Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more? Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor with our Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs! These aren’t your average appetizers; they’re a symphony of crispy chicken, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, all perfectly encased in a golden-brown, bite-sized package. Imagine the satisfying crunch as you take your first bite, followed by a rush of savory goodness that will leave you completely speechless. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, a casual get-together, or simply indulging in a delicious treat at home, these Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food, elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.

One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies

A simple and delicious one-pan recipe featuring juicy roasted chicken and tender vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 lb Baby potatoes Halved or quartered if large
• 1 lb Carrots Chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup Broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Lemon Zested and juiced
• 1 tsp Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme) Each, or a mix of your favorite herbs
• To taste Salt and pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and broccoli with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
• Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
• Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions. You can also use different herbs according to your preference.

Keyword dinner, easy, lemon herb, one-pan, roasted chicken, vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs is more than just a snack; it’s an experience. There are several reasons why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe. Firstly, the flavor profile is unbelievably addictive. The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce perfectly complements the salty bacon and savory chicken. The melted cheese adds a creamy, indulgent texture that elevates the whole dish to another level. This is a party in your mouth!

Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. Prefer a different cheese? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend would work wonderfully. Feeling creative? Experiment with different BBQ sauces – a chipotle BBQ sauce would add a delicious smoky heat. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; you can customize it to your exact preferences.

Thirdly, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Despite the impressive results, this recipe requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients. The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, making it a perfect recipe for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. Even if you’re a complete novice in the kitchen, you’ll be able to create these delicious bombs without any problems. And lastly, the presentation is stunning. These little bombs look incredibly impressive, making them perfect for any gathering. Your guests will be amazed by your culinary skills (even if you’re just starting out!). Imagine the compliments rolling in!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Beyond the undeniable deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to try our Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs. These aren’t just another appetizer; they’re a unique and memorable culinary experience. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a truly unique and flavorful dish. The combination of textures crispy, chewy, and gooey is a delightful dance in your mouth, offering a multi-sensory experience that is truly satisfying.

Furthermore, these cheese bombs are surprisingly adaptable. You can easily customize them to suit dietary needs or preferences. Want a vegetarian version? Substitute the chicken for seasoned tofu or mushrooms. Looking for a spicier kick? Add some chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to experiment and create your perfect version.

Moreover, this recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Transform those leftover chicken breasts into something spectacular and avoid food waste. It’s economical, efficient, and incredibly delicious, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. In short, this recipe offers a delightful blend of incredible taste, ease of preparation, and adaptability, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create these delectable Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs, you’ll need the following ingredients and utensils:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 3 cups)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Utensils:

• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large skillet or deep fryer
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps to create irresistible Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs:

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second, place the beaten egg. In the third, place the breadcrumbs.
3. Form the Bombs: Using a spoon or your hands, form the chicken mixture into small, approximately 1-inch balls. **Make sure they are firm enough to hold their shape during frying.**
4. Bread the Bombs: Dredge each chicken ball in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Fry the Bombs: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). **Carefully** place the breaded chicken balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. **Use tongs to gently turn them.**
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried chicken bombs from the oil using tongs and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. You can add a little extra BBQ sauce on top if desired.

**Pro Tip:** For extra crispy chicken bombs, you can double-bread them. After the first breading, let the bombs sit for a few minutes before repeating the process. This allows the first layer to set, resulting in a crispier exterior. Also, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature; if it’s too low, the bombs will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy. If it’s too high, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through on the inside.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to make your Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs even better:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of your favorites.
• BBQ sauce variations: Try different BBQ sauces, such as chipotle BBQ, honey BBQ, or even a smoky bourbon BBQ sauce (like in our Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes recipe!).
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
• Air fryer option: For a healthier alternative, bake the bombs in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy bombs. Fry in batches to maintain a consistent temperature.**
• Don’t overcook:** Overcooked bombs will be dry and tough. Fry until golden brown and crispy, but not overly browned.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

While these Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs are undeniably indulgent, let’s explore their nutritional aspects. A single bomb (approximately 1 inch in diameter) will contain a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the fats in the chicken, bacon, and oil. The exact nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion size. However, a general estimation would include a significant amount of protein from the chicken, beneficial fats from the bacon (in moderation), and carbohydrates from the bread crumbs.

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues. Bacon, while high in fat, also provides some protein and essential nutrients. Cheese provides calcium, important for bone health. The BBQ sauce adds a touch of sweetness and flavor, while the bread crumbs contribute to the texture and overall satisfaction. It’s important to remember that this is a treat, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To obtain precise nutritional information, we recommend using a nutrition calculator and inputting the exact quantities of each ingredient used in your recipe. This will provide a more accurate reflection of the nutritional content of your specific Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs.

FAQs

Conclusion

Our Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs are the ultimate comfort food, elevated to an unforgettable culinary experience. With their perfect blend of crispy, chewy, and gooey textures, and a flavor profile that’s both satisfying and addictive, these little bombs are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. The recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and the versatility allows for endless customization options to suit your tastes and dietary needs. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible treats. Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with friends and family, and leave a comment below to let us know how yours turned out!

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out our Smoky Bourbon BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Cupcakes or our Whipped Feta Garlic Butter Bacon Smash Burgers for more mouth-watering ideas! And don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later – check out our Pinterest page for more inspiration!