Introduction
Looking for a delicious appetizer or a fun main dish? These Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are bite-sized morsels of melty cheese and savory chicken wrapped in crunchy breadcrumb goodness. Perfect for a family dinner or a party snack, these bombs are sure to be a hit!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2.5 g salt
– 2.5 g black pepper
– 2.5 g garlic powder
– 2.5 g onion powder
– 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
– 60 ml ranch dressing
– 110 g panko breadcrumbs
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
To prepare these delicious bites, start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, take each piece of chicken and stuff it with a small amount of mozzarella cheese, wrapping it tightly to encase the cheese.
Next, dip each piece in ranch dressing to coat thoroughly, then roll in panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunchy exterior. Place the coated chicken bombs on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). This will ensure that your chicken bombs cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy exterior. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, take the bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated in the flavorful seasoning.
Step 3: Stuffing the Chicken
Take each seasoned chicken piece and make a small incision or pocket in the center. Stuff each piece with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure to wrap the chicken around the cheese tightly, sealing it in to prevent any leaks during cooking.
Step 4: Coat with Ranch Dressing
Dip each stuffed chicken bomb into the ranch dressing, ensuring that it is completely covered. This not only adds flavor but also helps the breadcrumbs adhere better.
Step 5: Roll in Breadcrumbs
After coating in ranch dressing, roll each chicken bomb in panko breadcrumbs. Ensure they are fully coated for that desired crunch when baked. The panko will give the bombs a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the melted cheese and tender chicken.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken bombs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart slightly to allow for even cooking and airflow around each piece.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the chicken bombs for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the chicken inside is cooked through and juicy.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the chicken bombs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This step is vital as it allows the cheese to set slightly, making the bombs easier to handle when serving.
Notes
Tip for Cheese Lovers
For an even cheesier experience, feel free to add extra mozzarella inside the chicken bombs or incorporate a different cheese such as cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
Ranch Dressing Alternatives
If ranch dressing is not your preference, try using a different type of dressing, such as blue cheese or a spicy sriracha sauce, for a fun twist on the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken bombs pair wonderfully with a side of fresh veggies, a light salad, or even some dipping sauces like marinara or additional ranch for added flavor.
Leftover Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed cold as a snack or reheated in the oven until warm for the best taste.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Chicken
Properly seasoning the chicken enhances its flavor. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a well-balanced taste that penetrates through the chicken.
Stuffing
Make sure to stuff each piece of chicken with an adequate amount of mozzarella cheese. Be cautious to fully enclose the cheese to prevent it from leaking during cooking.
Dipping in Ranch Dressing
Coating the chicken in ranch dressing not only adds flavor but also helps the breadcrumbs adhere better, creating a crispier outer layer.
Coating with Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra crunch due to their larger size and airy texture. Roll each chicken piece thoroughly to ensure even coverage for a consistent crispy coating.
Baking
Bake the chicken bombs in a preheated oven to ensure they cook evenly. Monitor them closely during the last few minutes to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture, but they may require slightly longer cooking time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bombs in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just make sure to bake them right before serving.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella blends for different flavors.
What dipping sauce pairs well with these chicken bombs?
Apart from ranch dressing, you can serve them with marinara sauce, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for a tasty twist.
How do I ensure my chicken bombs stay crispy?
Make sure to bake them on a lined baking sheet without overcrowding. Allowing space between the pieces ensures proper air circulation, resulting in a crispy coating.
Conclusion
Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are a delightful way to enjoy tender chicken with the rich flavor of gooey cheese. Their crispy exterior combined with the savory ranch dressing makes them a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether served at a family dinner or as a party treat, these bombs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Buffalo Chicken Bombs
Swap out the ranch for buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Stuff the chicken with shredded cheese and add a drizzle of blue cheese dressing after baking for a delicious twist.
Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Bombs
Mix cooked spinach and artichoke with mozzarella cheese and cream cheese for a creamy filling. Perfect for a vegetarian option!
BBQ Chicken Bombs
Use BBQ sauce instead of ranch and incorporate some diced jalapeños for an extra flavor burst. Pair with coleslaw for a complete meal!
Caprese Chicken Bombs
Stuff the chicken with mozzarella, fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes, and drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking for an Italian flair.
Southwestern Chicken Bombs
Add black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers to the chicken for a Southwestern-style filling. Serve with salsa for dipping.
