Lightly brush over each bacon-wrapped piece.

5. Roast until crisp:
Then, bake for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway, until bacon is deeply golden and chicken reaches 165°F internally.

6. Finish and garnish:
Finally, brush with remaining glaze, broil for 1–2 minutes if needed, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Choose thick-cut bacon: It crisps evenly without shrinking too fast, while also protecting the chicken from drying out.
• Use a wire rack: Airflow allows the bacon to cook evenly, preventing soggy bottoms and excess grease buildup.
• Finish with broil carefully: A quick broil enhances caramelization, but watch closely to avoid burning the maple glaze.