Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs Recipe

Introduction

These Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are a delicious, flavorful appetizer that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Tender ground chicken is seasoned with ranch mix and garlic, then baked and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• Olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ranch seasoning, egg, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
3. Step 3: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized bombs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Lightly spray or brush the chicken bombs with olive oil to promote browning.
5. Step 5: Bake for 18–22 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and top each bomb with shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese.
7. Step 7: Switch your oven to broil and place the baking sheet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, meltier topping.
• Substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred, adjusting seasoning as needed.
• Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave for a quick option. To retain crispiness, the oven method is best.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these chicken bombs in advance?

Yes, you can shape the chicken bombs and store them on a lined baking sheet in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze the chicken bombs?

They freeze well! Place the shaped bombs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.

Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 100 reviews

These Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are flavorful, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned meatballs made with ground chicken and ranch seasoning. Baked until golden and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, they offer a deliciously gooey center and a crispy exterior, perfect for a comforting appetizer or a tasty main dish.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 12 chicken bombs 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Topping & Garnish

• 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)

Other

• Olive oil or cooking spray, for brushing/spraying

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy clean-up.
2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, ranch seasoning mix, egg, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. Mix gently until just combined to ensure the bombs remain tender.
3. Shape bombs: Take portions of the mixture and shape them into golf ball-sized bombs. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Prepare for baking: Lightly spray or brush the bombs with olive oil to help them brown beautifully in the oven.
5. Bake: Bake the chicken bombs for 18–22 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
6. Add cheese and broil: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, top each bomb with a generous amount of shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness and color, and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for the chicken if preferred.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Ensure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the bombs tender.
• If you don’t have a broiler, you can bake with the cheese on for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F until melted.
• Use fresh parsley for a brighter, fresher flavor.

Keywords: chicken bombs, ranch chicken meatballs, mozzarella chicken, baked chicken balls, cheesy chicken bites