APPETIZER ESSENTIALS: CHEESY/SPICY CHICKEN ORBS

Appetizer Essentials: Cheesy/Spicy Chicken Orbs image

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.

Provided by Andy Anderson ! @ThePretentiousChef

Number Of Ingredients 26

Previous Next

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
THE CHICKEN ORBS
STAGE I
1/4 cup(s) sour cream
2 ounce(s) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoon(s) sweet butter, unsalted, softened
STAGE II
1 teaspoon(s) lemon pepper spice
1/4 teaspoon(s) paprika, mild, or hot, but not smoked
1/4 teaspoon(s) ancho chili powder
STAGE III
1/4 cup(s) pepper jack cheese, shredded
2 tablespoon(s) parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon(s) dehydrated onions, crushed
2 large jalapenos, seeded and minced
STAGE IV
10 ounce(s) cooked chicken, shredded and minced
THE BREADING
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon(s) whole milk
1 cup(s) flour, all-purpose variety
1 cup(s) 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

Steps:

PREP/PREPARE
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.
Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
In a large mixing bowl whisk in the STAGE I ingredients.
Add STAGE II and mix to combine.
Combine in the STAGE III ingredients.
For STAGE IV use your hands to mix the chicken in with the other ingredients.
THE BREADING
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.
Carefully place back into the egg mixture and coat a second time with the breadcrumbs.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a wire rack and repeat for the remainder of the chicken orbs.
COOKING You have three options for cooking these bad boys: Air Fryer Oven Baking Pan Frying.
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.
PLATE/PRESENT
Let cool for a few minutes, and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy.
Keep the faith, and keep cooking.