Ice tray BBQ chicken bacon bites being prepared with seasoned meat and bacon strips.

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

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

Cuisine

Barbecue

Category

Appetizer

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.

Ice Tray BBQ Chicken Bacon Bites

Ingredients

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    • 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

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        1. Set your grill to 450°F.

        2. Clean and grease two ice cube trays.
        3. Slice your pepper jack into 1/2-inch cubes with a sharp knife.

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        1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with Adirondack Smoke BBQ Seasoning.
        2. Mix thoroughly (but don’t overwork the meat!).

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        1. Line each ice cube compartment with bacon, overlapping pieces to cover completely.
        2. Press bacon into corners, leaving overhanging edges.
        3. Fill each cavity halfway with seasoned chicken.
        4. Place a cheese cube in the center.
        5. Top with the remaining chicken mixture.
        6. Fold bacon edges over the top.

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        1. Place a baking sheet over ice trays.
        2. Hold the tray and sheet together firmly.
        3. Flip in one smooth motion.
        4. Carefully lift the ice trays off.

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        1. Place the baking sheet on the grill.
        2. Cook for 30 minutes at 450°F.
        3. Brush with Pissed Off Peach BBQ Sauce.
        4. Cook an additional 15 minutes until bacon crisps.
        5. Top with jalapeño.
        6. Insert toothpicks.
        7. Slice into individual portions.

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