Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Bites: Easy Grilling Recipe & Delicious

Bacon wrapped BBQ chicken is a fun way to turn basic chicken into a smoky, flavor-packed meal that stands out at any get-together or family dinner.

This recipe brings together tender chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce for a tasty dish that’s quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

You can bake it in the oven or grill it outdoors. Either way, you get savory chicken with crispy bacon and a sticky BBQ glaze.

Just wrap chicken pieces with bacon, brush on your favorite barbecue sauce, and bake or grill until the chicken’s cooked through and the bacon’s crisp.

Anyone can pull off this dish at home with a few simple steps and everyday ingredients. If you want more detailed tips, check out this Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken recipe.

Key Takeaways

• Bacon wrapped BBQ chicken is simple and quick to make.
• The recipe uses chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce as its core.
• There are easy ways to change up the flavor or store leftovers.

What Is Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken?

Bacon wrapped BBQ chicken combines juicy chicken with savory bacon and smoky barbecue sauce. It’s popular because it balances sweet and spicy flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or party snacks.

Origins And Popularity

This dish traces back to classic American barbecue traditions, often featuring bacon around the chicken. Home cooks started wrapping chicken in bacon to boost moisture and flavor, especially when grilling or baking.

Now, you’ll find bacon wrapped BBQ chicken at backyard cookouts and potlucks everywhere. It’s a go-to for appetizers or main courses because it’s easy and uses common ingredients.

Food blogs and recipe sites love putting their own spin on chicken wrapped with bacon from Jones Dairy Farm. Some suggest marinating the chicken in barbecue sauce before wrapping it in bacon for even more flavor, like in this barbecue bacon wrapped chicken bites recipe. BBQ chicken recipe.

Types Of Chicken Cuts Used

Chicken breasts, tenderloins, and sometimes thighs are the top picks for bacon wrapped BBQ chicken.

Chicken breasts are lean and sturdy, so they hold up well on the grill or in the oven. Tenderloins cook fast and make great bite-sized pieces, while thighs offer a juicier, richer bite thanks to their higher fat content.

People often use small pieces like tenders or cubed breasts for appetizers and finger foods. Larger cuts make a hearty dinner. Choose the cut that fits how you want to serve it and what texture you prefer. Bites, strips, or whole breasts each have their own vibe—see these bacon wrapped BBQ chicken bites for a delicious option. chicken tender recipes for ideas.

Key Flavor Profiles

This dish brings sweet, spicy, and savory flavors together. Bacon lends smokiness and salt, keeping the chicken juicy as it cooks.

Barbecue sauce adds sweetness and a little heat, usually with brown sugar, honey, garlic, or chili powder mixed in, especially when used in homemade BBQ sauce. Some versions turn up the spice with hot sauce or pepper flakes, while others lean sweet with honey barbecue or a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking, topped with remaining BBQ sauce.

The mix of crispy bacon, moist chicken, and sticky BBQ glaze hits all the right notes. You can serve it as a main course or as party-friendly chicken bites like these chicken bites.

Essential Ingredients

For bacon wrapped BBQ chicken, picking the right chicken, bacon, and seasonings makes all the difference. Each ingredient shapes how the dish tastes and cooks.

Choosing The Right Chicken

Chicken is the star here, so how you prep it matters. Most people use boneless, skinless chicken breasts since they’re juicy and easy to wrap. Chicken tenders work too, especially for quicker cooking or appetizers.

Bone-in cuts aren’t the best for this recipe—they take longer and make wrapping tricky. Aim for pieces of similar thickness for even cooking.

Trim off extra fat or uneven bits so the chicken cooks through without drying out. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and wrapping to help the bacon stick and crisp up.

If you have time, a quick marinade of salt, garlic, and pepper adds flavor. Make sure the chicken cooks to a safe temperature of at least 165°F.

Selecting The Best Bacon

Thick-cut bacon is usually best for wrapping around chicken thighs. It holds up during baking and gives a satisfying bite.

Thin bacon can crisp up too fast and fall apart, while extra-thick slices might end up chewy or undercooked. Use uncooked bacon so it cooks with the chicken and the flavors blend together. Smoked bacon—especially applewood or hickory—adds a classic barbecue taste.

Lay out the bacon strips and stretch them gently before wrapping. This helps them cover the chicken evenly. Some folks pre-cook the bacon a bit, but most prefer wrapping it raw to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Sauces And Seasonings

You can’t skip barbecue sauce for this recipe. Sweet or spicy varieties both work, so pick your favorite. Brands like Cattlemen’s or homemade sauces are great, especially for baked chicken breasts.

Brush some sauce on before baking and again right before serving for color and flavor. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika add depth. Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper really do make a difference.

