Description
These Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious appetizer or snack featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful mix of ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and spices, then baked to crispy perfection. Perfect for parties or a tasty family treat, they pair wonderfully with extra ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating Mix
- 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
Other
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 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 and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating crisp up nicely during baking.
- Make the Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated to form a flavorful mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the ranch-cheese mixture, coating it completely, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to add a crunchy texture and ensure even baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between pieces to promote even cooking and browning.
- Bake the Chicken Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken bites cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve with extra ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce for a delicious bite-sized treat.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the bites for the last 1-2 minutes of baking—just watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Make sure the chicken pieces are uniformly sized to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture will introduce a subtle kick of heat.
