Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bites are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful appetizer or main dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in ranch seasoning and a cheesy breadcrumb mixture, baked to golden perfection. These bites are perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
Cheese and Coating
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Coat Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and ranch seasoning mix until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat Chicken Bites: Press each seasoned chicken piece firmly into the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is coated on all sides for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns golden and crispy.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crunchy finish, broil the chicken bites for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
Notes
- For extra crunch, broil the chicken bites for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- These chicken bites can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
