Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Meatballs! Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned, juicy meatball packed with the irresistible combination of sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch - it's like a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. These aren't just meatballs; they're a game-changing recipe that will revolutionize your meal prep and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 24 meatballs.
- Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for even cooking.
- Once all the meatballs are on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- After baking, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as an appetizer, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce, or on a bed of salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy your Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Meatballs!
Tips
- Keep your hands slightly damp when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling the meatballs for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- Don't overmix the ingredients - this can make your meatballs tough and dense.
- For meal prep, these meatballs freeze beautifully. Simply cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces like extra ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard to change up the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
