Description: These Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers are a delightful combination of juicy, seasoned chicken wrapped around a molten mozzarella center, enhanced with garlic and a hint of smoky paprika. Grilled or baked to perfection, they’re an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes (approximately 1 pound)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 10-12 fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size; about 4-5 ounces total)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish; fresh basil also works well)
- Optional: 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into roughly 2-inch cubes. Try to make them as uniform in size as possible for even cooking. Place the chicken cubes in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken cubes. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings. The smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the chicken, while the Italian seasoning provides an aromatic herbal note.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Bombs:
Take one seasoned chicken cube and gently flatten it slightly with your fingers. Place a fresh mozzarella ball (bocconcini or ciliegine) in the center of the flattened chicken. Carefully fold the chicken around the mozzarella ball, ensuring that the cheese is completely enclosed. Pinch the edges together to seal the chicken, forming a “bomb.” Repeat this process with the remaining chicken cubes and mozzarella balls. This step can be a little messy, but it’s worth the effort for the cheesy surprise inside.
Step 4: Bacon Wrap (Optional):
If using bacon, wrap each chicken bomb with half a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed. The bacon adds a delicious smoky and salty flavor to the chicken bombs, and it also helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers:
Thread 3-4 wrapped chicken bombs onto each skewer. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water to prevent them from burning on the grill or in the oven. Leave a small space between each chicken bomb on the skewer to allow for even cooking.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Grill or Oven:
- Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Skewers:
- Grill: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning the skewers occasionally to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly on all sides. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. The bacon should be crispy and the mozzarella should be melted and gooey.
- Oven: Place the chicken skewers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Turn the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The bacon should be crispy (if using) and the mozzarella should be melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the mozzarella is still melted and gooey.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory chicken, melted mozzarella, garlic, and smoky paprika creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Versatile: These chicken bomb skewers can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as part of a barbecue spread.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the combination of chicken and cheese, making this recipe a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences by adding different seasonings, sauces, or toppings.
COOKING Rating
- Ease of Preparation: 4/5 (Easy)
- Flavor: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Overall: 4.5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
- Pair them with a side of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, for a complete and healthy meal.
- Serve them over a bed of rice or couscous for a more substantial dish.
- Drizzle them with your favorite sauce, such as pesto, marinara, or a creamy garlic aioli.
- Serve with a side salad
Tips:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent burning.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If using bacon, secure it tightly with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving; may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 390 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 40g
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Sodium: Approximately 400mg (without bacon; bacon will significantly increase sodium)
Conclusion
Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken, melted mozzarella, and aromatic garlic creates a flavor sensation that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors or baking them in the oven, these chicken bomb skewers are a perfect appetizer or main course for any occasion. So, fire up the grill or preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cutting them into cubes. Thawing the chicken in the refrigerator overnight is the safest and most recommended method. Ensure that all excess water is drained and the chicken is patted dry before seasoning.
- What can I substitute for mozzarella balls?
- If you can’t find fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), you can use cubed mozzarella cheese. Cut the mozzarella into small, bite-sized pieces that will fit inside the chicken cubes. Provolone or fontina cheese could also offer a similar melted texture, but the flavor profile will be different.
- Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken bomb skewers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great way to save time when you’re entertaining. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out. Add the bacon just before cooking to avoid it becoming soggy.
- What other seasonings can I use?
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of the chicken. Some other options include:
- Chili powder for a spicy kick
- Onion powder for a savory note
- Dried oregano or thyme for an herbal flavor
- Lemon pepper for a zesty taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of the chicken. Some other options include:
- Can I use different types of wood for smoking the skewers on the grill?
- Yes, using different types of wood chips or chunks can add a unique smoky flavor to the chicken skewers. Fruit woods like apple or cherry wood are excellent choices for chicken as they impart a sweet, mild smoky flavor. Hickory or mesquite wood can also be used, but they have a stronger flavor and should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the chicken. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the grill to prevent them from burning too quickly.
