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Cracker Chicken Bites

Cracker Chicken Bites – Bite-size chicken balls mixed with White Cheddar Crackers and poblano peppers, rolled in crushed crackers and bacon, baked until super crispy.

Cracker Chicken Bites - Bite-size chicken balls mixed with White Cheddar Crackers and poblano peppers, rolled in crushed crackers and bacon, baked until super crispy ~ The Complete SavoristWhen given the opportunity to host a party, gathering, event, you name it, I often will jump at the chance. My place is small but I have managed to pack 21 adults in my place.  That was no small feat, mind you. This time of year is filled with award shows and lots and lots of big games.

With basketball season winding down, the frenzy is about to begin. I don’t watch much regular season basketball, but the playoffs, well those are some serious fun games.  The excitement is felt right through the TV screen into my own living room. I have no particular favorite team, in fact, if I confessed how I root for teams you all might shoot me, so I will keep that under wraps.

Now, while I love the award shows and games, we all know I love the food.  When watching basketball games, because they are so fast paced, I have learned to make my food small and bite sized.  The reason being, less mess.  Have you seen what happens when a bunch of adults are holding plates of food, larger pieces of food, and an important score or a particularly heinous foul occurs…the mess is bigger than what my daughter ever made when learning to feed herself.  I have found it best to create food that can be tossed in the mouth and be done with, like these Cracker Chicken Bites, because you never know when the hands are going to be thrown up in the air (for good or bad) with a plateful of food with them.

Game Day Grub

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BigGameSnacks #CollectiveBias

To prepare, I, of course, needed to shop, so I headed to Walmart to grab all the necessary ingredients. Personally, I love shopping on Sundays because all stores are a near ghost town. I was able to grab what I needed to make these Cracker Chicken Bites and head home to cook. I love snacking on Cheez-it Crackers all on their own, and when I say love I mean LOVE.

In order to prepare for the snacking that I knew would ensue by simply opening the package, I grabbed 2 extra boxes. I fully blame my grandmother for these Snackable Moments, as these are her favorite cracker in the world. Not only did I grab the Grooves, but I picked up Cheez-It Crunch’d, a new cheddar puff.  Those are just as addicting and it wasn’t long before all the teenage guests devoured the 2 bowls I had set out, but who can blame them really?

Cracker Chicken Bites ~ The Complete Savorist #BigGameSnacks #Ad @Walmart

Cracker Chicken Bites - Bite-size chicken balls mixed with White Cheddar Crackers and poblano peppers, rolled in crushed crackers and bacon, baked until super crispy ~ The Complete Savorist

Cracker Chicken Bites

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American Fusion
Keyword: Appetizer, Chicken, Crackers
Servings: 6
Author: Michelle De La Cerda

Cracker Chicken Bites - Bite-size chicken balls mixed with White Cheddar Crackers and poblano peppers, rolled in crushed crackers and bacon, baked until super crispy.

Print

Ingredients

  • 1 9-oz box White Cheddar Cheez-It Grooves; crushed and divided 1 cup/1 1/2 cup
  • 1 poblano pepper; finely diced
  • 1 cup white onion; finely diced
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs; ground in the food processor (or use ground chicken)
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 1/2 tbsp bacon; finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp salt/pepper +/- to taste
  • Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Instructions

  1. Crush the entire box of White Cheddar Cheez-it Grooves, place one cup of crumbs in a large mixing bowl and the remaining in another smaller bowl with the bacon crumbles.
  2. In a saute pan over medium-high heat, cook the onion and pepper together until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. While the onions and pepper cook, run the chicken in the food processor to break up. I use whole boneless, skinless thighs because they yield deeper flavor and a heartier texture.
  4. Add the chicken, sautéed veggies, eggs, 1 cup of crushed White Cheddar Cheez-it Grooves, and the salt/pepper. mix well. The mixture will be very wet.
  5. Form tiny 1-inch balls and and coat them in the cracker/bacon mixture.
  6. Spray a cooking racking resting on a baking sheet with cooking spray.
  7. Place each ball on a sprayed rack, repeat until all the balls have been formed, about 36 in total.
  8. Spray each ball with cooking spray.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven or until a thermometer reads at least 165 degrees.

