Crack Chicken Bites – OMG! SO good! Bite-size chicken balls loaded with cheddar, bacon, and ranch, rolled in cornflakes, and baked until golden brown. This is my go-to party appetizer. I never have any leftovers! Can make ahead of time and freeze for later! Cooked chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, bacon, flour, eggs, and cornflakes. Great for parties and an easy lunch or dinner.
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and ranch dressing until combined. Stir in the cheddar cheese.
Using a small cookie scoop, spoon out the chicken mixture and roll it into about 1½-inch balls. Place on a plate or separate baking sheet until ready to dip.
In three separate bowls, set out the flour, eggs, and crushed cornflakes. Dip each chicken ball first into the flour, then the egg, and ending with the corn flakes. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Notes:
I use rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken.
You can use any cooked chicken that you would like. Skinless chicken breasts, chicken tenders, or chicken thighs.
For a lower-calorie dish, use turkey bacon, Light Ranch Dressing, and Low-fat or fat-free cream cheese.
Can I bake chicken bites in the air fryer? Yes! To convert a traditional oven-cooked recipe to the air-fryer reduce the suggested temperature by 25°F and then cut the cooking time by 20%. Just use the pause button on your machine to occasionally check the doneness.
Can Crack Chicken Bites be made in advance? Yes! You can assemble the bites and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Can Crack Chicken Bites be frozen? Yes! Place the dipped and uncooked chicken balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a freezer bag and store in the freezer until ready.
To bake, place the frozen chicken balls back on a baking sheet and bake at 350˚F for 25 to 30 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.