Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Hot Honey Bacon Chicken Bites are the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory—everything you crave in a single bite. Juicy chicken pieces wrapped in crispy bacon are glazed with a sticky hot honey sauce that strikes just the right balance of heat and sweetness. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or even a quick weeknight dinner when you want something indulgent yet easy to prepare. I tried brushing the bacon with a bit of extra honey before baking, and it gave the bites an irresistible caramelized finish. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these bites will disappear in minutes. The combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and spicy honey glaze makes them a standout favorite for any occasion.
Hot Honey Bacon Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, juicy chicken bites wrapped in smoky bacon and glazed with spicy hot honey — the ultimate sweet, savory, and spicy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup (60ml) hot honey (or honey mixed with 1–2 tsp hot sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks, for securing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set a wire rack on top.
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Wrap each chicken piece with a half slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Arrange wrapped chicken bites on the wire rack.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
- Brush or drizzle hot honey over the chicken bites and return to the oven for 3–5 minutes to caramelize slightly.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust heat by using more or less hot sauce in your honey mix.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes until crispy.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Bacon – Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps up beautifully while wrapping around the chicken. Its smoky, salty flavor enhances the sweetness of the honey glaze.
Honey – The key ingredient in the glaze. Choose high-quality honey for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Hot sauce – Balances the honey’s sweetness with a touch of heat. You can adjust the spice level depending on your preference.
Brown sugar – Adds depth to the glaze, helping it caramelize and cling to the chicken and bacon perfectly.
Garlic powder – Provides a mild savory note that complements both the chicken and the glaze.
Paprika – A touch of paprika enhances color and adds a subtle smoky flavor to the bites.
Olive oil – Helps crisp the bacon and adds a hint of richness.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
Toothpicks – Useful for securing the bacon around the chicken and for easy serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Wrap each chicken piece with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Arrange the bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for even cooking. Brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
While the bites are baking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and brown sugar. Heat over low until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Once the chicken bites are done, brush them generously with the hot honey glaze and return them to the oven for 3–5 minutes to caramelize.
Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra hot honey if desired, and serve warm.
Equipment needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Toothpicks
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings as an appetizer or 2 servings as a main dish. Preparation time is 15 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, totaling 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Bacon Twist – Replace honey with maple syrup for a sweeter, smokier version.
Extra Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or use a hot sauce like sriracha for more heat.
Garlic Butter Glaze – Mix melted butter with minced garlic and drizzle over the bites after baking.
Brown Sugar BBQ Glaze – Swap hot honey for your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with brown sugar for a smoky-sweet coating.
Cheesy Bacon Bites – Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top before the final bake for a melty finish.
Air Fryer Version – Cook at 390°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for extra crispiness.
Herb Infusion – Add rosemary or thyme to the glaze for a more aromatic flavor.
Asian-Inspired – Use soy sauce and chili paste instead of hot sauce for a tangy glaze.
Crispy Finish – Broil the bites for an extra minute at the end to achieve perfectly crisp bacon.
Party Platter Idea – Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey on the side.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add more juiciness due to their higher fat content.
How spicy are these bites?
The spice level depends on your choice of hot sauce. Adjust to taste for mild or extra hot results.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?
No, thin-cut bacon will cook perfectly with the chicken in the oven.
What’s the best way to serve these?
They’re great as appetizers or paired with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a meal.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the hot honey glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper or foil and brush with oil before baking.
Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes, pre-made hot honey works perfectly if you prefer convenience.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Reduce or skip the hot sauce and add more honey for a purely sweet glaze.
Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through.
Conclusion
These Hot Honey Bacon Chicken Bites bring together the perfect trio of sweet, spicy, and savory in a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe. With crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a sticky hot honey glaze, they’re impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting guests, meal-prepping for the week, or craving something bold and flavorful, these bites deliver every time. Serve them fresh from the oven and watch them disappear within minutes—guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites.