Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites with Cream Cheese
Sneak Peek: Thin chicken tenders get a flavor boost with a creamy jalapeño filling, wrapped in crispy bacon. Grill, bake, or air fry these easy-to-make bites for a spicy, smoky, cheesy appetizer everyone will love.
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A caterer once told me, “Add bacon to anything, and it will fly off the table.” I couldn’t agree more! These smoky, cheesy, slightly spicy chicken bites are a must for any gathering.
What Makes This One Worth Sharing
- Only 4 ingredients! No long grocery lists here.
- Big flavors, no extra seasoning needed. Bacon brings the salt; jalapeños bring the heat.
- Cook them your way. Grill, bake, or air fry to perfection.
- Prep ahead of time. Assemble them in advance and cook when ready.
- Guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My husband and sons can’t get enough of these!
Shared and Loved
“As soon as I saw the recipe I knew I had to try these. Served them on the weekend with family including two teens! Everyone loved them – five stars from everyone. I can’t grill so did them in the air fryer. F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. Thanks Paula. “–STEPHAN
Ingredients and Substitutions
- CHICKEN: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders work best.
- CREAM CHEESE: Softened for easy spreading. Swap with Neufchâtel for less fat and a creamier texture.
- JALAPEÑOS: Fresh is best! They’re milder than pickled jalapeños.
- BACON: Thin-sliced for even cooking and crispy texture.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites
1. Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into 2×4-inch strips. Pound each piece to about 1/3-inch thick inside a zippered plastic bag to prevent splattering.
2. Add the Filling
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over each chicken strip. Sprinkle with chopped jalapeños, then fold the chicken over the filling.
3. Wrap with Bacon
Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each chicken piece with bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Cook to Perfection
- Air Fryer: 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.
- Grill: Medium heat, turning occasionally, until bacon is crisp.
- Oven: 400°F on a foil-lined baking sheet until crispy and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy them as-is or with barbecue sauce, ranch, or Chick-fil-A sauce.
Variation
Love a sweet-and-spicy combo? Brush the bites with raspberry chipotle sauce before grilling or baking. It’s like a mini version of my Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin.
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Bites with Cream Cheese
Video
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound (680 g) raw chicken breast or tenders
- 3 ounce (85 g) cream cheese softened slightly
- 1 (14 g) jalapeno pepper, fresh seeded and finely chopped
- 8 slices (176 g) thin-cut bacon cut in half
Instructions
Slice & Pound the Chicken
- Cut chicken into 2×4-inch strips. Pound to about 1/3-inch thick.
Add the Filling
- Spread a small amount of cream cheese on each chicken piece. Sprinkle with jalapeños and fold the chicken over the filling.
Wrap with Bacon
- Wrap each folded piece with half a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
Cook
- Air Fryer: 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway.Grill: Medium heat, turning occasionally, until bacon is crisp.Oven: 400°F until bacon is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy
- Pair with barbecue sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.
Notes
- Jalapeño Safety: Wear gloves when handling fresh jalapeños to avoid irritation.
- Mess-Free Pounding: Use a zippered plastic bag to contain the chicken while pounding.
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
FAQ
- Can I make these without jalapeños?
- Absolutely! Swap with diced bell peppers for a mild alternative.
- Can I bake these in the oven?
- Yes! Place them on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked.
- Can I freeze jalapeños?
- Yes! Store whole jalapeños in a plastic bag in the freezer. When needed, thaw under running water and use as usual.
- Can I prep these ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the bites and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Final Thoughts
Have fun experimenting with this recipe! Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or a barbecue glaze for extra flavor. You can’t go wrong.
Love bacon? Check out these other recipes:
- Hearty Ham Stew (Meat lovers’ favorite!)
- Four-Layer Meat and Potatoes Skillet (Bacon saves the day!)
- Baked Beans with Ground Beef, Sausage, and Bacon
Recipe slightly adapted from “Warren’s Chicken Bites” published in Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood.
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.