Appetizers are popular during the holidays, especially at Christmas open houses and New Year's buffets. The idea for these Sesame Bacon Chicken Bites came to me during a brainstorm, and are now popular with my friends and family. They're simple to make, and can be assembled ahead and baked just before your guests arrive. You can use your favorite Oriental sauce for marinating, such as Yoshidas, or any brand of teriyaki or stir-fry sauce. Fresh pineapple is best, of course, but in a pinch, you can use a can of drained pineapple tidbits.

These appetizers are a little bit different from the norm, in that they are slightly crunchy from the sesame seeds, savory from the marinade, and a little sweet from the pineapple. A piece of partially cooked bacon is attached to the top with a toothpick, and the appetizers are baked just until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crisp. They do well in a chafing dish if you plan to serve them at a large party.

Approximately 36 appetizers

3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed of fat, veins, etc.
1/2 cup Yoshida's Sauce, or favorite Asian marinade

12 slices thick bacon

3 1/4" slices pineapple, cut into pieces about 1/2" x 1" x 1/4"

3/4 to 1 cup sesame seeds

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into pieces about 1" square; toss them in the sauce and set aside to marinate 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much time you have. If you marinate longer, they may be too strong depending on the sauce you use.
3. Meanwhile, place the bacon strips on a broiler pan; bake about 15 minutes, or until they are about half done.
4. Remove from the oven and cut each strip into 3 pieces.
5. Assembly: Place a pineapple piece on each chicken chunk.
6. Spear each with a toothpick to coat with sesame seeds, then use the same toothpick to secure the piece of bacon on top; the bacon will not be big enough to wrap around the chicken, but it helps to put the toothpick through both ends of the bacon. (This can be done several hours ahead; cover and refrigerate until 20-30 minutes before serving.)
7. Place the appetizers on a baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the chicken is barely done. Do not overcook.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 158 Calories from Fat 52
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 33% Protein 29% Carb. 38%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 28 mg
Sodium 158 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 2 g
Protein 11 g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 27% Calcium 0% Iron 5%