Description
These Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bites are the perfect bite-sized snack or appetizer, combining tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, cheesy ranch coating. Simple to make and packed with flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at your next party or game day gathering! Easy to prepare and incredibly tasty, these bites are the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. -
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy when baked. -
Make the Coating:
In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. -
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken piece into the ranch mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll each piece in the breadcrumbs to add a crunchy texture. -
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking. -
Bake the Chicken Bites:
Bake the chicken bites for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C). -
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the chicken bites cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can use any type of shredded cheese for this recipe, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor.
- For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the ranch mixture.
- If you prefer, you can air fry these chicken bites at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 chicken bites
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg