Have you ever had a craving that just wouldn’t quit? That’s how I feel about these bacon-wrapped chicken jalapeno bites—just thinking about them sends my taste buds into overdrive, like a gleeful dance party in my mouth. They remind me of that time I got hooked on spicy food after a trip to New Orleans, where every bite was an adventure—fiery, cheesy, and utterly unforgettable.
Steps
- Combine brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Divide the mixture into two portions.
- Coat the chicken cubes evenly with one-half of the spice mixture. Set the seasoned chicken aside.
- Lay the bacon halves flat on a work surface and sprinkle them with the remaining spice mixture. Flip each bacon piece over.
- Place a chicken cube at one end of each bacon piece. Add a piece of cream cheese and a jalapeno round on top of the chicken.
- Wrap the bacon around the chicken, cream cheese, and jalapeno, securing them with a toothpick.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken bites in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each bite. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 390°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of thin-cut bacon, each slice halved
- ½ cup (100 g) of brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound), cut into 24 cubes (1 to 1 ½ inches)
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, divided into 24 pieces
- 1-2 medium jalapeno peppers, cut into 24 thin slices
FAQ
- Can I prepare Chicken Jalapeno Bites ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare these bites in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just ensure they are kept fresh in an airtight container or securely wrapped in plastic wrap.
- How can I cook Chicken Jalapeno Bites in the oven?
- If your air fryer is occupied, you can bake these bites in the oven. Simply wrap and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- How should I store and reheat leftover Chicken Jalapeno Bites?
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge by placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them in plastic wrap, lasting for 3-4 days. For freezing, let the bites cool, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven or air fryer.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if you prefer them. Both options work well for this recipe.
- Should I remove seeds from the jalapeno peppers?
- It’s up to your preference. Leaving the seeds and membrane in the jalapeno rounds adds extra heat, but you can remove them if you prefer a milder taste.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for thin-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up perfectly by the time the chicken is fully cooked. Thick-cut bacon might result in dry chicken as it won’t crisp up as quickly.
- Spice Level Control: When preparing the jalapeno peppers, you can adjust the heat to your liking. Leaving the seeds and membrane will add more spice, while removing them will result in a milder flavor.
- Prepare Ahead: You can make these bites ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This makes it easier to manage your time if you’re preparing for a gathering.
- Oven-Baking Option: If your air fryer is occupied, you can bake the bites in the oven. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – If not already owned, as it’s a key appliance used in the recipe.
- Baking Sheet – For those opting to bake the bites in the oven.
- Parchment Paper – Used to line the baking sheet for oven cooking.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken reaches the internal temperature of 165°F.
- Toothpicks – For securing the bacon wraps around the chicken bites.
