Description
These Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful mixture of ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and spices, then rolled in breadcrumbs for a crispy golden crust. Baked to perfection in the oven, they make a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
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 line it with 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 become crispy when baked.
- Make the Coating: In a bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the ranch cheese mixture to fully coat it, then roll each piece in breadcrumbs to create a crunchy texture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Chicken Bites: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crisp. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before coating helps achieve a crispier texture.
- You can use either Panko or regular breadcrumbs, but Panko will yield a crunchier crust.
- For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the coating mixture.
- Serve these bites with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or your preferred dipping sauce.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
