Description
These spicy bacon-wrapped jalapeño chicken bites are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, smoky, creamy, and just the right amount of heat. A perfect appetizer for parties or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized chunks (turkey can be used as an alternative)
- 10 to 12 fresh jalapeños, halved and deseeded (use fewer for less heat)
- 1 pound bacon, halved (turkey bacon is a lighter alternative)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (reduced-fat cream cheese works too)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- BBQ sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with foil for easier cleanup.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Fill each halved jalapeño with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and top with a piece of chicken.
- Wrap each jalapeño with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick if necessary. Continue until all ingredients are used.
- Place the assembled bites on the prepared tray and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
- For extra crispiness, switch to broil mode for the last couple of minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Notes
Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack for a cheesier version. These can be prepped ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Leftover cream cheese mix also works great as a cracker spread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: bacon, jalapeño, chicken, appetizer, spicy, party bites