Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parm Bites
These Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parm Bites are an irresistible treat that combines the juicy, tender goodness of seasoned ground chicken with gooey mozzarella cheese, all encased in a delicately crispy coating. Perfect as an appetizer or a fun main dish, these bites are easy to prepare and guaranteed to please any crowd. Serve them hot and fresh, paired with a rich marinara dipping sauce for a truly delicious experience!
N/A
Servings
137.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mozzarella string cheese
2 (cut in half lengthwise and then into 16 pieces)
Ground chicken
1 lb (none)
Italian seasoning
2 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
Salt
2 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
Pepper
3/4 teaspoon (divided)
Vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
Panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (none)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (none)
Garlic powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Flour
1 1/2 cups (none)
Large eggs
2 (beaten with water)
Marinara sauce
to taste (for dipping)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting each mozzarella string cheese stick in half lengthwise. Then slice each half into 4 small segments, yielding a total of 16 pieces of cheese.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3
Take approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in your palm. Flatten it and place a piece of mozzarella cheese in the center. Carefully seal the chicken around the cheese and roll it into a ball shape. Transfer each ball to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all chicken and cheese are used, then freeze the balls for 4 to 6 hours until they are solid.
4
In a large Dutch oven, pour in about 3 inches of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C).
5
In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Whisk them together until evenly combined.
6
In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Whisk until mixed.
7
In another bowl, crack the eggs and add about 2 tablespoons of water. Beat them together until smooth.
8
Now, take the frozen chicken balls, dredge each one in the flour mixture first, ensuring an even coating, then dip them in the egg wash and finally roll them in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated bites on a sheet pan.
9
Carefully drop the chicken bites into the hot oil, frying for about 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on a paper towel-lined sheet tray to absorb excess oil.
10
Serve the Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parm Bites hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Nutrition Information
5.625g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken Parm Bites?
These are an irresistible treat combining seasoned ground chicken with a gooey mozzarella cheese center, encased in a crispy coating.
How much ground chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ground chicken.
What kind of cheese is used for the stuffing?
The recipe uses 2 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into 16 total pieces.
How should I prepare the mozzarella sticks?
Cut each stick in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 4 small segments to yield 16 pieces.
What seasonings go directly into the ground chicken mixture?
The chicken is mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How much chicken mixture is needed for each bite?
Use approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture per ball.
Do the chicken bites need to be frozen before cooking?
Yes, you should freeze the assembled balls for 4 to 6 hours until they are solid.
What is the recommended temperature for the frying oil?
Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
What ingredients are in the panko breadcrumb coating?
The coating consists of 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
What goes into the flour dredge mixture?
The flour mixture includes 1 1/2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How do you prepare the egg wash?
Beat 2 large eggs with approximately 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
What is the correct order for breading the chicken bites?
Dredge in the flour mixture first, then dip in the egg wash, and finally roll in the panko mixture.
How long do the chicken bites need to fry?
Carefully fry the bites for about 5-7 minutes.
How do I know when the bites are done cooking?
They are finished when they are golden brown and the mozzarella cheese inside has melted.
What should I do after removing the bites from the oil?
Use a slotted spoon to move them to a paper towel-lined sheet tray to drain excess oil.
What is the best dipping sauce for these bites?
They are best served hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 137.5 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of these bites?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There is 5.625g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 11.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 12 ingredients including seasonings and oil.
Is this dish considered an appetizer or a main?
It can be served as either a fun main dish or an appetizer for crowds.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While the recipe specifies panko for its crispy texture, regular breadcrumbs could be used as a substitute.
Is any garlic used in the chicken mixture?
No, garlic powder is specifically added to the panko breadcrumb coating, not the chicken mixture.
What equipment is best for frying these bites?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for heating the oil and frying.
What is the total amount of Italian seasoning needed?
You will need 2 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning in total, divided between the chicken and the flour.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, fried, mozzarella, appetizer, easy recipe, Italian, snack, party food, and comfort food.
How much vegetable oil is needed for frying?
You should use enough vegetable oil to reach about 3 inches of depth in your cooking vessel.
Can I skip the freezing step?
Freezing is recommended for 4-6 hours to ensure the bites remain solid and hold their shape during the frying process.
Is parmesan cheese used in the breading or the chicken?
Grated parmesan cheese is mixed into the panko breadcrumb coating.