Shrimp Chicken Balls
Shrimp Chicken Balls
Oven-Baked Shrimp Chicken Balls: A Healthier, Lighter Version for a Delicious Snack
Craving homemade chicken balls but worried about the calories and the hassle of frying? This recipe offers a fantastic alternative! We’ve baked these shrimp chicken balls in the oven, resulting in a moist and flavorful snack that’s perfect for kids and health-conscious adults alike. Making them together can be a fun activity, and the taste is surprisingly delightful. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!
Ingredients- 100g Chicken breast
- 100g Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 Egg
- All-purpose flour, for coating
- Panko breadcrumbs, for coating
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the shrimp. If using fresh raw shrimp, peel them and carefully remove the devein. While you can use pre-cooked cocktail shrimp for convenience, fresh shrimp will provide a better texture and flavor for your homemade balls. Once prepped, finely chop both the chicken breast and the shrimp. Aim for a texture that’s not too mushy; you want some pleasant bite. If making this with children, let them help decide when the texture is just right. A medium chop is usually ideal!
Step 2
Season the chopped chicken and shrimp mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper. The salt level is kept slightly lower because these are intended to be served with a sauce, which will add further flavor. This seasoning ensures the natural taste of the chicken and shrimp shines through.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to shape the balls! Wearing nitrile or disposable gloves is recommended for easy handling. Take a portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter. If kids are helping, this is a super fun step! Don’t worry about perfect uniformity; the charm of homemade food lies in its unique character. Even small hands can create wonderfully shaped balls!
Step 4
Prepare your dredging stations: whisk the egg in one shallow bowl to create an egg wash. In separate plates or shallow dishes, place the all-purpose flour and the panko breadcrumbs. Coat each shaped ball first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat generously with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well.
Step 5
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the breaded balls, leaving some space between them to ensure even baking. You should get about 20 balls from this recipe. Baking is a healthier alternative to frying and yields wonderfully moist results! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. It can be a little tricky to gauge doneness by color alone with panko, so ensure they are cooked through to the center. 30 minutes is generally sufficient for them to cook completely.
Step 6
Serve these golden-baked shrimp chicken balls immediately. They look quite appetizing, almost like a gourmet dish! For an extra touch, drizzle with horseradish sauce. Adding a small salad of arugula, ricotta cheese, and olives can elevate the presentation beautifully. While the flavor profile might differ slightly from fried versions, they offer a delicious and healthy option, especially loved by children. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating and sharing this delightful meal!
