Name: Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
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; 2 Tbsp flour; 1½ cups milk (or half-and-half for extra richness); ¾ cup Parmesan, grated; ½ cup mozzarella, shredded; Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, to taste; Mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée; Fresh thyme or parsley; Olive oil or butter, for finishing

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Introduction

Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs are a delightful twist on classic chicken meatballs, baked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Served over comforting mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.

The image shows four golden-brown baked cauliflower balls stacked closely in a small, shallow white plate. Each ball has a crispy, browned crust on the outside with small green herb sprinkles on top. The cauliflower balls sit in a light, creamy sauce that pools at the bottom of the plate, giving a smooth, shiny texture around them. The background is a white marbled surface and part of a woman's hand is visible gently touching the top ball. 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).
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 to avoid dense meatballs.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into medium-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Step 4: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken bombs are golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
Step 6: Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until the sauce is creamy and velvety.
Step 8: Transfer the baked chicken bombs into a small casserole dish and pour the Parmesan sauce over them.
Step 9: Place under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and slightly golden on top.
Step 10: 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.

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture in the meatballs.
Swap ground chicken for turkey if preferred.
For a richer sauce, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bombs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid broiling again during reheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth, slightly whipped texture and pale off-white color. On top, five golden-brown meatballs with a slightly crispy, glazed surface are arranged in a circular pattern, with one meatball cut open revealing a gooey, melted cheese center that stretches with a shiny texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the dish, adding contrast, and a few sprigs of fresh green thyme are placed upright in the center, giving height and freshness. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. 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 the chicken mixture and shape the bombs ahead of time. Keep them covered in the fridge, then bake and finish with sauce just before serving.

Can I freeze Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked chicken bombs without sauce in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen before adding sauce. It’s best to make the sauce fresh for optimal texture.