Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs
Crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy inside—these bite-sized chicken bites are addictive!
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
1. Season & Marinate
- In a bowl, toss chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add ranch dressing, coating each piece well. Let sit 10 mins (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
2. Cheese Stuffing
- Press 1 tsp mozzarella into the center of each chicken cube, folding the meat around it to seal.
3. Breadcrumb Coating
- Mix panko + Parmesan (if using) in a shallow bowl.
- Roll each stuffed chicken piece in the crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake or Air Fry
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place on a greased rack or baking sheet. Spray with oil. Bake 12-15 mins until golden and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Air Fryer: Spray basket, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 mins, shaking halfway.
5. Serve
- Dunk in extra ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Extra crispy: Double-coat in breadcrumbs (dip in beaten egg first).
- Spicy kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne to the seasoning mix.
- Make ahead: Assemble unbaked bombs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
💡 Flavor Twists
- Buffalo style: Toss cooked bombs in hot sauce + melted butter.
- Italian vibe: Swap ranch for marinara and use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
These gooey, crunchy, and flavorful bites are perfect for game day or kids’ dinners! Let us know how you customize them. 😋🍗🧀
