Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites - Cozy Autumn Sweetness

🥓 Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

A cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring smoky bacon, tender chicken, and a caramelized autumn glaze.

🕒 Overview

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Yields: Approx. 24-30 bites

🛒 Ingredients

The Base

Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs (boneless, skinless), cut into 1-inch cubes.

Bacon: 1 lb (regular cut, not thick-cut), cut into thirds or halves depending on width.

The Autumn Glaze

Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed)

Chili Powder: 1 tsp (for a hint of warmth)

Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp

Onion Powder: 1/2 tsp

Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp (adds that "autumn fire" depth)

Cayenne Pepper: A pinch (optional, for a tiny kick)

Black Pepper: To taste

🥣 Instructions

1. Preparation

Preheat: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

The Rack: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup) and place a wire cooling rack on top. This allows the heat to circulate, making the bacon crispy on all sides. Spray the rack with non-stick spray.

2. The Seasoning Rub

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed through the sugar.

3. Assembly

Take a cube of chicken and wrap it tightly with a piece of bacon.

Secure the bacon with a toothpick.

Dredge the entire bite into the brown sugar mixture, pressing firmly so the sugar coats the bacon.

Place the bite onto the prepared wire rack.

4. The Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes.

Pro Tip: Check at the 20-minute mark. If the sugar is starting to burn but the bacon isn't crisp, lower the temperature to 375°F.

The chicken should be cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and the bacon should be mahogany-colored and caramelized.

5. Serving

Let the bites rest for 5 minutes before serving. The sugar will harden slightly as it cools, creating a delicious candy-like shell.

🍂 Cozy Tips for Autumn