appetizer essentials: cheesy/spicy chicken orbs

23 Pinches 13 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Mar 2, 2022

Made these up the other evening/morning. Just some really good spices, really good cheeses, and shredded chicken. Then either pan fry, bake, or air fry. They are delicate, and it takes a bit of practice to keep them from falling apart; however, once you master the technique you have a great appetizer for Sunday night football, or whenever you have the craving. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 30 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Deep Fry
yield Several

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • THE CHICKEN ORBS
  • STAGE I
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons sweet butter, unsalted, softened
  • STAGE II
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika, mild, or hot, but not smoked
  • 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • STAGE III
  • 1/4 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon dehydrated onions, crushed
  • 2 large jalapenos, seeded and minced
  • STAGE IV
  • 10 ounces cooked chicken, shredded and minced
  • THE BREADING
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1 cup flour, all-purpose variety
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs, regular, not panko
  • ADDITIONAL ITEMS
  • grapeseed oil, or other non-flavored version, if deep frying
  • salt, kosher variety, as needed
  • black pepper, freshly ground, as needed

How To Make appetizer essentials: cheesy/spicy chicken orbs

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    The trick to keeping these together when cooking is having the right consistency to the orbs. You do not want something too dense; however, if you do not mix them enough, they will fall apart. I solved that problem by mixing the ingredients in four stages. Some similar recipes suggest putting all the ingredients into a food processor but resist that temptation. The heavy-duty mixing will make the orbs too dense. We are going to use a combination of whisking, and a chef’s best tools… your two hands.
  • Step 3
    Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 4
    In a large mixing bowl whisk in the STAGE I ingredients.
  • Step 5
    Add STAGE II and mix to combine.
  • Step 6
    Combine in the STAGE III ingredients.
  • Step 7
    For STAGE IV use your hands to mix the chicken in with the other ingredients.
  • Step 8
    THE BREADING
  • Step 9
    Whisk the eggs with the milk, then put into a breading pan, or shallow bowl. Add a bit of salt and pepper to the flour, and place into another bowl. Finally add the breadcrumbs to a third bowl. Make balls (orbs) about the size of a golf ball, then roll them in the flour, coat with the egg mixture, and coat with the breadcrumbs.
  • Step 10
    Carefully place back into the egg mixture and coat a second time with the breadcrumbs.
  • Step 11
    Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack and repeat for the remainder of the chicken orbs.
  • Step 12
    COOKING You have three options for cooking these bad boys: Air Fryer Oven Baking Pan Frying.
  • Step 13
    Oven Baking Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack and bake in a preheated 350f/175c, until golden brown, about 10 – 15 minutes. Air Fryer Preheat air fryer to 400f/205c, and place into the fryer basked, shaking occasionally until golden brown, about 8 – 10 minutes Pan Fried Add about 1/2 inch (1.3cm) non-flavored oil (grapeseed, canola, etc.) to a high-walled skillet and heat to 350f/175c). Add the orbs and cook while rolling in the oil until golden brown, about 3 – 4 minutes. In all three cases, if you overcook them, the cheese will ooze out and you will have a right mess. They will still taste good, but it will still be a right mess. In the case of oven or air frying, if you want a tastier orb, mist them with a wee bit of oil before cooking.
  • Step 14
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • Step 15
    Let cool for a few minutes, and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    Step 16
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

Discover More

Comment & Reviews

ADVERTISEMENT
Just A Pinch Sweepstakes