Description: Bite-sized pockets of cheesy, ranch-flavored chicken wrapped in golden-brown dough, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or fun family dinner. These chicken bombs are easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bombs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 2-3 medium breasts)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim works best to prevent excess grease)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for added flavor and color)
- Salt and pepper to taste (adjust according to your preference)
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or 1 pound pizza dough for a slightly different texture)
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is recommended for the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (unsalted or salted, depending on your taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, adds a nice herbaceous note)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you place the chicken bombs inside, allowing for even cooking and a perfectly golden-brown crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the bombs from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling: While the oven is preheating, prepare the heart of your chicken bombs – the delicious filling. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. Ensure that the ranch dressing is evenly distributed throughout the chicken and cheese mixture. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough: This step depends on whether you’re using crescent roll dough or pizza dough. If using crescent roll dough, carefully unroll the dough and separate it into the pre-cut triangles. Gently stretch each triangle slightly to make it a bit larger. If using pizza dough, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into squares, approximately 3-4 inches in size. These squares will serve as the wrappers for your chicken filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Bombs: Now comes the fun part – assembling the chicken bombs! Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough triangle or square. Be careful not to overfill the dough, as this can make it difficult to seal properly and cause the filling to leak out during baking. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges firmly to seal tightly, forming a ball. Make sure there are no openings or gaps where the filling could escape. For crescent roll dough, you can roll the triangle from the wide end to the tip, then pinch the edges to seal. For pizza dough squares, bring the corners together in the center and pinch to seal, creating a little package.
Step 5: Place on Baking Sheet and Add Topping: Carefully arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. This helps prevent the bombs from opening up during baking. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning (if using). The melted butter will help the topping adhere to the dough and create a beautiful golden-brown crust. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the chicken bombs. The Parmesan cheese will add a savory, nutty flavor, and the Italian seasoning will enhance the overall aroma and taste.
Step 6: Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the chicken bombs. The dough should be puffed up and lightly browned, and the filling should be heated through. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Serve: Once the chicken bombs are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent it from being too hot. Serve the Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs warm.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory chicken, melted mozzarella, creamy ranch dressing, and aromatic spices creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
- Versatile: Chicken bombs can be served as an appetizer, snack, lunch, or even a fun and satisfying dinner.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, spices, or sauces.
- Kid-Friendly: Children will love the cheesy, flavorful filling and the fun, bite-sized shape.
- Perfect for Parties: These chicken bombs are ideal for parties, potlucks, and game-day gatherings.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can make a batch of chicken bombs ahead of time and freeze them for later use.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
- Pair with a side of marinara sauce for a pizza-like experience.
- Accompany with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside your favorite vegetable side dish, such as roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.
- Add them to a lunchbox for a fun and satisfying meal.
- Serve as part of a buffet spread at a party or gathering.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Make sure to shred the chicken finely for even distribution in the filling.
- Don’t overfill the dough, or the bombs may burst during baking.
- Ensure that the edges of the dough are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- For a crispier crust, brush the dough with an egg wash before adding the Parmesan cheese topping.
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- Add chopped vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or mushrooms, to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- To prevent the bottoms from browning too much, place a second baking sheet underneath the first one.
- Let the chicken bombs cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per Chicken Bomb, estimated) (Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Sodium: 400-500 mg
Conclusion:
Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to please everyone. They are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for a party, or a satisfying snack, these chicken bombs are a fantastic choice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible little pockets of cheesy, chicken goodness!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and effort. Just shred the chicken and add it to the filling as directed in the recipe.
Q2: What if I don’t have crescent roll dough? Can I use something else? A: Yes, you can definitely substitute pizza dough for crescent roll dough. Pizza dough will give the chicken bombs a slightly different texture, but they will still be delicious. You can also use puff pastry dough, but be aware that it will be more delicate and may require a longer baking time.
Q3: Can I make these chicken bombs ahead of time and freeze them? A: Yes, these chicken bombs freeze very well. To freeze them, assemble the bombs as directed in the recipe, but do not bake them. Place the unbaked bombs on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen bombs on a baking sheet and bake them as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to the filling? A: Yes, you can definitely add chopped vegetables to the filling for added flavor and nutrition. Some great options include onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just make sure to chop the vegetables finely so that they cook through evenly.
Q5: What kind of cheese can I use besides mozzarella? A: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some good alternatives to mozzarella include cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses. Just make sure that the cheese melts well for the best results.
