Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs Recipe
These Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are flavorful, juicy chicken meatballs infused with ranch seasoning, stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection, and finished under the broiler for a cheesy topping. They make a delicious appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 chicken bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ranch seasoning mix, egg, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Bombs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Oil: Lightly spray the bombs with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil to help with browning and to keep them moist while baking.
- Bake: Bake the chicken bombs in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and golden brown on the outside.
- Top with Cheese and Broil: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and top each bomb with shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh or dried parsley over the bombs for a fresh touch and serve them warm as a tasty appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- For an extra crispy exterior, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to substitute the ranch seasoning with your favorite seasoning blends or make your own homemade ranch mix.
- Ensure the chicken bombs are cooked through by using a meat thermometer to check for the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- You can prepare the bombs ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken mixture.
Keywords: chicken bombs, ranch chicken meatballs, mozzarella chicken bites, baked chicken appetizer, party snacks, easy chicken recipe