If your barbecue sauce is already bold, go easy on extra spices when you season the chicken. Let the sauce caramelize in the oven for that classic finish, especially when making bacon wrapped barbecue chicken. All these little touches build a balanced, tasty bite.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

Bacon wrapped BBQ chicken brings together juicy chicken breasts, savory bacon, and sweet barbecue sauce. The process is straightforward—prep, assemble, cook, and keep an eye on timing and temperature.

Preparation And Assembly

Start by trimming extra fat from the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels so the spices stick and the bacon crisps up.

If you want more flavor, marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Lay out 2 or 3 strips of bacon per chicken breast. Place the chicken at one end and roll it up tight so the bacon covers everything, then preheat the oven.

Secure each piece with toothpicks to keep the bacon in place. Brush extra barbecue sauce on top of the bacon wrapped barbecue chicken for added flavor. If you’re feeling it, sprinkle a little black pepper or smoked paprika for extra kick. Arrange the chicken wrapped in bacon in a baking dish or on a foil-lined sheet for easy cleanup.

Cooking Methods

You can bake or grill bacon wrapped BBQ chicken. Baking gives even heat and makes the bacon crispy, especially when wrapping chicken thighs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 204°C). Place the chicken in a single layer and don’t overcrowd the pan.

If you want that smoky grilled flavor, fire up the grill to medium-high. Put the bacon-wrapped chicken on the grates and turn it now and then so each side cooks evenly. To avoid flare-ups from dripping fat, use indirect heat or place bacon on a wire rack under the chicken.

Baking or grilling both work well. Halfway through, baste with more BBQ sauce for a sticky, caramelized finish. For more method details, check Tastes of Lizzy T’s recipe.

Timing And Temperature

Getting the timing and temperature right is key. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon browns and the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part.

If you’re grilling, cook for about 20–25 minutes, turning every few minutes to keep the bacon from burning and to cook evenly. If the bacon’s not crispy enough, pop the chicken under a broiler for 2–3 minutes—but watch it closely.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. That keeps the juices in and makes the chicken extra moist. For more timing tips, see Dishing Delish’s guide.

Flavor Enhancements And Variations

There are tons of ways to make bacon wrapped BBQ chicken pop at dinner. Sweet coatings, spicy rubs, and even cheesy fillings can totally change things up.

Adding Sweetness With Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is a classic for adding sweetness. Sprinkle light or dark brown sugar over the bacon before baking and it caramelizes in the oven.

The sugar melts and creates a sticky coating that goes great with smoky BBQ sauce. The sweetness balances out the salty bacon and tangy sauce. Some folks add honey or maple syrup for a twist, but brown sugar is the go-to.

Try mixing brown sugar with a bit of smoked paprika for more depth. It only takes a minute and gives the chicken a nice glazed finish.

Spicy And Savory Twists

Spice fans love mixing cayenne, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce into BBQ sauce. That heat cuts right through the richness of bacon and cheese.

For a smoky vibe, toss in some chipotle or smoked paprika with the chicken seasoning. Some cooks go for a rub of garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, or paprika before wrapping.

Jalapeños—or if you’re bold, serrano peppers—can slip inside the chicken for an extra punch. You’ll see this trick in plenty of grilled bacon wrapped BBQ chicken recipes.

Want more savory depth? Stir a bit of Worcestershire or soy sauce into the marinade. Mixing spicy and savory flavors keeps every bite interesting and lets you dial the heat up or down as you like.

Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Techniques

Cheese and smoky BBQ are basically best friends. One crowd-pleaser is stuffing chicken breasts with cheese before wrapping them in bacon and brushing the chicken with barbecue sauce.

Cream cheese and shredded cheddar melt smoothly and add a rich taste. Grated parmesan sprinkled on top near the end of baking gets golden and crisp, adding a nice texture.

Some folks even mix a little ranch dressing into the cheese filling for a creamy, tangy kick. Drizzling ranch over the finished chicken, right before serving, gives a cool contrast to all that savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon wrapped BBQ chicken makes a solid main dish for dinner. It pairs up with all sorts of classic and healthy sides.

The right presentation can really make barbecue bacon wrapped chicken bites pop on the plate. A little planning keeps the meal balanced and filling.

Pairing With Sides

Pick sides that complement or contrast the smoky, savory bacon and BBQ sauce. Creamy mac and cheese, roasted or mashed potatoes, and classic potato salad are always hits.

Baked beans, corn on the cob, and steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans work well too when served with chicken wrapped in bacon. Lighter picks—think crisp green salad or cucumber salad—add freshness and balance out the richness.

Cornbread, dinner rolls, or rice round out the meal if you want something extra. Try to throw in at least one veggie for color and nutrition.

