BBQ Bacon Chicken Bombs
BBQ Bacon Chicken Bombs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce all wrapped up in one delicious bite. These little bundles…
Tip: save now, cook later.BBQ Bacon Chicken Bombs are a fun and tasty way to enjoy juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce all wrapped up in one delicious bite. These little bundles are packed with flavor and have a perfect balance of crispy and tender textures that make every mouthful super satisfying.
I love making these for game day or any get-together because they’re easy to grab and always a crowd-pleaser. My favorite tip is to use a bit more barbecue sauce inside so each bite stays juicy and full of that smoky sweetness. Wrapping the chicken tightly in bacon also helps lock in the flavors and keeps everything nice and moist.
When I serve these BBQ Bacon Chicken Bombs, I like to pair them with a simple side of coleslaw or some crunchy pickles to cut through the richness. They’re great as appetizers or even as a main dish when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. Everyone always asks for the recipe, and I’m pretty sure these little bombs could become a family favorite in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: I like using boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer leaner meat, you can swap with chicken breasts, but watch cooking times to avoid dryness.
Cream cheese & cheddar: These add creaminess and gooey texture to the filling. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder taste or use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best to keep everything wrapped tight and crispy. If you want less fat, try turkey bacon, though it won’t be as crisp.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. Feel free to adjust sweetness or spice level to match your taste buds.
How Do You Get the Bacon Crispy Without Burning the Chicken?
Wrapping chicken with bacon and baking it can be tricky because bacon can burn before the chicken is cooked. Here’s how to get perfectly cooked, crispy bacon without burning the chicken:
- Use thick-cut bacon—it crisps slower and holds up better.
- Wrap bacon tightly around the chicken to keep it secure and avoid flare-ups.
- Bake on a wire rack so fat drips off and heat circulates evenly.
- Start baking at a moderate oven temp like 400°F (204°C) and watch closely the last 10 minutes.
- Brush BBQ sauce near the end to avoid sugars burning early.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with wire rack – lets air circulate so bacon crisps evenly without sitting in grease.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining the cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and BBQ sauce smoothly.
- Sharp knife – helps you trim chicken thighs and cut bacon strips if needed.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your chicken is safely cooked to 165°F without guessing.
- Pastry brush – makes it easy to coat the chicken bombs evenly with BBQ sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a little spicy kick inside each bomb.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mix for extra heat and crunch.
- Try ground sausage or chorizo instead of bacon bits inside for a different smoky flavor.
- Mix in some barbecue-seasoned mushrooms for a veggie twist that’s hearty and tasty.
BBQ Bacon Chicken Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bombs:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 3/4 inch thick)
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (reserve some for wrapping)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for glazing
- 12 strips thick-cut bacon (2 per chicken bomb)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30-35 minutes to bake. Then, allow 5 minutes to rest before serving. So overall, you’ll spend roughly 50 minutes from start to finish—a perfect mix of simple prep and hands-off baking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Tools:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup helps the bacon crisp up nicely as it cooks.
2. Make the Cheese and Bacon Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and half a cup of BBQ sauce until everything is well combined and creamy.
3. Season and Stuff the Chicken Thighs:
Lay out your chicken thighs flat on a cutting board. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides. Spoon an equal amount of the cheese and bacon mixture onto each thigh.
4. Roll and Wrap the Chicken Bombs:
Carefully roll each chicken thigh tightly around the filling. If needed, secure with toothpicks to keep the filling inside. Then, wrap each roll with two strips of thick-cut bacon, covering the entire roll. Tuck in the ends to seal.
5. Bake with BBQ Finish:
Place the bacon-wrapped chicken bombs on the wire rack. Brush generously with BBQ sauce. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). During the last 5 minutes, brush on more BBQ sauce for that delicious sticky glaze.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken bombs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy them hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Be sure to pound them to an even thickness and keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the chicken bombs and wrap them in bacon a few hours ahead or even the day before. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the bacon crispy and the filling warm.
What If I Don’t Have Thick-Cut Bacon?
You can use regular bacon, but it may be more delicate and cook faster. Wrap carefully and watch the cooking time to prevent burning. Alternatively, partial overlap of two strips can help cover the chicken fully.
