- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-1.5 inches in size.
- Prepare the Jalapeños:
- Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes (for less heat, make sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes).
- If you prefer a bit more heat, you can leave some seeds and membranes.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Stuff each jalapeño half with a piece of the seasoned chicken. If you’re using cream cheese, you can also add a small dollop of cream cheese inside the jalapeño before adding the chicken.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick or skewer. Ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the jalapeño and chicken.
- Bake:
- Place the bacon-wrapped jalapeño chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Tips:
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken bites for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- You can also add a glaze or sauce, such as a honey mustard or barbecue sauce, during the last few minutes of baking for added flavor.
These Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a tasty snack. Enjoy!
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