Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if you want the bacon to crisp evenly on all sides.
Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a shallow bowl, combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the spices are evenly mixed with the sugar. This blend creates the perfect balance of sweet heat and smoky flavor.
Wrap the Chicken: Cut the bacon slices in half to match the size of the chicken cubes. Wrap each piece of chicken with a half strip of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed to keep it in place.
Coat with the Spice Mix: Roll or dip each bacon-wrapped chicken piece in the brown sugar and spice mixture, making sure it’s well coated on all sides. The sugar caramelizes beautifully during baking for that signature glaze.
Arrange for Baking: Place the coated bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow air to circulate for even cooking.
Bake and Flip: Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully flip each bite using tongs. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory!
