~ Unforgettable Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites: The Ultimate Easy Appetizer ~

This content is a sponsored post brought to you by Lunchbox, featuring a delightful recipe that promises to be a hit at any gathering.

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Master the Art of Easy Entertaining with Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Are you on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare? Look no further than these mouth-watering Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites! Perfect for seasoned home cooks and culinary novices alike, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering, a casual game night, or simply craving a savory snack, these bites are guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them asking for more.

I confess, I’m not a gourmet chef, but I absolutely adore whipping up straightforward recipes that deliver big on taste. This Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bite recipe, discovered on the fantastic Kraft Recipe Hub, is a prime example. It’s a tiny package bursting with robust flavors – the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and cheesy – all designed to make your entertaining effortless. I first made them for New Year’s Eve, and they were an instant crowd-pleaser, devoured by everyone present. Their versatility makes them an ideal choice for any celebration, from elegant cocktail parties to relaxed family get-togethers.

The Irresistible Allure of Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

What makes these appetizers so universally loved? It’s the harmonious blend of classic, comforting flavors and textures. Imagine succulent chicken, marinated to perfection in a tangy sauce, encased in crispy, savory bacon. Add a slice of sharp white cheddar cheese, melted just right, atop a perfectly crunchy RITZ cracker, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of vibrancy. Every single bite is a miniature culinary masterpiece. This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s an experience that ignites the taste buds and sets a festive mood.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need exotic ingredients or advanced cooking techniques. Most of what you need can likely be found in your pantry or during a quick trip to your local grocery store. The preparation is straightforward, and the baking time is minimal, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests.

Crafting Culinary Magic: A Closer Look at the Ingredients

The secret to truly exceptional Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites lies in selecting quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each component plays a vital role in creating the irresistible flavor profile of this beloved appetizer.

Premium Ingredients for Peak Taste and Texture

Bacon: Is there anything bacon doesn’t make better? The crispy, salty embrace of OSCAR MAYER Bacon around the chicken is undeniably the star of the show, adding a layer of rich, smoky flavor and a delightful textural contrast.
Chicken: A lean, boneless, skinless chicken breast provides the tender core of these bites. Cutting it into small pieces ensures quick cooking and perfect bite-sized portions.
Marinade: The combination of GREY POUPON Savory Honey Mustard and LEA & PERRINS Worcestershire Sauce creates a wonderfully tangy, savory, and slightly sweet marinade. This isn’t just about flavor; it also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring every piece is juicy and delicious.
Cheese: CRACKER BARREL Vermont Sharp-White Cheddar Cheese adds a robust, creamy, and slightly piquant note that perfectly balances the bacon and chicken. Its excellent melting properties are key to a gooey, satisfying topping.
Crackers: Classic RITZ Crackers serve as the ideal crunchy base. Their buttery, slightly salty flavor and perfect crispness provide the structural integrity and an additional layer of texture that ties everything together.
Fresh Parsley: A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley isn’t just for garnish; it adds a burst of freshness and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.

I remember spending most of New Year’s Eve lounging and trying to take it easy, yet whipping up these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites was incredibly simple! The best part was that most of these quality ingredients were already in my fridge, and I was able to pick up the rest easily at Walmart. This accessibility makes the recipe even more appealing for busy individuals or spontaneous gatherings.

Effortless Preparation: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

One of the greatest appeals of this recipe is its straightforward preparation process. Even if you consider yourself a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find these steps easy to follow, leading to consistently delicious results.

Prep Work: Marinating for Maximum Flavor

The first step involves infusing the chicken with flavor through a simple marinade. In a shallow glass dish, combine 2 tablespoons of GREY POUPON Savory Honey Mustard with LEA & PERRINS Worcestershire Sauce. This dynamic duo creates a marinade that’s tangy, savory, and slightly sweet, perfectly complementing the chicken. Add your chicken pieces, toss them to ensure they’re thoroughly coated, and then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. This marinating time is crucial, as it allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors and become exceptionally tender. Once marinated, remove the chicken, discarding the used marinade.

The Art of Wrapping and Broiling

Next, preheat your broiler. Each chicken piece is then individually wrapped with a strip of OSCAR MAYER Bacon. Securing the bacon with a toothpick ensures it stays snug during cooking. Arrange the wrapped chicken bites on a baking sheet and broil them about 4 inches from the heat. The broiling process is key to achieving that coveted crispy bacon exterior and thoroughly cooked, juicy chicken interior. Broil for approximately 10 minutes, flipping them once after 5 minutes, until the bacon is perfectly crisp and golden, and the chicken is cooked through.

The Cheesy Cracker Foundation

While the chicken is broiling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the toothpicks from the cooked chicken. Take your CRACKER BARREL Vermont Sharp-White Cheddar Cheese slices and cut them in half. Arrange the RITZ Crackers on a separate baking sheet, and top each cracker with a half-slice of cheddar cheese. Pop them into the preheated oven for just 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly. This step creates a warm, cheesy base that perfectly complements the chicken and bacon.

