These Crispy Baked Chicken Balls with Molten Cheese Center are the kind of dinner that disappears fast. Golden, crunchy crumbs give way to juicy seasoned chicken and a gooey mozzarella middle, all baked in the oven instead of fried. They work beautifully as a weeknight main, a party appetizer, or a fun lunchbox surprise. If you love easy chicken dinners, try our Chicken in Creamy Sour Cream and Egg Sauce and our Chicken, Corn, and Cheese Salad.
Ingredients
- 550 g (1.2 lb) chicken breast
- 140 g (1 cup) onion
- 2 eggs
- 130 g (1 1/3 cups) mozzarella, cubed
- 70 g (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs
- Salt, black and red pepper, smoked paprika, and dried garlic to taste
Instructions
- Cube the chicken and onion; blend with salt and spices into a smooth mince.
- Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Pour the breadcrumbs into a plate. Cube the cheese.
- Flatten a portion of mince in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, and seal into a ball.
- Dip in egg, then breadcrumbs (a second egg dip gives extra color). Arrange on parchment.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes. Do not overbake.
Tips
- Keep the cheese fully sealed inside the mince, so it melts in the middle instead of leaking out.
- Wet your hands lightly when shaping, for smooth, even balls that bake uniformly.
- Serve right from the oven, when the crumb is crisp and the cheese is at its gooiest.
Nutrition (per 100 g): 157 kcal, protein 10 g, fat 8 g, carbs 11 g.
For another crowd-pleasing chicken idea, see our Fitness Layered Chicken Salad, and find more baked chicken inspiration at Serious Eats.