APPETIZER ESSENTIALS: CHEESY/SPICY CHICKEN ORBS

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.