Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs

$- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce) - 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs - Olive oil spray - Fresh chives, finely chopped The star of this dish is the ground chicken. It provides a juicy base that pairs well with the cheese. The shredded mozzarella melts beautifully inside, adding creaminess. Cream cheese makes the mixture rich and smooth. Ranch dressing mix gives a burst of flavor that ties everything together. Using cooked, crumbled bacon is optional, but it adds a delicious crunch and saltiness. It’s a fun touch for anyone who loves bacon. The flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs create a crispy outer layer when baked. These ingredients work together to give the chicken bombs great flavor and texture. If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding some spices. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the taste. You could also mix in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist. Another fun option is to add diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture for extra color and crunch. Each of these options can give your Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs a unique flair. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1 packet of ranch dressing mix. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until smooth. This mixture is where the magic happens. The ranch adds a tasty kick, and the cream cheese keeps it moist. Next, take a scoop of the chicken mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Roll it into a round ball using your hands. Make sure to compact it well so it holds its shape. Repeat this until you shape all the mixture into balls. Place the balls on a clean plate. This is a fun part! You can let your kids help with this step if you like. Now, set up your breading station. In one shallow bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. In a second bowl, pour in 2 beaten large eggs. In a third bowl, place 2 cups of Italian-style breadcrumbs. Take each chicken ball and roll it in the flour first. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it into the eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat it well. This step gives your chicken bombs a nice crispy finish. Arrange the coated bombs on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. To get the best texture for your Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs, follow these steps: - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ground chicken and cheese provide better flavor and moisture. - Don’t overmix: Mix the chicken mixture gently. This keeps the bombs tender. - Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Breading can make or break your chicken bombs. Here’s how to get that crunchy coating: - Set up a breading station: Use three bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. - Coat well: Roll each chicken ball in flour first, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs. This helps the coating stick. - Press the breadcrumbs: Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken balls. This ensures a thick, crunchy layer. - Spray with olive oil: A light spray on top before baking helps achieve a golden finish. Make your chicken bombs even better with these serving tips: - Serve with ranch dressing: A small bowl of ranch dressing makes a great dip. - Garnish with chives: Fresh chives add color and a nice onion flavor. - Add crumbled bacon: Top with bacon for a smoky crunch. - Pair with veggies: Serve with fresh veggies for a balanced plate. These tricks ensure your Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs are a hit at any gathering! Pro Tips Mix Thoroughly: Make sure to mix the chicken and cheese mixture until it's completely smooth. This ensures an even distribution of flavors in every bite. Don’t Overcrowd: When baking, arrange the chicken bombs with enough space between them. This allows for even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Serve Fresh: These chicken bombs are best served immediately after baking for optimal crispiness. Consider making them just before your guests arrive! {{image_4}} You can add heat with spicy mozzarella ranch chicken bombs. Start by mixing in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the chicken mix. This will give each bite a nice kick. You can also swap regular ranch dressing for spicy ranch to boost the flavor even more. These spicy bombs work great for game day snacks or gatherings. If you want a meatless option, try using plant-based ground chicken. This works well with the same cheese and ranch dressing mix. You can also add chopped spinach or mushrooms for more taste. These vegetarian bombs are just as fun and tasty. They fit perfectly for parties or as a unique snack. Dips make everything better. You can serve your mozzarella ranch chicken bombs with a variety of dips. Classic ranch dressing is a favorite. Blue cheese or salsa also works well. For a fresh twist, try a yogurt-based dip with herbs. Each dip adds a new layer of flavor to your bites. Experiment with different ones to find your favorite! To keep your Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This will help keep the flavors intact and the texture good. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken bombs on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warm. This method helps keep the outside crispy and the inside juicy. You can also use the microwave, but that may make them a bit soggy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken bombs cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat. This way, you can enjoy them anytime! You can use ground turkey or ground beef in place of ground chicken. Both options work well. Ground turkey is leaner and has a milder taste. Ground beef adds a richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if needed. Mix it with mozzarella and ranch for a tasty treat. Yes, you can prepare these chicken bombs ahead of time. Form the balls and keep them in the fridge for up to one day. This way, they stay fresh and ready to bake. You can also freeze them. To freeze, place the shaped balls on a tray and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a bag. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer. To check if the chicken bombs are done, look for a golden brown color. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a bomb. It should read 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be no longer pink and the cheese should be melty. Enjoy your tasty treats! This blog explored each step to make delicious chicken bombs. We discussed key ingredients and how to mix them. I also shared tips for the best texture and serving ideas. Variations lets you try different flavors, too. Remember, store leftovers well for later enjoyment. With this guide, you can create tasty meals. Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to experiment!$

Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs

Delicious chicken bombs filled with mozzarella and ranch flavors, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional, for topping and garnish)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
to taste olive oil spray (for a crispy finish)
to taste fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing mix. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth.
With your hands, scoop out a portion of the chicken mixture, about the size of a golf ball, and shape it into a round ball. Continue this process until you have formed all the mixture into balls, placing them on a clean plate as you go.
Create a breading setup: In one shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In a second bowl, pour in the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, place the Italian-style breadcrumbs.
Take each chicken ball and roll it in the flour, ensuring it is evenly coated and shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off before transferring it to the breadcrumbs. Coat each ball thoroughly, pressing gently to secure the breadcrumbs.
Arrange the coated chicken bombs on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to promote a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken bombs are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once out of the oven, if you choose, sprinkle the warm chicken bombs with crumbled bacon for an extra savory touch. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped chives to add a burst of color before serving.

Notes

Serve with ranch dressing for dipping and garnish with chives.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, mozzarella, ranch