Blissful Bites

“Blissful Bites” is a delightful recipe that perfectly combines sweet and savory flavors to create a mouth-watering appetizer or snack. This dish features tender pieces of chicken breast seasoned with a blend of brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a little heat.

Each chicken piece is wrapped in a strip of bacon, adding a crispy texture and rich flavor. Before baking, the bites are brushed with maple syrup and sprinkled with black pepper, enhancing the sweet and smoky taste.

This easy-to-prepare recipe is baked until the bacon is perfectly crisp, making it an irresistible treat that’s sure to please any crowd.

Whether for a gathering, a family meal, or simply as a tasty snack, these Blissful Bites offer a perfect blend of flavors that are bound to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces for a total of 18 pieces
• 9 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more, to taste

Directions

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2 -Line a quarter baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3 -In a mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, the salt, the paprika, the garlic powder, and the cayenne pepper and stir until evenly combined.

Step 4 -Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat.

Step 5 -Cut each of the bacon strips in half crosswise, creating a total of 18 smaller strips.

Step 6 -Wrap the bacon strips around each of the seasoned chicken pieces.

Step 7 -Arrange the wrapped chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8 -Brush the chicken bites with the maple syrup and sprinkle them evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper.

Step 9 -Bake until the bacon is crisp and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 25-30 minutes.

Step 10 -Serve topped with the extra black pepper.

FAQs for Blissful Bites

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe? Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They will add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just ensure they are boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch pieces for consistent cooking.

2. What can I use if I don’t have maple syrup? If maple syrup isn’t available, you can substitute it with honey or a brown sugar glaze. These alternatives will maintain the sweet contrast to the savory bacon and spiced chicken.

3. Is it necessary to use parchment paper when baking? Using parchment paper helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. However, if you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet or use aluminum foil as an alternative.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier? To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or include chopped jalapeños to the chicken seasoning. Another option is to serve the bites with a spicy dipping sauce.

5. Can I prepare Blissful Bites ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed. This can help the flavors to meld together more fully.

6. Are there any recommendations for dipping sauces? Blissful Bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic choices include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a honey mustard sauce. For something different, try a garlic aioli or a spicy chipotle mayo.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to check this, ensuring the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly tender.