Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring tender chicken cubes coated in a creamy ranch and cheese mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for game days, parties, or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add chicken and cheese: Fold in the cubed chicken breasts and shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy ranch mixture. Mix until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Incorporate breadcrumbs: Add the panko breadcrumbs to the bowl and gently fold them in until the mixture is combined and a scoopable consistency is achieved.
- Form the bites: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized mounds. Place each mound onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the tops of the bites turn a golden brown color.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Serve these bites with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- They make a great appetizer or game-day snack, perfect for sharing.
- For a different cheese twist, substitute cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella.
- Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