When you have a family dinner, offering a few sides lets everyone build their own plate and keeps things fun for all ages.

Presentation Tips

Neat plating makes bacon wrapped BBQ chicken look way more inviting. Set the chicken in the center and arrange the sides around for a tidy, appetizing look.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a pop of color. If you’re using BBQ sauce, drizzle a bit on top or around the plate for that restaurant touch.

For casual meals, pile everything on a big platter so guests can help themselves, including extra sauce and bacon on the side. Fancy dinner? Use contrasting plates and napkins to make the chicken and sides stand out.

Slicing the chicken before serving makes it easier for kids or guests to eat—especially handy at parties or potlucks.

Meal Planning Ideas

Plan portions based on the size of your chicken and how many people you’re feeding. One or two pieces per person usually does the trick, depending on sides and appetites.

Make extra for leftovers; it reheats well for lunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container and use within three days.

For big dinners, double the batch and keep some chicken warm in the oven. When serving with sides like roasted veggies or potatoes, bake them alongside the chicken to save time.

This dish fits both busy weeknights and weekend gatherings. Just adjust sides and servings as needed for your crew.

Nutrition Information And Weight Watchers Points

Nutrition and Weight Watchers points matter to a lot of people making bacon wrapped BBQ chicken. Knowing the calories, protein, and healthy swaps lets you tweak the recipe for your needs.

Calorie And Macronutrient Breakdown

Bacon wrapped BBQ chicken usually packs plenty of protein and a moderate amount of calories. For example, a bacon wrapped chicken tender clocks in at about 106 calories and a solid protein boost.

BBQ chicken bacon wraps can hit around 322 calories per wrap, depending on what you use and how big you make them.

Here’s a quick breakdown for a typical serving (1 bacon wrapped chicken tender):

Wrap versions usually have more calories but can offer up to 37 grams of protein per serving, especially if you use low-cal tortillas or lean chicken. To keep calories in check, go for center cut bacon and skinless, boneless chicken.

How To Track With The WW App

Tracking bacon wrapped BBQ chicken in the WW app is pretty straightforward. You can enter recipes manually or search for premade entries by name.

Barbecue bacon wrapped chicken tenders usually land at about 1 WW Point each, while wrap versions might be 6 to 8 points depending on size and ingredients.

For accuracy, plug all the ingredients and amounts into the recipe builder in the app. It’ll calculate points per serving based on your plan.

You can also scan barcodes on packaged ingredients for even more precise tracking. The app’s tools make it easier to see if this meal fits your daily or weekly points, which helps avoid going over your target.

Healthier Ingredient Substitutions

There are a bunch of ways to lighten up bacon wrapped BBQ chicken. Try center cut or turkey bacon to cut fat.

Pick sugar-free BBQ sauce to lower carbs and added sugars, which can drop the WW points too.

Use chicken breast instead of thighs for less fat and more protein. For wraps, whole wheat or low carb tortillas are good swaps.

Adding veggies like lettuce, tomato, or onions boosts nutrition without many extra calories. Mix and match these swaps for your taste and goals. Every change can be updated in the app for a new point value.

Even small tweaks—like switching to lighter BBQ sauce—can make a big difference in the meal’s calories and points.

Storage And Reheating

Bacon wrapped BBQ chicken needs careful storage to stay safe and tasty. Airtight containers and smart reheating keep the chicken moist and the bacon from getting soggy.

Proper Storage Methods

Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Don’t leave it out longer than two hours.

Pop the chicken into an airtight container to keep it moist and stop the bacon from turning rubbery. Get it in the fridge as soon as it’s cooled.

Eat refrigerated leftovers within three days for best taste. Slap a date on the container so you know how long the bacon wrapped BBQ chicken bites have been in there.

Plastic wrap adds an extra layer of protection. If you’re stacking pieces, put parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. For more details, check this bacon wrapped chicken storage guide.

Reheating For Best Results

Reheat bacon wrapped BBQ chicken the right way to keep it juicy and the bacon crisp; remove from the oven when the chicken is no longer pink. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating the bacon wrapped barbecue chicken.

The oven works best. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), set the chicken on a baking sheet, and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until hot.

For small portions, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and zap it in 30-second bursts until hot. The bacon probably won’t stay as crisp as in the oven, but it’s quick.

In the air fryer, set it to 350°F and heat for 5-7 minutes. This helps re-crisp the bacon. Try not to reheat more than once—texture goes downhill after that.

Freezing Tips

Need to store it longer? Freeze bacon wrapped BBQ chicken bites in a freezer-safe container for future meals. freezer-safe container Store in a heavy-duty freezer bag with remaining BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to avoid freezer burn. Label the package with the date and use within three months For best flavor, use a slice of bacon to wrap around your chicken.

