Description
Mozzarella & ranch chicken bombs explode with cheesy goodness, delivering a savory sensation that melts hearts and satisfies cravings. Crispy exterior meets gooey interior, promising pure comfort on a plate for hungry diners seeking irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy:
- 4 mozzarella cheese sticks (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
Seasonings and Coating:
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper, then heat the oven to 400F (200C).
- Using a meat mallet, flatten chicken breasts to uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking.
- Season chicken thoroughly with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both surfaces.
- Position a mozzarella stick or sprinkle shredded cheese in the center of each chicken breast.
- Carefully fold or roll the chicken around the cheese, creating a sealed pocket to prevent leakage.
- Secure the rolled chicken with toothpicks if necessary to maintain shape during cooking.
- Create a breading mixture by combining breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl.
- Brush each chicken roll with melted butter or olive oil to help breading adhere.
- Completely coat the chicken in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Arrange prepared chicken bombs in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy.
- Verify doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165F.
- Optional: Broil for 2 minutes to enhance crispiness and color.
- Remove toothpicks carefully before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and accompany with ranch dressing, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Try different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and exciting taste variations.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to make this recipe suitable for low-carb and keto diet followers.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior when baked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 336 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg