Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs

Get ready for an explosion of flavor with these incredible Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs! Imagine juicy, tender chicken, perfectly crispy on the outside, enveloped in a cheesy, bacon-studded coating, then drenched in tangy BBQ sauce. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a culinary adventure, a party in your mouth, a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. These bombs are so easy to make, yet so incredibly satisfying, they’re perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or even a surprisingly impressive weeknight dinner. We’re talking addictive, finger-licking good, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare to be amazed – and maybe a little messy – because these Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs are about to become your new favorite thing.

Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs

One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies

A simple and flavorful one-pan recipe featuring roasted chicken and vegetables. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 1 lb Potatoes small, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 lb Carrots peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup Broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Lemon juiced
  • 1 tsp Dried herbs Italian mix or rosemary and thyme
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions
 

Instructions

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

Notes

You can substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or onions. For extra flavor, add a few cloves of garlic to the vegetables.
Keyword dinner, easy, lemon herb, one-pan, roasted chicken, vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs aren’t just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferences. The beauty lies in their simplicity. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or cravings. Want extra spice? Add some chili flakes! Prefer a different cheese? Go for it! The possibilities are endless. This recipe is also incredibly forgiving; even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you’ll be able to create these amazing bombs with ease. The combination of crispy chicken, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy – a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Forget complicated recipes; this one is quick, easy, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. These bombs are also incredibly satisfying, making them a perfect meal or snack for any occasion. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Beyond the undeniable deliciousness, making these Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs offers a fantastic opportunity to impress your friends and family. Imagine the look on their faces when you present this stunning platter of golden-brown, crispy goodness. It’s a showstopper! This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, transforming a simple leftover into a gourmet appetizer or meal. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. Plus, they’re incredibly fun to make! The whole process is engaging and satisfying, from prepping the ingredients to the exciting moment when you bite into that crispy, cheesy perfection. And let’s not forget the bragging rights – you’ll be the culinary hero of your next gathering! It’s a recipe that will earn you compliments and requests for the recipe.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (approximately 4 cups)
  • Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled
  • Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)
  • BBQ Sauce: 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • Breadcrumbs: 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Flour: 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Oil: Vegetable oil, for frying

Recommended Tools and Utensils

  • Large bowl
  • Shallow dish
  • Large skillet or deep fryer
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • Whisk

Having the right tools will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. A deep fryer provides optimal crispiness, but a large skillet with enough oil works just as well. Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Detailed Recipe Steps

  1. Prepare the Chicken: If using leftover chicken, shred it. If cooking chicken fresh, cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it cool slightly before shredding.
  2. Combine Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ½ cup of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
  3. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk the two eggs together.
  5. Form the Bombs: Scoop about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture and form it into a ball.
  6. Bread the Bombs: Dredge each chicken ball in the flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat generously in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Fry the Bombs: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken bombs in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. **Use tongs to carefully turn the bombs.**
  8. Drain and Serve: Remove the bombs from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  9. Add Cheese and BBQ Sauce: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the hot chicken bombs. Immediately drizzle generously with BBQ sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tip: For extra crispy bombs, let the breaded bombs rest for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator before frying. This allows the breading to set.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy bombs. Fry in batches if necessary.

Tips and Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few variations to spice up your Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs:

  • Spicy Bombs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a fiery kick.
  • Buffalo Chicken Bombs: Replace the BBQ sauce with your favorite buffalo wing sauce for a spicy and tangy twist.
  • Ranch Bombs: Serve with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
  • Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make these bombs suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with plant-based chicken shreds, bacon with plant-based bacon, and use vegan cheese and mayo. Adjust the breading as needed to ensure proper binding.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the pan when frying will result in soggy bombs. Fry in batches for best results.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

While the exact nutritional values depend on the specific ingredients used, these Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs are a good source of protein from the chicken and bacon. Chicken is packed with lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Cheese provides calcium and other essential minerals. However, it’s important to be mindful of the fat content due to the frying process and the bacon. This recipe can be adapted for a healthier version by baking the bombs instead of frying them, or using leaner bacon alternatives. Remember that moderation is key. Enjoy these treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on a batch of 12 bombs): This is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Consult a nutrition calculator for more precise values.

  • Calories: Approximately 350-450
  • Protein: Approximately 25-35g
  • Fat: Approximately 20-30g
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g

FAQs

Can I make these Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the uncooked chicken bombs ahead of time. Assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. This helps the breading adhere better.

What type of oil is best for frying the Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs?

Vegetable oil is a good choice for frying, as it has a high smoke point. Peanut oil or canola oil also work well.

Can I bake these Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. They might not be as crispy as fried ones, but still delicious.

How do I store leftover Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs?

Store leftover bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Are these Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs suitable for freezing?

It’s best to avoid freezing the cooked bombs as the texture may change. However, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded chicken bombs for later use.

Conclusion

These Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. The perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors will leave you wanting more. From the ease of preparation to the unforgettable taste, this recipe is a winner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature Loaded Crispy BBQ Chicken Bacon Cheese Bombs. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! Share your creations with us in the comments below and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our other amazing recipes on Recipes Lora and Recipes Lora. And for even more recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest board: Recipes Lora’s Pinterest