Freeze in single layers with parchment paper between pieces, so you can grab just what you need. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight—never at room temp. That keeps the texture and taste intact.

For more freezing advice, check this chicken freezing guide. Reheat thawed chicken using the methods above for a meal that still tastes fresh.

Common Mistakes And Troubleshooting

Bacon wrapped BBQ chicken can be tricky if you’re not careful. Bacon texture is enhanced when you use thick cut bacon. chicken juiciness, and sauce handling all matter.

Bacon Cooking Unevenly

Bacon sometimes cooks unevenly because of wrapping or temperature mistakes. Thick bacon takes longer to crisp, so parts can end up chewy while others burn.

Thinner bacon strips cook at the same rate as the chicken. Don’t overlap bacon too much—just enough to cover the piece of chicken, but not double up.

Place the bacon seam side down on the baking tray to help seal it while cooking. Bake at a moderate temp like 375°F so both bacon and chicken cook through.

Turn the chicken halfway for even browning. If the grill or oven’s too hot, bacon crisps too fast and the chicken stays underdone. Try indirect heat on the grill or use a raised rack in the oven for better air flow.

Chicken Dryness Solutions

Dry chicken usually means it was overcooked or not prepped right before cooking. Try brining chicken breast in a saltwater mix for 20-30 minutes before wrapping—it helps keep things juicy and adds a bit of flavor.

Pull the chicken off the heat when its internal temperature hits 165°F. A digital thermometer is your best bet for accuracy.

Chicken keeps cooking a little after you take it off the heat. That extra bit is called carryover cooking.

Bacon does help lock in moisture, but using the right thickness of breast matters even more. Thin pieces dry out fast.

Go for medium thickness if you want even cooking. If you’re grilling, steer clear of direct flames since they’ll dry out the meat.

Adjust your cook time depending on the size of each piece. For more on chicken breast grilling and moisture, check out this chicken breast on pellet grills discussion.

Preventing Sauce Burn

BBQ sauce burns easily because of all that sugar. To dodge that, brush sauce on only during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

If you sauce too early, it’ll just caramelize and burn before the chicken’s done. Use a brush for even coating of the barbecue sauce and wrapped chicken, and keep an eye on it.

Covering the chicken with foil for part of the cook can help shield the sauce from direct heat. On the grill, keep the heat low during saucing or move the chicken to a cooler spot.

In the oven, bake until almost done, then add the sauce for the final stretch. That way, you keep the smoky-sweet flavor and skip the bitter, burnt mess.

If you want to dig deeper into bacon BBQ chicken baking, there’s a solid recipe here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking bacon wrapped BBQ chicken takes a little care if you want it flavorful and safe. With a few tricks, you can make it ahead, pair it with all kinds of sides, and play around with cheeses and sauces.

What temperature should bacon wrapped BBQ chicken be cooked to for safety?

Get bacon wrapped BBQ chicken to at least 165°F inside to ensure the chicken is no longer pink. safe for eating. Use a meat thermometer and check the thickest part for peace of mind.

This helps you avoid undercooked chicken and keeps foodborne illness away. More safety tips if you’re curious.

Can bacon wrapped chicken be prepped in advance before BBQ?

Yep, you can prep bacon wrapped chicken ahead. Just wrap the chicken in bacon and stash it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.

Cover the tray so the bacon doesn’t dry out, ensuring the bacon is crisp when served. More prepping tips are here.

What types of cheese pair well with bacon wrapped BBQ chicken?

Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are all great—they melt well and cover everything from mild to sharp. Want a punchier taste? Try blue cheese or pepper jack.

You can tuck cheese inside or melt it on top before cooking the chicken wrapped in bacon. Up to you.

What are some recommended sides to serve with bacon wrapped BBQ chicken?

Coleslaw, baked beans, roasted veggies, or corn on the cob are all classics. A simple green salad or mashed potatoes works too—freshness or comfort, take your pick.

Grilled veggies or potato salad will round out the meal if you want something extra filling.

How can you prevent the bacon from unraveling while cooking the chicken?

Stick the ends in place with toothpicks or wrap the bacon tightly around the chicken. Putting the seam side down on the tray helps keep it together.

If you pre-cook the bacon a little, it gets easier to handle. It’s a small trick, but it makes a difference.

What dipping sauces complement bacon wrapped BBQ chicken?

Barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, and chipotle mayo all work pretty well for dipping, especially with thick cut bacon. Some folks also reach for buffalo sauce or a garlicky aioli if they’re chasing a little extra flavor.

Honestly, the right sauce can totally change up each bite. It just depends on what you’re in the mood for that day.