Savory Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
These Savory Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites combine tender chicken breast with crispy bacon for an irresistible appetizer that's bursting with flavor. Marinated in a delicious blend of orange marmalade, soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, these nuggets are the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Ideal for gatherings, parties, or game day, they are sure to impress your guests, and you might find them disappearing from the platter in no time. With the option to use reduced-sodium bacon and light soy sauce, you can enjoy them without the guilt. No dipping sauce is necessary, as the marinade infuses every bite with its delightful flavor profile.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
2 large (boneless, skinless, cut into 24 1-inch cubes)
Bacon
8 slices (cut into thirds)
Orange marmalade
1/2 cup
Soy sauce
1/4 cup
Sesame oil
2 tablespoons
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
as needed
Wooden toothpicks
as needed
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
Cut the chicken breasts into 24 uniform 1-inch cubes.
3
Take a piece of bacon and wrap it around each chicken cube, securing it with a wooden toothpick.
4
In a shallow dish or large zip-top freezer bag, combine the orange marmalade, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well to create the marinade.
5
Add the wrapped chicken nuggets to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours, turning the nuggets occasionally to ensure even marination.
6
Once marinated, lightly coat a wire rack and broiler pan with cooking spray.
7
Arrange the chicken nuggets on the rack, making sure they are spaced apart for even cooking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Carefully turn the nuggets over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious bites warm!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
20g
Carbs
15g
Protein
400mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites?
They are a flavorful appetizer consisting of tender chicken breast cubes wrapped in bacon and marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade is made from orange marmalade, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic.
How should I cut the chicken breasts?
You should cut 2 large chicken breasts into 24 uniform 1-inch cubes.
How much bacon do I need?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of bacon, each cut into thirds to make 24 pieces total.
How do I secure the bacon to the chicken?
Wrap a piece of bacon around each chicken cube and secure it with a wooden toothpick.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
Do I need to turn the nuggets while they marinate?
Yes, you should turn the nuggets occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated and marinated.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) for the best results.
What type of baking pan should I use?
Use a wire rack placed over a broiler pan to allow for even heat distribution and crispy bacon.
Should I use cooking spray?
Yes, lightly coat the wire rack and broiler pan with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
How long do the chicken bites take to bake?
The bites take approximately 20 minutes total: 10 minutes on the first side and another 10 minutes after flipping.
Do I need to flip the chicken bites during cooking?
Yes, carefully turn the nuggets over halfway through the baking time to ensure the bacon gets crispy on both sides.
Is a dipping sauce necessary?
No dipping sauce is required because the marinade infuses every bite with a delightful tangy and sweet flavor.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use reduced-sodium bacon and light soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium and guilt.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in these chicken bites?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content?
The dish contains 18g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the sodium content?
Each serving contains 400mg of sodium.
Can I use fresh ginger?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, but you can substitute fresh ginger if preferred.
How many chicken bites does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 24 uniform chicken bites.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, these are ideal for gatherings, parties, or game day snacks as they are easy finger foods.
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it is opaque throughout and the bacon is crispy, usually after 20 minutes at 450°F.
Should these be served warm?
Yes, let them cool slightly after removing from the oven and enjoy them while they are still warm.
What type of orange marmalade should I use?
Any standard orange marmalade will work to provide the necessary sweetness and tang.
Can I prepare the marinade in a bag?
Yes, you can combine the marinade ingredients in a large zip-top freezer bag for easy cleanup.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken remains tender inside while the bacon exterior becomes crispy.
Can I use other types of preserve?
While orange marmalade is recommended for its specific tang, other fruit preserves could be used for different flavor profiles.
How much sesame oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to add a nutty depth to the marinade.
Is this a southern-style recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a southern living style recipe, known for its savory and comforting appetizer qualities.