Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful bite-sized pieces of chicken breast coated in a savory ranch and cheddar cheese mixture, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack combines the zest of ranch dressing with the richness of cheddar and a crunchy breadcrumb crust, perfect for parties, game days, or a quick family treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 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 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- 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
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry to help the coating stick better and ensure crispiness.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- These chicken bites pair well with ranch, blue cheese, or spicy dipping sauces.
