Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful chicken pieces coated in a cheesy ranch mixture and baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack combines tender chicken with a crunchy breadcrumb coating for a delightful bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
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 line it with parchment paper to prevent the chicken bites from sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy texture when baked.
- Make the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until well blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the ranch cheese mixture ensuring full coverage. Then roll each coated piece in the breadcrumbs to form a crunchy exterior.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for uniform cooking and crisping.
- Bake the Chicken Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the coating turns golden brown and crispy. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the seasoning in the ranch mixture to taste or substitute ranch dressing with a flavored Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized to promote consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is fully cooked for food safety.
- These chicken bites can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
