Looking for the perfect appetizer that brings the heat and the sweet? These Spicy and Sweet Chicken Bites are glazed with a delicious pepper jelly sauce that’s sticky, flavorful, and completely addictive. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a game day spread, or just want a fun twist on chicken for dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

The best part? They’re easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep. Plus, they’re bite-sized and served with toothpicks — perfect for effortless snacking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and spicy balance: The pepper jelly gives just the right kick without being overpowering.
Perfect for parties: These are great finger foods for gatherings, potlucks, or family nights.
Quick and easy: Minimal prep, short cooking time, and a big flavor payoff.

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup sweet heat pepper jelly
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Toothpicks (for serving)

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the pepper jelly, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time for deeper flavor.

3. Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely glazed.

4. Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and insert toothpicks for easy grabbing.

10 Tips for Success with Spicy and Sweet Chicken Bites

Use High-Quality Chicken:
Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) work best for tender, juicy bites.
Cut Even-Sized Pieces:
Try to cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor:
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, up to 2 hours gives even better flavor.
Line Your Baking Sheet:
Parchment paper helps the glaze stay on the chicken instead of sticking to the pan — plus it makes cleanup easy!
Flip Halfway Through Baking:
Flipping the chicken bites helps them cook evenly and creates a beautiful, shiny glaze on all sides.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
Give the chicken pieces a little space so they roast instead of steaming. This helps them caramelize and get sticky.
Adjust the Heat Level:
Like it spicier? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Warm the Pepper Jelly Slightly:
If your pepper jelly is very thick, microwaving it for 10–15 seconds makes it easier to mix into a smooth marinade.
Garnish Right Before Serving:
Sprinkle the green onions just before serving to keep them fresh, crisp, and colorful.
Double the Recipe for a Crowd:
These chicken bites disappear fast! If you’re serving more than a few people, it’s smart to double the batch.

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun and tasty ways to change the flavor or style of your Spicy and Sweet Chicken Bites:

1. Use Chicken Thighs

Swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier and more flavorful bite.

2. Grill Instead of Bake

Fire up the grill! Skewer the marinated chicken pieces and grill them over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade for maximum flavor.

3. Add Pineapple Chunks

Thread a pineapple chunk onto a toothpick with each chicken bite for a tropical twist that balances the spice perfectly.

4. Make it Extra Spicy

Mix a little Sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños into the marinade for a bigger kick.

5. Honey Pepper Glaze

If you can’t find pepper jelly, use a mixture of honey and a few dashes of hot sauce as a sweet and spicy glaze alternative.

6. Breaded Chicken Bites

Lightly coat the chicken pieces in seasoned flour before marinating for a slightly crispy exterior after baking.

7. Serve Over Rice

Instead of serving as an appetizer, turn this into a meal by serving the chicken bites over steamed white rice or jasmine rice.

8. Air Fryer Version

Cook the marinated chicken bites in the air fryer at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, for quicker cooking and crispier edges.

9. Asian-Inspired Twist

Add a splash of sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the marinade for an Asian-inspired flavor.

10. Buffalo Style

Substitute half of the pepper jelly with buffalo wing sauce for a sweet, spicy, and tangy buffalo flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spicy and Sweet Chicken Bites

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful — a great substitute.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, but for best texture, bake right before serving.

3. How spicy are these chicken bites?

It depends on the pepper jelly you use. You can choose mild, medium, or hot versions based on your preference.

4. Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely! Add crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños if you want it hotter.

5. What if I can’t find sweet heat pepper jelly?

You can substitute with regular pepper jelly, apricot preserves mixed with hot sauce, or even honey mixed with red pepper flakes.

6. Can I grill these chicken bites?

Yes! Skewer them and grill over medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes per side.

7. Can I cook them in the air fryer?

Yes — air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

8. Do I need to flip them while baking?

Yes, flipping halfway helps the chicken cook evenly and glaze beautifully.

9. Can I freeze them?

Cooked chicken bites can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

11. How do I reheat them?

Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until warmed through, about 5–7 minutes.

12. Can I serve these cold?

They’re best warm, but they can be served at room temperature for parties.

13. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a bigger baking sheet or bake in batches so they don’t overcrowd.

14. What sides go well with these bites?

Rice, salad, roasted veggies, or even a fruit platter pair nicely.

15. Are these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce (like Tamari) and double-check your pepper jelly ingredients to keep it gluten-free.

16. What kind of pepper jelly should I use?

Any brand you like! Look for “sweet heat,” “red pepper jelly,” or “jalapeño jelly” varieties.

17. Can I add vegetables?

Yes — you can bake or grill veggies like bell peppers or pineapple chunks alongside the chicken.

18. Can I make these bites bigger or smaller?

Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time — smaller pieces cook faster, larger pieces need a little more time.

19. How do I make them look more festive for parties?

Sprinkle with extra chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for a colorful finish.

20. Can I use a different protein?

Yes! This glaze also works wonderfully with shrimp, pork bites, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.