Million Dollar chicken Crostini offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors layered on crisp, golden baguette rounds, making it an ideal appetizer for parties, gatherings, or an elegant snack.

Table of Contents

This recipe combines creamy goat cheese, sticky candied chicken, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to create a treat that looks impressive yet comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this dish is guaranteed to delight guests and leave them asking for more.

Million Dollar chicken Crostini

George Law

These Million Dollar chicken Crostini combine creamy goat cheese, candied chicken, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on crisp toasted baguette slices. A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes them a show-stopping appetizer for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Gourmet

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

baking sheet
wire rack
mixing bowl
tongs
brush
knife and cutting board

Ingredients

8 slices thick-cut chicken
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 fresh baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper (for crostini)
4 ounces goat cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional, for milder flavor)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for drizzle)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Brush baguette slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, water, black pepper, cayenne, and optional red pepper flakes. Coat each chicken slice thoroughly in the mixture.
Arrange chicken on the wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and crisp. Cool on the rack, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Brush baguette slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
Spread goat cheese (mixed with cream cheese if desired) onto each toasted crostini.
Top each crostini with chopped candied chicken and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Garnish with fresh herbs or candied pecans, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For the best flavor, bake the chicken on a wire rack to ensure even caramelization and crisp texture. Use full-fat goat cheese for maximum creaminess, and drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy twist. Serve at room temperature for the best texture contrast between crispy crostini and creamy topping.

Keyword candied chicken bites, crostini appetizer, goat cheese crostini, million dollar chicken

Ingredients That Elevate the Dish

The star ingredient is the Million Dollar chicken a thick-cut chicken coated with a unique blend of brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne, and optional red pepper flakes for an extra kick. The brown sugar caramelizes during baking, creating a sweet, crunchy coating that perfectly balances the smoky and spicy notes of the chicken. Baking the chicken on a wire rack allows the fat to drip away and ensures the chicken becomes beautifully crisp and caramelized, offering a delectable texture.

The crostini base is made from a fresh baguette sliced into uniform rounds. These slices are brushed with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper before toasting to golden perfection. The olive oil adds richness and prevents the bread from drying out during the toasting process.

Creamy goat cheese is the perfect counterbalance to the smoky sweetness of the chicken. For those who prefer a milder flavor, mixing in a bit of cream cheese softens the tanginess, making the dish more approachable for all palates. The final touch of honey, maple syrup, or hot honey drizzle adds a luscious sticky sweetness that ties all the flavors together and provides a beautiful glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, water, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Dredge each chicken strip in this mixture, ensuring every inch is coated, then lay the strips evenly on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup helps the chicken crisp evenly as the fat drips through the rack.
Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through cooking to ensure both sides caramelize beautifully. The chicken should be crisp but not burnt, with a sticky, glistening finish from the brown sugar coating. Once done, let the chicken cool on the rack before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Next, brush the baguette slices generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toast the slices in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once, until they are golden, crispy, and slightly crunchy to the bite. For an added layer of flavor, rub the toasted slices with a cut garlic clove while they are still warm this infuses a subtle garlic aroma without overpowering the dish.
Spread a thick layer of goat cheese onto each crostini, then pile on the chopped candied chicken. Drizzle your choice of maple syrup, honey, or hot honey on top to add extra sweetness and a beautiful shine. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as thyme or chives, or add a sprinkle of candied pecans to introduce a crunch contrast to every bite.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

This recipe offers plenty of room for personalization. For instance, adding smoked paprika or brushing maple syrup on the chicken after baking introduces a wonderful smoky or extra sweet note. Use cream cheese mixed with goat cheese for a milder, creamier texture.
For those who love spice, the optional red pepper flakes can be increased or substituted with a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky heat. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, replace chicken with crispy caramelized nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture and sweetness.
Serve these crostini at room temperature alongside a crisp salad to complement the rich flavors. They make perfect cocktail party bites or an elegant appetizer for holiday dinners.

Nutritional Information

Each crostini provides a balanced snack with approximately 180 calories, containing 10 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of protein. This makes it a satisfying yet not overly heavy appetizer choice.

Conclusion: An Easy Gourmet Treat

Million Dollar chicken Crostini transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, irresistible appetizer. Its perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors makes it a standout dish that impresses every time. Whether cooking for friends, family, or special occasions, this recipe is an excellent choice for quick gourmet entertaining that tastes as good as it looks.