Chicken And Rice Balls
Savory chicken and rice balls with cheese and seasoned breading, baked to perfection. A hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons oleo
- 1/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 cups diced chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded American cheese ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- cornflake crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chopped celery and sliced green onions in oleo until tender.
- Cook rice in chicken broth until fluffy and seasoned.
- Mix cooked rice, diced chicken, shredded American cheese, beaten eggs, salt, chili powder, poultry seasoning, and chopped pimento.
- Form the mixture into balls, then roll each ball in bread crumbs and cornflake crumbs.
- Bake the coated rice and chicken balls at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with sauce over the balls.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the celery and green onions. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the mixture. Ensure your rice is cooled before mixing to avoid mushy balls.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken and rice balls are delicious served with a tangy dipping sauce or marinara. For a complete meal, pair them with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They also go well with mashed potatoes or can be enjoyed as an appetizer at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken and rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Rice Balls contains roughly 606 calories, with 18g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1797mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this dish. Just ensure it's shredded or diced into small pieces for even mixing. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers and save time in the kitchen.
Can I freeze the chicken and rice balls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. When ready to cook, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with chicken and rice balls?
These rice balls pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. They are versatile and can be enjoyed alongside sauces like ranch or barbecue for extra flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).