Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and melted cheese. The first time I made Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites, I was hosting a last-minute game night, scrambling to throw together snacks that would impress my friends. I had bacon in the fridge, chicken in the freezer, and a block of cheddar on the counter—so I wrapped them together, popped them in the air fryer, and hoped for the best. The result? A tray of irresistible bites that vanished within minutes.

Ever since that night, these Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites have become my go-to party appetizer. They’re bite-sized, easy to make, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for game day, a holiday gathering, or just a fun snack at home, this recipe will never disappoint. Let’s dive in and learn how to make them!

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s packed with flavor? Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are the perfect bite-sized snack for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a game-day party, holiday gathering, or simply craving something indulgent, these crispy, cheesy, and savory chicken bites will steal the show.

In this guide, you’ll discover why these bacon-wrapped delights are irresistible, how to prepare them step by step, and answers to common questions about making them. Plus, you’ll learn variations to customize them for any diet or preference. Get ready to impress your guests with the ultimate cheesy, bacon-wrapped goodness!

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

• Easy to Make: Requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Crowd Favorite: The combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese is unbeatable.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, gatherings, or as a fun weeknight treat.
• Customizable: Can be made keto-friendly, spicy, or even with different cheese fillings.
• Air Fryer & Oven Options: Easily adaptable based on your cooking method.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

First Step: Gathering Ingredients and Tools for Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Before you start cooking, gather everything you need to make the process seamless.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast (cut into 1” cubes)
• 1.5 lbs thinly sliced bacon
• 4 oz cheddar cheese (cut into small squares)
• 4 oz Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (or keto-friendly alternative)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Sharp knife & cutting board
• Toothpicks (to secure the bacon wraps)
• Air fryer or oven
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (if using oven)
• Parchment paper

Second Step: Preparing the Chicken and Bacon for Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

• Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
• Season the Chicken: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then coat the chicken pieces evenly.
• Cut the Bacon: Slice each bacon strip in half to match the bite-sized chicken pieces.

If you’re looking for more cheesy and comforting meal ideas, check out this Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.

Third Step: Wrapping the Chicken with Bacon and Cheese for Perfect Bites

• Add Cheese: Place a small piece of cheddar (or Parmesan) on top of each chicken cube.
• Wrap with Bacon: Roll a bacon strip around the cheese-stuffed chicken cube.
• Secure: Use a toothpick to keep the bacon in place.

For another delicious, cheese-filled dish, try making Ricotta Stuffed Shells for a creamy, indulgent meal.

Fourth Step: Coating Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites with Brown Sugar Mixture

• Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Coat the Bites: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken bite in the sugar-spice mixture.

Fifth Step: Cooking the Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Place the bacon-wrapped bites in the air fryer basket, spacing them 1” apart.
3. Cook for 6 minutes, flip, and cook for another 6-8 minutes until crispy.
4. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Oven Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the bites 1” apart and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Flip them over and bake for another 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy.

For those who love easy comfort food, this Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe is another fantastic slow-cooker dish to try.

Sixth Step: Serving Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites with Dipping Sauces

For the ultimate experience, serve with dipping sauces like:

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Spicy Sriracha mayo
• BBQ sauce

FAQs About Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

How do you keep bacon-wrapped chicken crispy?

To ensure crispiness, use thin-cut bacon, avoid overcrowding in the air fryer or oven, and allow proper spacing between pieces.

What cheese works best for bacon-wrapped chicken?

Cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or even cream cheese can add delicious variety.

Can you make these bites in advance?

Yes! Assemble them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Are these chicken bites keto-friendly?

Yes! To make them keto, replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly brown sugar substitute like erythritol and allulose.

How long do leftovers last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

1. Using Thick-Cut Bacon: It takes longer to cook and doesn’t crisp up as well.
2. Skipping the Toothpicks: This can cause the bacon to unwrap during cooking.
3. Overcrowding the Air Fryer/Oven: Always leave space between bites for even cooking.
4. Not Seasoning the Chicken: Plain chicken can taste bland, so don’t skip the seasoning step.
5. Cooking at Too Low a Temperature: Higher heat ensures crispy bacon without overcooking the chicken.

Conclusion

Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. With crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and melty cheese, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you make them in the air fryer or oven, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Try out this recipe and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag us. Have questions or tips? Drop a comment below!

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