BEST BBQ APPETIZER! Bacon Wrapped Chicken Cheese Bites

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories

Clean up the chicken thighs by trimming off excess fat.

Cut the chicken thighs into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces.

Cut the pepper jack and havarti cheese into bite-sized pieces as well.

Cut the bacon in half.

Wrap each chicken piece with a piece of cheese and then wrap it with a half slice of bacon, securing it with another half slice of bacon if desired.

Season the bacon-wrapped chicken bites with your favorite pork sweet rub on both sides.

Preheat the pellet smoker to 300°F.

Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bites on the smoker and close the lid.

Prepare the glaze by mixing 2/3 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

After approximately 52 minutes of cooking, check the internal temperature of the chicken bites, aiming for 165°F.

Once the chicken bites reach the desired temperature, dip them in the glaze to coat them.

Return the glazed chicken bites to the smoker for an additional 15 minutes to set the glaze.

After a total cooking time of about 1 hour and 20 minutes, remove the chicken bites from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens