Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps
These Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps—often called meat candy—combine juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a caramelized brown sugar coating with a hint of chili spice. A legendary party appetizer that disappears fast.
Equipment
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Wire Rack
- wooden toothpicks
Ingredients
- 2.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb bacon, standard cut, sliced into thirds
- salt, to taste
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a greased wire rack on top.
- Season chicken lightly with salt. Wrap each chicken cube with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Mix brown sugar, chili powder, and cayenne. Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken bite in the mixture, pressing to coat.
- Arrange on wire rack with space between pieces. Bake for 30–35 minutes until bacon is crisp and chicken reaches 165°F.
- Let rest 2–3 minutes for glaze to set. Serve warm.
Notes
Standard-cut bacon crisps best. Use a wire rack so the bacon caramelizes evenly and doesn’t sit in grease.