Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs
Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs are a fun and tasty bite-sized treat packed with tender chicken and a light, fluffy parmesan cheese coating that almost melts in your mouth. These little…
Tip: save now, cook later.Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs are a fun and tasty bite-sized treat packed with tender chicken and a light, fluffy parmesan cheese coating that almost melts in your mouth. These little bombs have a crispy outside with a soft, flavorful inside, making them perfect for snacking or serving as a party appetizer. The blend of the sharp parmesan with the juicy chicken is simple but so good.
I love making these for a casual get-together because they’re easy to grab and everyone always asks for seconds. The best part is how quick they come together — just a few ingredients and a quick bake, and you’re ready to enjoy. I sometimes like to add a pinch of garlic powder or some herbs to mix things up and give them an extra punch of flavor.
When I serve Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs, I often pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or a spicy marinara, which adds a nice contrast to the cheesy crispiness. These little bombs are also great alongside a simple salad or some roasted veggies if I want a fuller meal. They’ve become one of my go-to snacks whenever I want something that feels special but doesn’t take a lot of effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This keeps the bombs light and tender. You can swap for ground turkey or a mix of pork and chicken for extra flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty crispness. Pecorino Romano works well as a substitute, or try Asiago for a milder taste.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts perfectly for a gooey inside. If you prefer less stretch, use fontina or Monterey Jack instead.
Fresh Parsley and Green Onions: These herbs give fresh flavor and color. Feel free to use chives, basil, or cilantro to match your taste.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika build warmth and depth. Paprika can be omitted or replaced with smoked chili powder for extra kick.
Mashed Potatoes: Serving these on creamy mashed potatoes makes the dish feel comforting. Mashed cauliflower is a great low-carb swap.
How Can I Make the Chicken Bombs Crispy on the Outside but Juicy Inside?
The key is to brown the bombs gently before baking:
- Heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering—not smoking.
- Place the bombs carefully and don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if needed.
- Cook 4-5 minutes on each side, turning gently to develop an even golden crust.
- Transfer to a warm oven (375°F/190°C) to finish cooking through without drying out, about 10-12 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; 165°F (74°C) is safe and keeps the inside juicy.
These steps lock in moisture while giving the outside a nice crispy texture, just like in the photo. Also, forming the bombs tightly helps them hold shape and stay tender inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all your ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Small ice cream scoop or spoon – helps you form the chicken bombs into even, golf ball-sized shapes quickly.
- Non-stick skillet – great for browning the bombs evenly without sticking or breaking.
- Baking dish – to finish cooking the bombs in the oven and keep them nice and juicy.
- Meat thermometer – handy for checking the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked safely.
- Grater – for freshly grating Parmesan cheese over the finished bombs for extra flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground chicken with ground turkey for a milder, leaner protein option that keeps the texture soft.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a sweet, tangy burst inside the bombs.
- Mix in fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a more Italian twist.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne powder if you like a little heat to balance the cheesy richness.
How to Make Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken breast
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For Serving:
- 1 cup creamy mashed potatoes
- Extra Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
- Butter (optional, to drizzle over mashed potatoes)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 10 minutes to brown the chicken bombs on the stove, and 12 minutes to finish baking in the oven. Overall, expect around 35 minutes from start to finish, including some time to prepare mashed potatoes if not already made.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken Bomb Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix everything together carefully until evenly blended but don’t overwork it.
2. Shape the Chicken Bombs:
Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Make sure to pack them firmly so they hold together during cooking.
3. Brown the Chicken Bombs:
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken bombs in the pan without overcrowding. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning gently until all sides develop a nice golden, crispy crust.
4. Finish Cooking in the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the browned chicken bombs to a baking dish and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked inside.
5. Prepare and Serve:
While the bombs bake, prepare your mashed potatoes or warm up a ready-made batch. When ready, spread a generous layer of mashed potatoes on each plate. Place the Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs on top, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Optionally, drizzle melted butter or a little olive oil over the potatoes for an extra creamy touch.
6. Enjoy!
Serve these warm as an appetizer or main dish. The crispy outside and cheesy, flavorful inside make them a crowd-pleaser every time.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the bombs hold their shape and brown nicely.
Can I Make Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the bombs ahead, then refrigerate them overnight. When ready to eat, brown them in the skillet and finish baking in the oven as directed. This saves time on the day you serve them.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven until heated through, keeping the crispy exterior intact.
What Can I Serve Instead of Mashed Potatoes?
If you want a lighter or low-carb option, try mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. These alternatives pair well with the rich, cheesy chicken bombs and add nice texture contrasts.