The Crackers #BigGameSnacks #Ad @WalmartThe cracker and bacon coating #BigGameSnacks #Ad @WalmartProcessing the Chicken #BigGameSnacks #Ad @WalmartThe Veggies and Chicken Bite mixture #BigGameSnacks #Ad @WalmartReady to bake the Cracker Chicken Bites #BigGameSnacks #Ad @WalmartCracker Chicken Bites ~ The Complete Savorist #BigGameSnacks #Ad @Walmart

Cracker Chicken Bites ~ The Complete Savorist #BigGameSnacks #Ad @Walmart

 

Cracker Chicken Bites - Bite-size chicken balls mixed with White Cheddar Crackers and poblano peppers, rolled in crushed crackers and bacon, baked until super crispy.

In the interest of full disclosure…I made this recipe twice in a row.  The first reason was I made the bites into actual balls, making them too big for an appetizer, but the real reason, my guests ate them all before I could even get pictures done, the were that good. I gave one as sample, stepped out of the room for a minute to get things I needed to take pictures, and by the time I came back, well I was left with very, very few!

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60 Comments

  • Reply
    Healing Tomato
    March 2, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    5 stars
    Your parties sound like so much fun! Your recipes are always amazing and I like how you break down each step. I must try the Cheez-it Crunch’d and Grooves

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 2, 2015 at 10:54 pm

      I do know how to through a good party…consider yourself invited to them.

  • Reply
    Arman @ thebigmansworld
    March 3, 2015 at 1:05 am

    Saw these on instagram and thought it was an evil joke…This is too good to be true!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 3, 2015 at 1:30 am

      Oh Arman, they are crack! I can’t stop eating them.

  • Reply
    Stephanie @ Year-Round Giving
    March 3, 2015 at 6:19 am

    Oh my god! These looks fantastic! Perfect for a party. Pinning.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 3, 2015 at 11:10 am

      Thank you Stephanie, they really are great for any party. Or just eating, one by one in a gluttonous fashion.

  • Reply
    kristy @ the wicked noodle
    March 3, 2015 at 6:20 am

    aOkay, so let’s talk Cheezits…we are HUGE fans in this house. I don’t buy a lot of snacks – rarely do we have chips or other type snacks – but we ALWAYS have Cheezits. I just tried the Grooves last week and about fell out of my chair because they were so good. Anyway…pure brilliance to incorporate them into this recipe. It looks amazing!!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 3, 2015 at 11:11 am

      I am so addicted to the Groove. I love the thin, crisp cracker….I purchased a few boxes…only one remains now.

  • Reply
    christine
    March 3, 2015 at 11:31 am

    Me and my little one are so addicted to the zesty ranch grooves. Seriously can’t get enough. These little bites look so tasty! Perfect for snacking during the games!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 3, 2015 at 11:51 am

      Thank you Christine! They are perfect for snacking…and, I too, am addicted the Grooves, but the white cheddar.

  • Reply
    lizzy
    March 4, 2015 at 8:50 am

    This is such a creative idea!!! I am so impressed with this recipe and it absolutely looks like something my boyfriend would want to eat. Awesome recipe I am def. going to try it!!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 4, 2015 at 2:07 pm

      Thank you Lizzy, I am utterly addicted to these. Hope you and the boyfriend love them too, hopefully not unto addiction.

  • Reply
    Joanne T Ferguson
    March 5, 2015 at 1:58 am

    G’day This is one of those snacks that you just want to dive into!
    Cheers! Joanne

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 5, 2015 at 10:55 am

      Hi Joanne, thank you for stopping by, it is one of those snacks you’ll just keep eating.

  • Reply
    Joy @ Joy Love Food
    March 5, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    We all love Cheez-its in my house, we haven’t tried the Grooves yet, but I will be on the lookout for some now! Those chicken cracker balls look seriously amazing and the creamy cilantro dressing the perfect accompaniment!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 6, 2015 at 8:12 am

      Oh try the Grooves, they are thin and crispy. I love these cracker chicken balls, hope your family does too.

  • Reply
    Nicole Neverman
    March 5, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    These chicken bites are such a fantastic idea! So fun and delicious looking 🙂

  • Reply
    Dan from Platter Talk
    March 5, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    5 stars
    These are so fun and so original! Love your idea!!

  • Reply
    Linda @ With A Blast
    March 6, 2015 at 9:26 am

    5 stars
    Oh wow, this could be dangerous ! I would eat myself into a stupor ! Delicious !

