Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
