This full-flavored dish comes together with just three ingredients and 25 minutes in the oven. Try these spicy Chicken Jalapeño Bites as an appetizer, snack or even in tacos and burritos.
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The Ultimate Spicy Food Snack
This is my favorite 3-ingredient recipe. All it calls for is chicken, bacon and jalapeño slices, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or an easy party appetizer. In fact, that’s how I was first introduced to these little bites. My dear friend’s husband was taking command of a company and she served this dish alongside many other elegant platters. They’re basically cream cheese-free jalapeño poppers.
Both Army Strong men and their dainty, well-manicured spouses devoured these, going back for seconds and thirds. They were in such high demand that some even stood right at the platter, piling in one after another.
I’ve made this recipe over and over for potlucks and other Army functions, and I’ve had the same reaction. The juicy chicken breast, malty bacon and spicy jalapeño pack so much flavor in each mouth-popping bite. They have the right amount of salt and heat and they’re fulfilling, unlike crudité.
For a milder taste, use jalapeño from a jar. However, if you want a little Zestuous in your life, use fresh jalapeños for some extra kick. Bon appétit!
Spicy Chicken Jalapeño Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breasts
- 1 lb. bacon
- 2 fresh jalapenos
Instructions
- PREP: Cut the chicken into one-inch pieces. Cut the bacon in half. Slice the jalapeños into rings or small pieces.
- ASSEMBLE: Lay out a piece of bacon. Place a piece of chicken and a jalapeño on top.
- FOLD: Fold over one side of bacon and then the other side to wrap everything inside and secure with a toothpick.
- PLACE: Place the bites onto a parchment paper—or foil-lined sheet pan or broiler pan. Make sure the pan has a rim so the grease doesn’t slide off.
- BAKE: Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes.
- SERVE: Serve warm or cold.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Ingredients for jalapeño popper chicken
- Chicken. I used skinless chicken breasts for a tender bite, but you could use boneless skinless chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken or chicken tenders.
- Bacon. Regular, thick cut or turkey bacon can all be used.
- Jalapeños. Canned or fresh will work here depending on your preference.
See the full recipe card for servings and a full list of ingredients.
How to make this jalapeño chicken recipe
- Prep: Cut the chicken into one-inch pieces. Cut the bacon in half. Slice the jalapeños into rings or small pieces.
✔️ PRO TIP
You can use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness prior to slicing. This will ensure that everything cooks at the same rate.
- Assemble: Lay out a piece of bacon. Place a piece of chicken and a jalapeño on top.
✔️ PRO TIP
PRO TIP: For extra flavor, sear chicken until the edges turn golden brown before assembling.
- Fold: Fold over one side of bacon and then the other side to wrap everything inside and secure with a toothpick.
- Place: Place the bites onto a parchment paper—or foil-lined sheet pan or broiler pan. Make sure the pan has a rim so the grease doesn’t slide off.
- Bake: Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm or cold.
How to serve jalapeño chicken bites
The good thing about these bites of heaven is that they can be used sooo many ways. I discovered them at a party and they’re one of my go-to appetizer recipes thanks to how easy and adorable they are to make. I think these would be great with a side of sesame oil and sea salt with sesame seeds like they serve at Korean BBQ or make a creamy jalapeño sauce for dipping.
You could serve this atop basmati rice, brown rice or cauliflower rice alongside roasted vegetables like these charred Brussels sprouts or roasted carrots. Toss chicken with pasta or leafy greens for a little more protein and spice. I love having these on hand since we all need a few quick meals up our sleeves.
Storage
These chicken bites can be served warm or cold. Store in an airtight container for up to three days for leftovers or freeze for several months and heat in the oven whenever you need an easy dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can turn these into jalapeño peppers by adding a thin layer of cream cheese to the bacon before adding the chicken and jalapeño.
I say a little salt, black pepper and garlic powder would go a long way with this recipe, but you can add lime juice, fresh cilantro or a little cayenne pepper too!
This dish looks so delicious and what a combination of ingredients! Chicken/Jalapeno inside a bacon wrap — Yumm! Pass the cold beer please. 🙂
These look fantastic! I can’t wait to make some!