Inspired by “devils on horseback,” a retro appetizer of bacon-wrapped dates, this simple chicken dinner with salty bacon and sweet chopped dates can be quickly made in an air fryer. (For easy cleanup, line the air fryer basket with parchment.) Serve with a simple green salad and rice, bread or potatoes.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Ingredients
Servings: 3–4
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 ounces bacon (about 4 thin strips), chopped
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce or chili paste, such as sambal oelek , sriracha or Cholula, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fine salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves or sliced scallions, for serving (optional)
- Green salad, for serving (optional)
- Cooked rice, crusty bread or roasted potatoes, for serving (optional)
Directions
Active:
15 mins|
Total: 25 mins
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Step 1
Set the air fryer to 400 degrees on the air fry setting and preheat for 5 minutes or until the appliance signals it’s ready. Trim the chicken of excess fat and cut into bite-size pieces.
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Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, hot sauce or chili paste, and olive oil, and season everything generously with salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix until thoroughly combined.
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Step 3
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, if desired. Transfer the chicken mixture to the basket and spread in a single layer. (It’s okay if the pieces are touching.) Air fry for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken and bacon start to crisp up and brown, shaking the basket once or twice during cooking. Scatter the dates over the mixture, and continue cooking until the chicken and bacon are well browned and crisp and the dates are softened and jammy, 3 to 5 minutes more. Garnish with parsley or scallions, if using, and serve hot, with a salad and rice, bread or potatoes, if desired.
Substitutions
Instead of chicken >> use boneless pork cut into bite-sized pieces.
If you don’t have bacon >> use pancetta or guanciale.
No dates? >> Use dried apricots.
To make it vegan >> use a block of cubed extra-firm tofu or 2 (15-ounce) cans drained chickpeas instead of the chicken and substitute 2 teaspoons smoked paprika for the bacon.
Variations
No air fryer? Roast the chicken mixture on a large sheet pan in a 425-degree oven for about 25 minutes.
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