If you’re a fan of crispy chicken bites combined with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, then Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites are about to become your new favorite snack or appetizer. Imagine crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken pieces baked to perfection and topped with a glorious layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Drizzled with marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil, these bites will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey. Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to game-day snacks, these Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites are sure to impress everyone at the table.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to make these delicious bites, providing step-by-step instructions and tips for making them even better. Plus, we’ll explore some similar recipes you can try that will satisfy your craving for cheesy, crispy delights.
Ingredients for Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites
Before you get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites. This recipe is simple, yet packed with flavor, and most of the ingredients are kitchen staples.
Main Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions. -
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Mozzarella cheese is what gives these bites their “volcano” effect. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy center that will make these bites irresistible. -
½ cup breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are essential for achieving that crispy, golden exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft, tender chicken inside. -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
This blend of herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary) gives the chicken a savory and aromatic flavor that’s perfect for the dish. -
½ tsp garlic powder
Garlic powder adds a depth of flavor, giving the chicken an extra layer of richness that complements the mozzarella cheese beautifully. -
½ tsp salt
A touch of salt helps enhance all the flavors in this recipe. -
½ tsp black pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper adds a mild heat and further rounds out the seasoning. -
2 large eggs, beaten
The eggs will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken pieces, creating that crispy coating. -
½ cup marinara sauce
Marinara sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce, depending on your preference. -
Fresh basil, for garnish
Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a refreshing, aromatic finish that complements the richness of the mozzarella.
Instructions for Making Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make these flavorful Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites. Follow these easy instructions to create a dish that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures that the chicken bites cook quickly and evenly, achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning. This step adds a flavorful base to your chicken bites, infusing them with savory notes that pair beautifully with the mozzarella and marinara sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken
Next, you’ll need to coat each piece of seasoned chicken. First, dip each chicken bite into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully submerged. Afterward, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs until it’s thoroughly coated. This step will help create that crispy, crunchy exterior that contrasts with the creamy, cheesy interior.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the breadcrumb-coated chicken bites on a greased baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart from each other. This will allow the chicken bites to cook evenly on all sides. If they are too close together, they may not crisp up as well. Once the chicken bites are arranged, they’re ready for the oven.
5. Bake the Chicken Bites
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken bites for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces, so make sure to check that they are fully cooked by cutting into one of the largest pieces. The chicken should be tender and the breadcrumbs should be crisp.
6. Add the Mozzarella Cheese
Once the chicken bites are fully baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Now, it’s time to add the star of the dish: mozzarella cheese. Top each chicken bite with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken bites to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly and golden.
7. Serve with Marinara Sauce
Once the mozzarella cheese is melted to perfection, remove the chicken bites from the oven. Drizzle marinara sauce over each chicken bite, allowing the tangy, rich sauce to complement the cheesy goodness. To finish off your Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites, garnish with freshly chopped basil for an added burst of color and flavor.
Why Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites are a Must-Try
There are many reasons why Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites are the perfect dish for any occasion. These delicious bites are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making them the ideal snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. They are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients, but the end result is a dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality appetizer.
These bites are incredibly versatile and can be served as part of a game day spread, at a family dinner, or even as a party appetizer. The tangy marinara sauce and fresh basil garnish add an extra touch of sophistication, making these bites feel more like a special treat than a simple meal.
Storage Tips for Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites
If you have leftovers, Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites can be easily stored for later. Place the leftover chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken bites on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is once again gooey and melted.
Alternatively, you can freeze the chicken bites for longer storage. Arrange the baked and cooled chicken bites on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites, you’ll also enjoy these other cheesy, savory recipes. Check out these great ideas for more cheesy, chicken-filled goodness:
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Honey BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Totchos – A fun twist on nachos, this recipe features crispy tater tots topped with honey BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheeseburger fixings.
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Pizza Bombs – Bite-sized pizza pockets filled with cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce, perfect for dipping and sharing.
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Cheesy Bacon Chicken Crescent Bombs – These crescent rolls are stuffed with cheesy, bacon-filled chicken for a savory, satisfying snack or appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Volcano Chicken taste like?
Volcano Chicken is an explosion of flavors, combining crispy, seasoned chicken with rich, gooey mozzarella cheese and tangy marinara sauce. The crispy breadcrumb coating gives it a satisfying crunch, while the melted mozzarella creates a creamy, stretchy bite. The addition of Italian seasoning and garlic powder enhances the savory depth, making each bite flavorful and delicious. If you love the balance of crispy, cheesy, and saucy, this dish will definitely satisfy your cravings.
Do mozzarella and chicken go together?
Absolutely! Mozzarella and chicken are a perfect match, often used together in Italian and fusion dishes. The mild, creamy texture of mozzarella melts beautifully over the tender, juicy chicken, adding richness without overpowering the dish. Whether in chicken parmesan, stuffed chicken breasts, or Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites, this combination creates a comforting, irresistible meal.
What is a Korean chicken dish with cheese?
A popular Korean chicken dish with cheese is Cheese Buldak, also known as Korean Fire Chicken with Cheese. This dish features spicy, marinated chicken cooked in a fiery gochujang-based sauce, then topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. The cheese helps balance the heat, making it a flavorful yet manageable dish for spice lovers. While Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites aren’t a Korean dish, they share the same cheesy, comforting appeal with a crispy twist.
How to use Korean Fire Chicken Sauce?
Korean Fire Chicken Sauce (or Buldak Sauce) is a spicy, sweet, and smoky sauce commonly used in buldak-style dishes. To use it, simply marinate chicken in the sauce for a few hours before grilling, pan-frying, or baking. You can also drizzle it over cooked chicken for an extra kick or mix it into stir-fries, ramen, or rice bowls. If you love spice, try adding a bit of this sauce to Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites for a fiery, fusion twist!
Conclusion
These Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites are a must-try for anyone who loves a combination of crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and savory marinara sauce. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these cheesy bites will always be a crowd-pleaser. So why not give them a try today and add a bit of “volcano” to your dinner?
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Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites – Crispy, Cheesy & Tasty!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites are a crunchy, cheesy delight! Tender chicken pieces are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Drizzled with marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil, these bites are the perfect appetizer, snack, or game-day treat. A crispy exterior, gooey interior, and loads of flavor make this recipe a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 large eggs, beaten
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½ cup marinara sauce
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Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
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Coat Chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then roll them in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken bites on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
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Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Add Cheese: Remove from the oven, and top each chicken bite with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Drizzle marinara sauce over the chicken bites and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
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For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or marinara sauce.
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You can substitute mozzarella cheese with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
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If you’re looking for a healthier version, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs and baking the chicken without the egg wash.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Mozzarella Volcano Chicken Bites, chicken bites recipe, mozzarella chicken, cheesy chicken appetizers, crispy chicken bites, chicken snacks, easy chicken recipe