Ice Tray BBQ Chicken Bacon Bites
Transform ground chicken into smoky, cheesy BBQ bacon bites using an ice tray. This appetizer combines simple ingredients for a mouthwatering result.
Ice Tray BBQ Chicken Bacon Bites
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Category
Appetizer
Cuisine
Barbecue
Author:
This recipe comes to us from Casey Bard, CEO of Tacticalories Seasoning Co. and friend of Montana Knife Company.
Servings
24
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Calories
630
After years of grilling and smoking meat, I’ve learned that the simplest tools often yield the most mouthwatering results.
One day, staring at an ice cube tray in my kitchen, I had an idea: Could I turn this basic kitchen tool into a mold for perfect BBQ bites?
Thus, one of my most requested appetizers was born. These BBQ chicken bacon bites combine ground chicken, sharp cheese, and crispy bacon into perfectly portioned mouthfuls of smoky goodness.The ice tray method creates uniform bites that cook evenly and look professional every time.
Ingredients
To whip up these delicious BBQ chicken bacon bites, grab the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. of thin-sliced bacon (regular-cut works better than thick-cut here)
- 1 lb. of ground chicken
- 1/2 pound of pepper jack cheese
- 1 Tbsp. of your favorite barbecue seasoning (I use Tacticalories Adirondack Smoke BBQ Seasoning)
- 1 bottle of your favorite peach barbecue sauce (for me, it’s Tacticalories Pissed Off Peach BBQ Sauce)
- 1 jalapeño (for garnish)
- 2 standard ice cube trays
- Toothpicks
Directions
Start with a clean, sharp knife — you’ll need precise cuts to make these BBQ chicken bites look professional.
Prep your workspace:
Set your grill to 450°F.
- Clean and grease two ice cube trays.
- Slice your pepper jack into 1/2-inch cubes with a sharp knife.
Mix the meat:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with Adirondack Smoke BBQ Seasoning.
- Mix thoroughly (but don’t overwork the meat!).
Assemble your bites:
- Line each ice cube compartment with bacon, overlapping pieces to cover completely.
- Press bacon into corners, leaving overhanging edges.
- Fill each cavity halfway with seasoned chicken.
- Place a cheese cube in the center.
- Top with the remaining chicken mixture.
- Fold bacon edges over the top.
The flip (this is where the magic happens):
- Place a baking sheet over ice trays.
- Hold the tray and sheet together firmly.
- Flip in one smooth motion.
- Carefully lift the ice trays off.
Time to grill:
- Place the baking sheet on the grill.
- Cook for 30 minutes at 450°F.
- Brush with Pissed Off Peach BBQ Sauce.
- Cook an additional 15 minutes until bacon crisps.
- Top with jalapeño.
- Insert toothpicks.
- Slice into individual portions.
Recipe Note
Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe
Through countless batches and tweaks, I’ve discovered some tricks that’ll take your bacon-wrapped chicken bites from good to extraordinary.
The bacon wrap is critical. Keep it tight and uniform to prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking. I’ve found that regular-cut bacon provides better coverage than thick-cut, and it crisps more evenly.
Temperature control makes or breaks these BBQ chicken bites. At 450°F, the bacon renders perfectly while keeping the chicken juicy. Any hotter, and you risk burning the bacon before the chicken cooks through.
Don’t skip the resting period. Give these beauties five to 10 minutes after they come off the grill. This lets the cheese set slightly, making them easier to handle and even more delicious.
A sharp knife is your best friend, both for prepping ingredients and cutting the final product. Clean cuts make these BBQ chicken bites look as good as they taste.