Final Assembly and Presentation

The grand finale! Once the cheesy crackers are out of the oven, immediately top each one with a piece of the bacon-wrapped chicken. For a final flourish and a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley and the remaining tablespoon of GREY POUPON Savory Honey Mustard. The visual appeal is as delightful as the taste. Everyone I served them to was incredibly impressed, and every single bite disappeared in record time!

The Ultimate Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

3 Tbsp. GREY POUPON Savory Honey Mustard, divided
2 Tbsp. LEA & PERRINS Worcestershire Sauce
1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (about 6 oz.), cut into 24 bite-sized pieces
8 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cut into thirds
4 oz. CRACKER BARREL Vermont Sharp-White Cheddar Cheese, cut into 12 slices (then halved)
24 RITZ Crackers
2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

Easy-to-Follow Instructions:

Marinate Chicken: In a shallow glass dish, combine 2 Tbsp. of the GREY POUPON Savory Honey Mustard and the LEA & PERRINS Worcestershire Sauce. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chicken to marinate and absorb flavors. After marinating, remove the chicken from the dish and discard the remaining marinade.
Broil Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: Preheat your broiler. Carefully wrap each chicken piece with a third of a bacon slice. Secure each wrapped piece with a toothpick to hold the bacon in place. Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on a baking sheet. Broil, positioning the sheet about 4 inches from the heat source, for approximately 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through. Remember to turn the bites over after about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispness.
Prepare Cheesy Crackers: While the chicken is broiling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully remove the toothpicks from the cooked bacon-wrapped chicken. Take your CRACKER BARREL Vermont Sharp-White Cheddar Cheese slices and cut each into two halves. Place the RITZ Crackers on a separate baking sheet. Top each cracker with one half-slice of the cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and slightly bubbly.
Assemble and Serve: Once the cheesy crackers are ready, immediately top each warm cracker with a piece of the bacon-wrapped chicken. Finish by sprinkling generously with the fresh chopped parsley and drizzling with the remaining 1 Tbsp. of GREY POUPON Savory Honey Mustard. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Creative Variations to Personalize Your Bites

While the original recipe is perfection, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites to suit your taste or occasion.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle heat, or drizzle with a touch of sriracha before serving.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheese varieties like pepper jack for a spicy twist, smoked gouda for depth, or Swiss for a nutty flavor.
Herb Variations: Instead of parsley, try fresh chives, dill, or a blend of Italian herbs for a different aromatic profile.
Cracker Alternatives: If RITZ aren’t your preference, try other buttery crackers or even thin slices of toasted baguette for a more rustic feel.
Glaze Options: Instead of the remaining honey mustard, try drizzling with a balsamic glaze, maple syrup, or a touch of apricot preserves for a sweet and savory finish.
Vegetarian Option: For non-meat eaters, consider wrapping seasoned halloumi cheese in vegetarian bacon alternatives.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Serving Suggestions

These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and can elevate any event.

Holiday Feasts: They are a staple for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve gatherings, offering a gourmet touch without the fuss.
Game Day Appetizer: Perfect for Super Bowl parties or any sporting event. They’re easy to eat while cheering on your favorite team.
Casual Get-Togethers: A fantastic option for potlucks, barbecues, or impromptu visits from friends.
Wine & Cheese Evenings: Pair them with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
Brunch Bites: A lighter, more savory alternative to traditional brunch fare, especially appealing for an adult brunch.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the marinated chicken and even wrap it with bacon ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator and broil/bake closer to serving. Assemble the crackers and cheese right before baking.

Why Choose Easy Appetizers Like These?

In today’s fast-paced world, simplicity in the kitchen is a true luxury. Easy appetizer recipes like these Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are invaluable, especially during busy holiday seasons or when unexpected guests arrive. They allow you to:

Reduce Stress: Less time spent on complicated prep means more time relaxing and enjoying your event.
Save Time: Quick cooking methods get delicious food on the table faster.
Boost Confidence: Even novice cooks can achieve impressive results, building confidence in the kitchen.
Maximize Enjoyment: You’re not just serving food; you’re creating memorable moments, and being present for them is key.

This recipe exemplifies how a few quality ingredients and simple steps can lead to an extraordinary culinary experience that delights everyone.

Discover More Culinary Delights with Kraft

This incredible recipe is just a glimpse into the vast world of culinary inspiration available. For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that make everyday meals special, and to discover valuable coupons, be sure to
stop by and check out the Kraft Recipe Hub. It’s a fantastic resource for home cooks seeking to elevate their everyday cooking with trusted brands and creative ideas. Make everyday delicious with Kraft!

Wrapping Up Your Culinary Journey

These Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites are more than just an appetizer; they are a celebration of flavor, convenience, and joyful entertaining. With their irresistible combination of crispy bacon, tender marinated chicken, sharp cheddar, and crunchy RITZ crackers, they are destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So go ahead, whip up a batch, gather your loved ones, and savor the simple pleasure of truly delicious, homemade bites. Happy cooking, and happy feasting!