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 6, 2015 at 11:52 am

      Oh, I have eaten myself into a stupor with these! Welcome to the club. 🙂

  • Reply
    Diana Rambles
    March 6, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    What a fabulous party snack! YUM!

  • Reply
    Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner?
    March 6, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    What a fantastic appetizer idea! I love cheeze-its and I bet they add great flavour and texture to these meatballs.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 6, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      Thank you so much Cindy!

  • Reply
    Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
    March 6, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    adore every single thing about these…mostly how much I want to munch a couple!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 6, 2015 at 10:26 pm

      Thank you Dorothy! I appreciate it.

  • Reply
    Nettie Moore
    March 6, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    5 stars
    These look seriously addictive, I want to come to your parties! Nettie

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 6, 2015 at 10:27 pm

      Nettie, anytime you’re in the area, you pop on over…standing invite.

  • Reply
    [email protected]
    March 6, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    Love these bites!

  • Reply
    Patricia @ Grab a Plate
    March 6, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    These are adorable and what a great idea! Perfect party food! I’m a basketball fan, so I’ve been watching all season. Thanks for the great idea!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 6, 2015 at 10:28 pm

      Hope you can enjoy them while your teams wins.

  • Reply
    Katerina
    March 6, 2015 at 10:17 pm

    Crunchy and super tasty, love these little bites!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 6, 2015 at 10:28 pm

      Thanks Katerina, they were super tasty.

  • Reply
    Jillian (Food, Folks and Fun)
    March 6, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    This would be a fabulous appetizer for game day!

  • Reply
    Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens
    March 7, 2015 at 6:35 am

    You’re so funny! I totally agree with you that, while I’m not a huge fan of regular-season basketball, the playoffs and March Madness get a lot more fun for me! Hopefully, this year in Ohio we’ll really have something to root for if the Cavs continue their outstanding comeback! But anyway … yes, yes … with award shows and great sporting events, this type of easy, super-yummy finger food recipe is exactly what we all need! Looks delicious, and so simple to throw together (in case you need to make two batches, lol!). 😀

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 7, 2015 at 4:27 pm

      I am so glad I am not alone, Shelley! Good luck to your teams. I have no real stake in the series, I just take each round as they come and root for which ever teams strikes my fancy. 🙂

  • Reply
    Tara
    March 7, 2015 at 8:08 am

    5 stars
    Great party appetizer, can’t wait to try these. I wil have to see if we can get those crackers in Canada.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 7, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      Thank you Tara, I hope you can find them!

  • Reply
    Libby with Lemony Thyme
    March 7, 2015 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    Game Days just got a whole lot more tasty!! We’re big Cheez-It fans too and I know my family would gobble these up.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 7, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      Thanks Libby, they are a great snack, even without the games happening.

  • Reply
    KC the Kitchen Chopper
    March 7, 2015 at 9:49 am

    Don’t you just love Cheez-it commercials.

  • Reply
    Joanne T Ferguson
    March 7, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    G’day These look so good Michelle and are great for entertaining! Thx for sharing this recipe!
    Cheers! Joanne

  • Reply
    Mary
    March 7, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I want to come to one of your parties! These Cracker Chicken Bites look amazing, I know I’d eat a plate full!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 7, 2015 at 10:59 pm

      Mary, I’d love to have you over! They are addictive, so a plateful is about right.

  • Reply
    Becky
    March 8, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Perfect for any party or game day spread! I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop eating these!! Yummy!!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 8, 2015 at 2:50 pm

      I feel ya, Becky, I couldn’t stop either.

  • Reply
    Elena
    March 8, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    5 stars
    These chicken bites are such a great idea! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 8, 2015 at 2:50 pm

      Thank you Elena for stopping by.

  • Reply
    Samantha K
    March 9, 2015 at 4:14 am

    5 stars
    Bacon and Sharp White Cheddar Grooves around each bite? YUM! I have to make these next time we have guests! #client

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 9, 2015 at 11:04 am

      You and your guests will be addicted. Thanks Samantha.

  • Reply
    Shauna - The Best Blog Recipes
    March 9, 2015 at 9:25 am

    What a great idea! I haven’t seen these crackers yet but I’ll definitely have to check them out 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      March 9, 2015 at 11:04 am

      The crackers are just as addictive as the chicken bites are!

  • Reply
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