Name: Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup ranch seasoning mix; 8 slices bacon; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re a fan of crispy, cheesy, and full-of-flavor chicken bites, then these Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are going to rock your world! Imagine tender chicken wrapped around gooey mozzarella, all seasoned with the zesty goodness of ranch – then baked to perfection. They’re everything you could ever want in a snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner. Trust me, you’re going to devour these!

Why You’ll Love Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs

These chicken bombs are a total game-changer when it comes to satisfying your cheesy cravings. Here’s why they’ll be your new favorite:

Versatile: Whether you serve them as an appetizer for your next get-together or as a hearty main dish, these chicken bombs work for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients, you can make a whole batch of these delicious bombs without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: They come together in a flash! It’s the perfect recipe when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the seasoning or add some spicy jalapeños inside for an extra kick.
Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is sure to impress everyone, from kids to adults. Everyone loves cheesy, crispy chicken, and these bombs hit the spot every time.

Ingredients in Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible chicken bombs that are crispy on the outside and melty on the inside:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect vessel for all that cheesy goodness. They stay juicy and tender when baked, making every bite a flavor-packed experience.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star ingredient that makes these bombs so ooey-gooey. Melted mozzarella brings the perfect creamy texture to each bite.
Ranch Seasoning: A tangy and herby seasoning mix that gives the chicken bombs their signature ranch flavor.
Garlic Powder: For an extra layer of savory goodness.
Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken bombs that irresistible crispy coating when baked.
Egg: Used to coat the chicken before dipping in breadcrumbs for that golden, crunchy exterior.
Olive Oil: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully and adds a little richness to the chicken.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these cheesy, ranch-infused chicken bombs:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken bombs cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into smaller portions, around 2-3 pieces per breast, depending on your size preference. Use a mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This will help the cheese melt evenly and ensure every bite is perfectly juicy.

Stuff the Chicken: Sprinkle some ranch seasoning inside each piece of chicken and place a piece of mozzarella in the center. Fold the chicken around the cheese to form a tight, secure little bundle. You want to make sure all that melty cheese stays tucked inside.

Coat the Chicken: Beat the egg in a shallow dish. In another dish, combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Dip each chicken bomb first into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.

Bake to Perfection: Place the chicken bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops to help them crisp up as they bake. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.

Finishing Touches: Once they’re done, let the chicken bombs rest for a couple of minutes. The cheese will still be hot and gooey, so take a moment before you dive in.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy these cheesy, crispy chicken bombs! Pair them with a side of ranch dipping sauce or your favorite veggies for the perfect meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350-400 (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs

These chicken bombs are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:

Serve with a Side Salad: A fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken bombs.
Dipping Sauce: Try serving them with extra ranch or buffalo sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or green beans are a great side to balance out the richness of the chicken bombs.

Additional Tips

Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, you can add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes inside the chicken with the mozzarella for an extra kick.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the chicken bombs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before baking for the best results.
Leftovers: These chicken bombs are delicious the next day. Reheat them in the oven to keep that crispy exterior intact.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully, and they’ll give you even more juiciness!

2. Can I make these chicken bombs without breadcrumbs?
If you prefer, you can skip the breadcrumbs and bake the chicken bombs as is. The cheese will still melt beautifully inside.

3. Can I prepare these chicken bombs in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This also gives the flavors a little extra time to develop.

4. How do I know when the chicken bombs are fully cooked?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.

5. Can I freeze these chicken bombs?
Yes! Freeze them before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

6. Can I add other fillings to the chicken bombs?
Of course! Try adding some cooked spinach, bacon bits, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost.

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken bombs?
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy.

8. Can I make these without ranch seasoning?
Yes! You can swap the ranch seasoning for any other seasoning mix you like – garlic herb or Italian seasoning would be great alternatives.

9. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

10. How can I make these chicken bombs spicier?
Add some hot sauce or chili flakes to the ranch seasoning or inside the chicken for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

These Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are everything you’ve ever dreamed of in a chicken dish: cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or to wow your guests at your next gathering, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Give them a try and prepare for your taste buds to be blown away!