Savory Chicken Rumaki: A Healthy Twist on a Classic Appetizer

A light, elegant spin on the traditional rumaki! This version features tender chicken breast wrapped in lean turkey bacon with a hint of sweet brown sugar and savory water chestnuts. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a flavorful starter that’s both healthy and irresistible.

Lakmali

Chicken Rumaki (Healthy Twist)

This light and flavorful version of the classic rumaki replaces chicken livers with tender chicken breast and swaps regular bacon for lean turkey bacon — keeping all the taste with less fat. Perfect as a party appetizer or a special family snack, these little bites are sweet, savory, and completely irresistible.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Marinating Time: 4–8 hours 8 hours hrs

Servings: 16 people

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 0.9

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• ¼ tbsp cup orange or pineapple juice
• ¼ tbsp ground black pepper
• 4 slices lean turkey bacon
• Brown sugar (for coating)
• 16 water chestnut slices
• ¼ cup orange or pineapple juice
• ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp reduced-calorie, reduced-sodium ketchup
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 2 cloves Garlic minced

Equipment

• 1 Broiler pan or baking tray
• 1 Tongs
• 1 Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls (small and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpicks
• Shallow dish (for rolling in brown sugar)

Method

 

1. Preheat the broiler. Lightly coat your broiler rack with non-stick spray.

   Place the chicken breasts on the rack and broil about 4 inches from heat for 5 minutes. Flip and broil another 4–6 minutes or until cooked through.

   Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes, then cut into bite-sized cubes.

   In a medium bowl, combine orange/pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, and pepper.

   Add chicken and water chestnuts to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate 4 to 8 hours.

   When ready to cook, cut the turkey bacon into 16 strips. Drain the marinated chicken.

   For each piece, wrap a bacon strip around a chicken cube and a water chestnut. Secure with a toothpick.

   Roll each in brown sugar for a light glaze.

   Place on a broiler rack and broil 4 minutes per side until the bacon turns golden and slightly crisp.