Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites combine tender chicken, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon with a kick of jalapeño heat. These flavorful bites make a perfect appetizer or game-day snack that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Toothpicks (for securing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended.
3. Step 3: Fill each jalapeño half generously with the cheese mixture, using a spoon or piping bag.
4. Step 4: Press a piece of diced chicken onto each cheese-filled jalapeño half. Then, wrap a half slice of bacon around the chicken and jalapeño, securing it with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
5. Step 5: Arrange the bacon-wrapped bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to avoid overcrowding.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Let the bites cool for about 5 minutes before serving warm as an appetizer or game-day snack.

Tips & Variations

• Use a piping bag to fill the jalapeños more neatly and quickly.
• For milder heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or substitute with mini sweet peppers.
• Try adding chopped fresh cilantro or green onions to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• If you prefer less smoky flavor, use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika.

Storage

Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of bacon?

If you want a bacon alternative, try thinly sliced turkey bacon or prosciutto. Keep in mind the cooking time and doneness may vary slightly.

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

Delicious spicy bacon-wrapped jalapeño chicken bites stuffed with a creamy blend of cheddar and cream cheese, seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, then oven-baked to crispy perfection. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or game-day snack.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Bacon

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
• Toothpicks (for securing)

Jalapeños and Filling

• 6 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
2. Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3. Stuff Jalapeños: Take each halved and seeded jalapeño and fill it generously with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon or piping bag for easier and neater filling of each jalapeño half.
4. Wrap with Chicken and Bacon: Press a piece of the bite-sized chicken breast against the stuffed jalapeño half. Then wrap this combo tightly with a half-slice of bacon and secure it firmly with a toothpick to keep all layers intact during cooking. Repeat this process with all jalapeño halves, chicken pieces, and bacon slices.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the prepared bacon-wrapped jalapeño chicken bites on the lined baking sheet, spacing them out well to avoid overcrowding and to allow even cooking and crisping.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the bacon is crispy, and the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm as a spicy, cheesy appetizer or a perfect game-day snack.

Notes

• For milder heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
• Use smoked bacon for an extra smoky flavor.
• Keep toothpicks soaked in water before using to prevent burning in the oven.
• Internal chicken temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: bacon-wrapped, jalapeño, chicken bites, spicy appetizer, game day snack, baked chicken bites, cheesy jalapeño