Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs

Growing up, my family had a beloved tradition of hosting epic backyard barbecues every summer. While the burgers and ribs were always crowd-pleasers, it was my Aunt Gina’s famous “Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs” that were the real stars of the show. I can still remember the way the sweet and spicy aroma would waft through the air, luring everyone to the patio like a siren song.

Aunt Gina would spend all day carefully preparing these little flavor bombs, meticulously stuffing each crispy tater tot with a heavenly mixture of juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a kick of Sriracha-spiked honey. As she’d pull the golden brown bites fresh from the oven, we’d practically trip over each other trying to be the first ones to get our hands on them. One bite and it was instant euphoria – the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and heat that would have us going back for seconds, thirds, and more until our bellies were ready to burst.

Those Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of simpler summer days filled with good food, great company, and even better memories. And you know what? I’m convinced that this recipe is destined to become your new go-to party appetizer or game day snack too.

Why This Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs

What makes this Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs recipe so special is the way it expertly combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors into one incredibly crave-worthy bite. The key is in the perfect harmony of the honey-Sriracha glaze, which coats the juicy shredded chicken and crispy bacon before being nestled into a crispy tater tot shell. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth that you won’t be able to get enough of.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

– Tater tots – The crispy, golden brown exterior provides the perfect vessel for all the amazing flavors.
– Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Dark meat chicken stays nice and juicy when shredded.
– Bacon – Crispy, salty bacon is the perfect complement to the sweet and spicy sauce.
– Honey – A touch of honey balances out the heat from the Sriracha.
– Sriracha – This beloved Thai chili sauce adds a nice kick of heat.
– Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs Instructions

Preparing Your Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs

These Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs are surprisingly easy to make, coming together in just about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a large skillet, a baking sheet, and a few simple kitchen tools to get the job done. Let’s get started!

1- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the tater tots out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool slightly before crumbling or chopping it into small pieces.
3- In the same skillet, cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks and transfer it to a large bowl.
4- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Sriracha until well combined. Pour the honey-Sriracha mixture over the shredded chicken and toss to coat evenly.
5- Using a small spoon or your fingers, stuff each tater tot with a heaping teaspoon of the Honey Sriracha Chicken mixture, pressing it in to compact it.
6- Bake the stuffed tater tots for 15-18 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Success

The key to perfect Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs is to make sure you don’t overstuff the tater tots. Aim for just a heaping teaspoon of the chicken mixture per tot to ensure they bake up crispy on the outside. Also, be sure to use dark meat chicken thighs rather than white meat breasts – the thighs stay much juicier and more flavorful when shredded.

Serving and Storing Your Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs

Perfect Pairings for Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs

These Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs make the ultimate game day snack or party appetizer. Serve them up with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing summer cocktail for the perfect flavor pairing. They’d also be amazing alongside a fresh green salad or some creamy coleslaw for a more well-rounded meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftover Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy again. You can also make the chicken filling in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to stuff and bake the tater tots. This is a great way to streamline the prep work!

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs

Creative Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs Variations

Feel free to get creative with this Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs recipe! Try swapping in different types of protein like shredded pork or diced ham. You could also experiment with different cheese fillings like cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese. And for a seasonal twist, try mixing in some diced roasted sweet potatoes or cranberries around the holidays.

Making Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs Diet-Friendly

To make this recipe a bit more diet-friendly, you could use cauliflower tots or zucchini tots in place of the traditional potato tots. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in gluten-free tater tots. And to make it vegan, use plant-based “chicken” and leave out the bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: While you certainly can use chicken breasts, I highly recommend sticking with dark meat chicken thighs for this recipe. The thighs stay much juicier and more flavorful when shredded, which is key for these Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs.

Q: How long do the tater tots need to bake?
A: The stuffed tater tots need to bake for 15-18 minutes at 400°F, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to stuff and bake the tater tots. You can also bake the stuffed tater tots in advance and reheat them in the oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Q: How many Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 24-26 stuffed tater tots, depending on how generously you fill each one. It’s a great shareable appetizer or snack that’s sure to satisfy a crowd.

Q: What if the tater tots get soggy?
A: If your Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs come out a bit soggy, try baking them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet instead of directly on the pan. This will allow any excess moisture to drip away and help keep the tots extra crispy.

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Conclusion

There’s just something so irresistible about the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors of these Honey Sriracha Chicken Bacon Tater Bombs. Whether you’re serving them up at your next backyard barbecue or enjoying them as a game day snack, I guarantee they’ll be the hit of the party. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your friends and family with this flavor-packed recipe. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out in the comments below!