Crispy Jalapeño Chicken Bites
Indulge in these mouthwatering Crispy Jalapeño Chicken Bites, inspired by a beloved recipe from Las Casas restaurant in Temple, TX. These tantalizing bites feature juicy chicken stuffed with gooey Monterey Jack cheese and zesty pickled jalapeños, all wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect for lunch or as a delectable snack, these wings will leave your taste buds dreaming of more. Serve them alongside warm flour tortillas and your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, or pico de gallo for a truly unforgettable experience.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
4 (8 ounce) (cut into strips)
thin sliced bacon
32 slices (none)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 lb (cut into 1 inch cubes)
pickled jalapeno peppers
16 slices (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat.
2
Cut each chicken breast into 4 equal strips.
3
Place a cube of Monterey Jack cheese and a slice of pickled jalapeño on each chicken strip.
4
Roll each strip tightly around the cheese and jalapeño, securing them inside.
5
Wrap one slice of bacon around each rolled chicken piece to form a ball, then wrap a second slice of bacon in the opposite direction.
6
Secure the bacon-wrapped chicken bites with toothpicks to ensure they stay together while cooking.
7
Grill the chicken bites for 20-30 minutes, turning them frequently to cook evenly and prevent burning.
8
Keep an eye on them; the cheese should start to ooze out, and the bacon should turn crispy when fully cooked.
9
For a quicker option, blanch the bites in a fryer for 3-4 minutes before grilling.
10
Remove the toothpicks and serve the bites hot, accompanied by flour tortillas, salsa, sour cream, or pico de gallo.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Jalapeño Chicken Bites?
They are juicy chicken strips stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese and pickled jalapeños, wrapped in crispy bacon, and grilled to perfection.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a beloved dish from Las Casas restaurant in Temple, TX.
How many chicken breasts are required?
You will need 4 (8 ounce) boneless chicken breasts for this recipe.
How should I prepare the chicken?
Each chicken breast should be cut into 4 equal strips, resulting in 16 strips total.
What type of cheese is best for these chicken bites?
Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for its gooey, melting properties.
How much cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of Monterey Jack cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes.
What kind of jalapeños should be used?
You should use 16 slices of pickled jalapeño peppers for a zesty flavor.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 32 slices of thin-sliced bacon to wrap the chicken bites.
How many bacon slices go on each chicken bite?
Each bite uses two slices of bacon, wrapped in opposite directions to form a ball.
How do I keep the bites from falling apart?
Secure the bacon-wrapped chicken bites with toothpicks before cooking.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the grill?
Preheat your grill to medium heat for the best results.
How long do the chicken bites take to grill?
They should be grilled for 20-30 minutes.
How often should I turn the bites while grilling?
Turn them frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent the bacon from burning.
How can I tell when the chicken bites are done?
They are ready when the bacon is crispy and the cheese begins to ooze out.
Is there a faster way to cook these bites?
Yes, you can blanch them in a fryer for 3-4 minutes before finishing them on the grill.
When should I remove the toothpicks?
Remove the toothpicks just before serving the bites hot.
What should I serve with Crispy Jalapeño Chicken Bites?
Serve them with warm flour tortillas and dips like salsa, sour cream, or pico de gallo.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What category of food is this?
This dish is categorized under Lunch and Snacks, and also works well as an appetizer.
Can I use thick-cut bacon?
The recipe specifies thin-sliced bacon as it crisps up more easily during the grilling process.
Are these chicken bites spicy?
The pickled jalapeños provide a zesty kick, but the spice is balanced by the chicken and cheese.
What size should the cheese cubes be?
The Monterey Jack cheese should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
Do I need to season the chicken before wrapping?
The recipe relies on the flavor of the bacon, cheese, and pickled jalapeños, so additional seasoning is optional.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of grilling?
While the recipe focuses on grilling, you could bake them, though the smoky grill flavor will be missing.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these are excellent for parties and are often compared to chicken wings or jalapeño poppers.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead?
You can, but pickled jalapeños provide a specific tanginess that defines this recipe's flavor profile.
Should I serve these hot or cold?
These should be served hot to enjoy the melted cheese and crispy bacon.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your grill to medium heat.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: chicken breasts, bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, and pickled jalapeños.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include bacon-wrapped, grilling, easy recipes, appetizers, and snacks.