Cheesy Fried Chicken Parm Balls

Submitted by Arlyn Osborne

"A simple homemade chicken nugget is stuffed with mozzarella cheese and fried to crisp perfection. Don’t forget to dunk it generously in marinara sauce."

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photo by frostingnfettuccine

Ready In:: 50mins
Ingredients:: 12
Yields:: 16 nuggets

ingredients

2 mozzarella string cheese
1 lb ground chicken
2 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons italian seasoning, divided
2 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt, divided
³⁄₄ teaspoon pepper, divided
vegetable oil, for frying
1 ¹⁄₂ cups panko breadcrumbs
¹⁄₃ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 ¹⁄₂ cups flour
2 large eggs
marinara sauce, for dipping

directions

Cut each mozzarella stick in half lengthwise. Then cut each piece horizontally into 4 pieces. You should have small 16 pieces.
Add the ground chicken, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a bowl. Mix to combine thoroughly.
Flatten about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the ground chicken mixture into the palm of your hand. Add a piece of mozzarella in the center. Seal and cover the cheese, rolling into a ball, and place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 4-6 hours.
Add about 3 inches of oil to a Dutch oven and heat to 350°F.
Add the panko, parmesan and garlic powder to a large bowl and whisk to combine.
Add the flour, Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to a separate large bowl and whisk to combine.
Add eggs and about 2 tablespoons of water to a separate bowl and whisk to combine.
Dredge the frozen chicken in the flour, then coat in the egg wash, then cover in the panko mixture. Place on a sheet pan while you finish the rest.
Fry nuggets until cooked and the cheese is melted, about 5-7 minutes. Let drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray.
Serve with marinara sauce.

Questions & Replies

I'm thinking of trying this in an air fryer. Same cooking time @350 or do I need to add time?

ryansmoma
Can I freeze these overnight, instead of 4 to 6 hours?

robin.ann1114