Introduction

Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs are a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender ground chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, these flavorful bites pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée for a satisfying meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a base layer of creamy, smooth mashed potatoes, topped by five browned and crispy meatballs that are open in one spot, revealing melted, gooey cheese stretching out. The meatballs have a golden-brown crust with green chopped herbs sprinkled on top and around. A sprig of fresh green herb is placed on the top center meatball, and the background surface is a white marbled texture. 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 the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overworking.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into medium-sized balls, about golf ball size. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: While the chicken balls bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 5: Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until creamy and velvety.
Step 6: Transfer the baked chicken bombs to a small casserole dish. Pour the Parmesan sauce over the top and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
Step 7: Serve by spooning a generous portion of mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée onto plates. Top with the chicken bombs, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

Tips & Variations

Use half-and-half instead of milk in the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken mix for a subtle spicy kick.
Swap mozzarella for fontina or Gruyère cheese for a different flavor profile in the sauce.
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free flour for the sauce roux.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding extra sauce if needed to keep them moist. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; stir in a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A white woman's hand is holding a round ball of dough with a smooth, slightly bumpy white surface in the palm, while a spoon lifts shredded chicken coated in a reddish sauce, ready to be placed on the dough. There is a glass bowl on a white marbled surface filled with more of the shredded chicken mixture, showing orange and red colors with visible pieces of tender chicken. In the background, four more dough balls sit on a white baking sheet, each with a soft, smooth texture and slightly irregular round shapes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these chicken bombs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the chicken bombs in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. The sauce is best made fresh but can be reheated gently.

What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?

Cauliflower purée is a great low-carb alternative, but you can also serve these with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a lighter option.