Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites Recipe
These Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites are a flavorful appetizer featuring succulent chicken pieces wrapped around cheese-stuffed jalapeños, all enveloped in crispy bacon. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked until golden and bubbling, they’re an ideal snack for game days or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Bacon
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Jalapeño and Cheese Filling
- 6 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Stuff Jalapeños: Take each halved and deseeded jalapeño and fill it generously with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each half cleanly and evenly.
- Wrap with Chicken: Press a piece of the diced chicken breast firmly against each cheese-filled jalapeño half. Then wrap the combination with a half slice of bacon, securing it tightly with a toothpick to hold everything in place. Repeat this process with all the ingredients.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeño chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they are not overcrowded, which ensures even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm as a spicy, savory appetizer or game-day snack.
Notes
- Ensure jalapeños are properly seeded if you prefer less heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken is cooked safely.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.
Keywords: spicy appetizer, bacon wrapped, jalapeño poppers, chicken bites, game day snack, cheese stuffed jalapeños
