Introduction

Parmesan Cloud Chicken Bombs are delightful, tender meatballs coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. They make for a comforting meal served over mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée, perfect for any day you want a cozy and flavorful dish.

The image shows a white plate with a creamy white base layer that looks smooth and soft, topped with five golden-brown round pieces that have a slightly crispy texture. The round pieces are sprinkled with green herbs and light brown spices, creating small colorful spots. The creamy layer underneath spreads evenly and slightly pools around the round pieces. The dish is bright and looks warm. The 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, gently combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
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 the chicken balls for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through.
Step 5: While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
Step 6: Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
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 to a small casserole dish and pour the Parmesan sauce evenly over them.
Step 9: Broil the dish for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and lightly golden on top.
Step 10: Serve by spooning mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée onto plates, placing the chicken bombs on top, and drizzling with extra sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and a little olive oil or butter if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use half-and-half or cream instead of milk in the sauce for extra richness and creaminess.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture for a subtle spicy kick.
For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Fresh herbs like basil or chives can add a different aromatic touch if you prefer.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bombs and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to the sauce if it thickens too much. The chicken bombs can also be frozen before broiling; thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat following the recipe steps.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of five large meatballs covered in a rich, red tomato sauce with melted cheese on top that is slightly browned. The meatballs sit on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes that are smooth and white. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the meatballs and the mashed potatoes for color contrast. The dish is placed on a white plate, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work similarly in this recipe. It may have a slightly different flavor but the texture and cooking time remain the same.

How can I make the chicken bombs crispier?

To get a crispier exterior, you can lightly sear the chicken balls in a hot pan before baking, or increase the oven temperature slightly and watch them carefully to avoid burning. Using panko breadcrumbs also helps add extra crunch.