BBQ Chicken Bites
Make sticky, sweet-spicy BBQ Chicken Bites — perfect party bites that caramelize beautifully and take just minutes to assemble.
Ingredients
- 1 2-ounce pouch KC Masterpiece® Original BBQ Sauce Mix & Dry Rub
- 3/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 8 slices bacon (cut into thirds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and ready the pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rectangular baking sheet with a single sheet of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pat the cut 1-inch chicken cubes dry and set them on the painted pine surface in a clean white bowl while you prepare the rest — this step is all about creating a clean, dry starting point so the bacon and sugar will adhere properly.
Step 2: Combine the sauce mix
In a small matte grey ceramic ramekin, whisk together the dry BBQ sauce mix with 3/4 cup pineapple juice and 1 tablespoon Sriracha until smooth and glossy; set this sweet-spicy glaze aside. Keep your brown sugar packed in a shallow bowl and the chopped chives in a tiny ramekin nearby — you'll use the glaze later to brush and the chives at the very end for a fresh green pop.
Step 3: Wrap, dredge, and arrange the bites
Working one piece at a time, wrap each chicken cube with a third of a bacon slice, pressing gently. Dredge each bacon-wrapped cube into the packed brown sugar so the granules cling to the bacon, and press lightly to coat. Place each piece seam-side down on the prepared rectangular parchment-lined baking sheet, using toothpicks to secure any loose ends; arrange them in a tidy single layer so each bite has room to caramelize. Keep the matte grey ramekin of glaze and a pastry brush nearby for the final glazing.
Step 4: Bake, glaze, and garnish
Slide the prepared sheet onto the counter (the oven step happens out of frame); after about 15 minutes of cooking time the bacon will have started to crisp. During the final 5–10 minutes, brush the sweet-spicy glaze over each bite so a shiny, caramelized coat forms and the brown sugar melts into little amber crusts. Transfer the finished bites back to the same rectangular baking sheet and serve immediately, sprinkled with the bright chopped chives for contrast.
Notes
- Press brown sugar onto the bacon firmly so it caramelizes well.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
- Reheat in the oven to keep the bacon crispy rather than the microwave.
- Double the glaze if you like extra saucy bites.
- Freeze assembled bites on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 1 month.