Bacon-wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites

Add bacon to anything and it will fly off the table! Though this may be a bold statement to make, it is a cooking motto that I continue to live by. Whether you are hosting a cookout this weekend or looking to enjoy a simple snack indoors, this recipe is perfect for several occasions. Prepare it as an appetizer, or serve it as your main dish. Bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites are a spicy, smoky, and crispy - packing the perfect punch to tickle your taste buds. This recipe is easy to make, easy to enjoy, and is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make a trip to your nearest local grocery store to purchase the following ingredients for your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites:

- 1 pack chicken breast strips for stir fry
- 1 pack maple-flavored bacon
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 8 oz package cream cheese

Though ingredient prices may vary, this delicious snack can be prepared for less than $15.00. 

To add flavor to your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites, consider adding some of the following ingredients:

- Garlic powder
- Seasoned salt
- Slices of cheese

You are welcome to add any additional spices or ingredients to personalize the taste of your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites.

The following cooking utensils will be needed to prepare your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites:

- 1 cutting board
- 1 vegetable knife
- 1 measuring cup or mixing bowl
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 spoon
- 1 plate
- 1 frying pan
- Toothpicks

Prior to preparing your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites, it is essential to wash your hands. Use hot water with soap, and wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the contamination of ingredients. 

Utilizing your cutting board and knife, cut open the jalapeno. Do this by holding one end of the jalapeno steady with one hand, and cutting off the jalapeno stem with the other. Then, cut the jalapeno down the center to reveal the inside.

Utilizing a spoon, scoop out the seeds from inside the jalapeno. This will leave the jalapeno hollow and ready to be diced. 

SAFETY NOTE: Jalapeno oil has the ability to cling to your hands and must be thoroughly washed away. Therefore, avoid touching the jalapeno oil or wear plastic gloves if you feel necessary. Do not touch your eyes, as jalapeno oil will cause a burning sensation.

Dice the jalapeno by cutting it into small pieces. To do this, begin by holding one end of the jalapeno steady with one hand. With the other hand, begin cutting the jalapeno into strips. Finish dicing the jalapeno by cutting these strips into smaller pieces, as can be seen in the picture above.

SAFETY NOTE: As you are cutting the jalapeno into strips and smaller pieces, be careful not to cut too close to your fingers. As you begin to cut closer to your fingers, eventually remove the hand holding the jalapeno and finish the dicing process. Again, avoid touching your eyes to avoid burning from the jalapeno oil.

Unwrap the cream cheese and place it in a measuring cup or mixing bowl to be softened. Personally, I prefer to use a measuring cup to utilize the handle for added support.

Using a spoon, mash and stir the cream cheese in the measuring cup or mixing bowl. If you choose to use a measuring cup, utilize the handle for added support. The cream cheese will now become softened, making it easier to mix with other ingredients. 

If you choose to use spices to add flavor to your cream cheese and jalapeno mix, add these now. A dash or two of any spice should be sufficient. Personally, I chose to use seasoned salt and garlic powder.

It is now time to combine the cream cheese and diced jalapeno. Using a knife, scrape the diced jalapeno from your cutting board into the measuring cup or mixing bowl to be mixed. 

Use a mixing spoon to thoroughly stir and  mix all ingredients together. The diced jalapeno and any added spices should be distributed throughout the entire mixture. Once this step has been completed, it is now time to create you bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites.

Place one chicken breast strip in the center of a plate. Then, take a small scoop of your cream cheese and jalapeno mixture and spread it on one end of the chicken breast strip. Because your cream cheese and jalapeno mixture may stick to your mixing spoon, it is okay to use your finger to help spread the mixture on the chicken breast strip.

Once the cream cheese and jalapeno mixture has been spread on one end of the chicken breast strip, you may wish to add a strip of cheese on top of the mixture. I chose to do so merely for added flavor to my bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites. Any flavor of cheese may be used, and shredded cheese is also sufficient. 

Fold the chicken breast strip in half, as indicated by the picture above. Your cream cheese and jalapeno mixture should now be in the center of the chicken breast strip. Once this step has been completed, it is now time to wrap the chicken breast strip in bacon.

Take one strip of maple-flavored bacon and wrap it around the chicken breast strip. When wrapping the bacon, attempt to wrap it around the entire chicken breast strip to secure all contents in the center.

Place a toothpick through the center of the bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bite to hold all ingredients in place. Once this step has been completed, it is now time to fry your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites.

Before placing your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bite in the frying pan, allow your frying pan to heat. Set the stove burner temperature to MEDIUM and allow the frying pan to sit for a 2-3 minutes. Then, place your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bite in the center of the frying pan.

SAFETY NOTE: Be careful not to burn yourself when placing the bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bite in the frying pan. Utilize a set of tongs if necessary to keep hands a reasonable distance away from the frying pan.

As can be seen in the picture above, you may wish to fry multiple bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites at the same time to speed up the cooking process. Fry as many at a time as you feel comfortable with, but do not overcrowd the frying pan.

Use a set of tongs to flip the bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites, ensuring that the bacon and chicken become fully cooked. Cooking time should be roughly 10 minutes.

SAFETY NOTE: It is important that all meat be fully cooked. Eating undercooked meat may result in diseases such as Salmonella. Ensure that the pink tone from the chicken has been removed, and that the bacon is a golden-brown color and crispy.

You may choose to utilize a toaster oven to keep fully-cooked bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites warm while others are being fried. If so, place a tin foil sheet on a cooking tray for your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites to be placed on.

Though there may be some variation in toaster oven dials, set the temperature between 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit. If your toaster oven has cooking options, set the dial to GRILL. This will also help ensure that all meat has been fully cooked.

Once you have finished preparing your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites, wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap in preparations for enjoyment.

Once you have finished washing your hands, make sure your stove top (and toaster oven if you chose to use one) is turned off. Enjoy your bacon-wrapped jalapeno chicken bites!