Introduction

These Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs are a creamy, comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Juicy chicken meatballs baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich Parmesan sauce create an indulgent meal that’s simple to prepare.

The image shows five browned, crispy meatballs with a melted cheese center that is soft and creamy, oozing out from one meatball. The meatballs are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and topped with a small sprig of fresh thyme. They sit on a thick bed of smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes that cover the bottom of a white bowl. The melted cheese and meat juices are pooling slightly around the edges, adding a glossy look. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 g (1 lb) ground chicken
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp butter (for sauce)
2 Tbsp flour (for sauce)
1½ cups milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
¾ cup Parmesan, grated (for sauce)
½ cup mozzarella, shredded (for sauce)
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (for sauce)
Mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée (for serving)
Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into medium-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden and fully cooked through.
Step 3: While the chicken bombs bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux.
Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Continue cooking until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until the sauce is creamy and velvety.
Step 5: Transfer the baked chicken bombs into a small casserole dish and pour the Parmesan sauce over them. Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Serve the chicken bombs over a generous portion of mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a beautiful, flavorful finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for the milk in the sauce.
Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture in the chicken bombs.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture if you like a little heat.
These can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when chilled; thin it with a little milk when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes as the bottom layer, soft and smooth with a pale off-white color. On top, there are five browned, crispy meatballs arranged closely together, each with a golden-brown crust and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The middle meatball is cut open, revealing melted, gooey, pale yellow cheese oozing out and blending gently with the mashed potatoes below. A small green herb sprig is placed on top as garnish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the photo captures the textures and colors in strong natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or pork if you prefer. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.

What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?

Cauliflower purée is a great low-carb alternative. Rice, pasta, or a simple green salad also pair well with these chicken bombs.