Get ready to take your taste buds on an epic flavor adventure, because we’re about to whip up the most incredible Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites you’ve ever had! These bite-sized morsels are about to blow your mind – they’re crispy, they’re savory, they’re sweet, and they’re downright LEGENDARY. So let’s dive in and unleash the ultimate bacon-y, ranch-y, maple-y goodness that’s about to rock your world!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites
Prepare to be obsessed with these addictive Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites! They’re the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and savory, and the crunch factor is off the charts. Plus, they’re crazy easy to make, so you can whip up a batch anytime you need a serious flavor fix. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main dish, these chicken bites are guaranteed to be the star of the show. Get ready to have your mind blown and your taste buds dancing with joy!
Ingredients
To make these Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a serious punch of flavor. You’ll start with juicy, tender chicken thighs, then coat them in a crispy, seasoned breading that includes ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Of course, we can’t forget the star of the show – thick-cut, maple-glazed bacon that gets perfectly crispy in the oven. Get ready to drool, because this is about to be the most insane chicken you’ve ever tasted!
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp – Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Paprika
- 8 slices – Thick-cut maple-glazed bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp – Pure maple syrup
- Cooking oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (leaner option)
- Ranch Seasoning: Your favorite seasoning blend (if you’re not a ranch fan)
How to Make Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites
Let’s get ready to unleash the ultimate bacon-y, ranch-y, maple-y goodness!
Step 1: Prep Work
First, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grab your maple-glazed bacon and chop it into small pieces. Now we’re ready to start cooking!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Working in batches, dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides. Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, then drizzle or spray them lightly with oil to help them get extra crispy. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
As soon as the chicken comes out of the oven, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces all over the top. Drizzle the whole thing with a generous amount of pure maple syrup, then give it a final toss to coat everything evenly. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in your mouth!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Twist: Try using different seasonings, like chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika, to give these Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites a spicy twist.
- Leaner Option: Swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a healthier take on this recipe.
- Extra Indulgence: Toss the baked chicken bites in a creamy ranch dressing before adding the bacon and maple syrup for an even more decadent experience.
- Crispy Factor: For the crispiest chicken bites, make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken dry before coating it in the flour mixture. You can also try air frying them instead of baking for an even more irresistible crunch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh salad, roasted veggies, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Storage: Leftover Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To restore the crispiness, reheat the chicken bites in the oven or air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.
Make-Ahead: The chicken can be coated in the seasoned flour mixture and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites are a protein-packed powerhouse, with around 20 grams of protein per serving. They’re also relatively low in carbs, making them a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. Of course, the maple syrup and bacon do add some sugar and fat, so be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your macros. But trust us, one bite of these insanely delicious chicken bites is worth every single calorie!
- Serving Size: 6 chicken bites
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just as well in this recipe. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them in the oven.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
You sure can! The chicken can be coated in the seasoned flour mixture and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before popping them in the oven.
How can I make these extra crispy?
For the crispiest chicken bites, make sure to thoroughly pat the chicken dry before coating it in the flour mixture. You can also try air frying them instead of baking for an even more irresistible crunch.
Can I use a different type of bacon?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon, like applewood-smoked or peppered, to put your own unique spin on these Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites.
Try These Next
- Crispy Bacon Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bites
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites With Zesty Ranch Dip
- Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites With Sweet Mustard Dip
Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Maple Bacon Ranch Chicken Bites are the perfect appetizer or party snack. Juicy chicken bites are wrapped in crispy bacon and tossed in a delicious maple ranch sauce, making them irresistible!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. In a bowl, mix the maple syrup, ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
4. 3. Wrap each piece of chicken with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
5. 4. Place the wrapped chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. 5. Brush the maple ranch mixture over each bacon-wrapped chicken bite.
7. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
8. 7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra crispiness, broil the chicken bites for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
– These bites can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bacon, chicken bites, appetizer