Chicken Balls
Creamy and flavorful chicken balls featuring curry and garlic salt, coated with crunchy chopped cashews. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these bites are rich, savory, and satisfying, appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors and easy-to-make finger foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic salt, curry powder, and lemon juice.
- Add the diced, cooked chicken and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into balls or logs.
- Roll the shaped mixture in chopped salted cashew nuts.
- Serve with crackers and sprinkle with parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. If you're looking for a different flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro. Ensure your chicken is well-seasoned before mixing; leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken balls are perfect as an appetizer or snack. Serve them with an assortment of crackers and fresh vegetables for dipping. For a complete meal, pair them with a refreshing salad like Twisted River Ranch Cabbage Salad or serve alongside a bowl of Southern Corn Soup for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken balls on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will help retain their texture, making them taste freshly made.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Balls contains roughly 1086 calories, with 10g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% 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 freeze the chicken balls?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken balls before or after cooking. If freezing before, shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use ricotta cheese or cottage cheese blended until smooth. For a dairy-free option, consider using a vegan cream cheese or silken tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice for creaminess.
How can I make these chicken balls spicier?
To add heat, mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha or a chipotle mayo to enhance the 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).