Chicken-Cheese Ball
Experience the delightful blend of creamy cheese and savory chicken in this Chicken-Cheese Ball. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this dish combines rich flavors with a crunchy pecan coating, making it an ideal appetizer that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, except nuts and cherry.
- Form mixture into a ball.
- Roll in enough chopped pecans to cover the ball.
- If the mixture is too soft, chill it a little first, then roll in the pecans.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry on top, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the small can of chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for added flavor. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This chicken-cheese ball is perfect for parties and pairs well with crackers. For an extra kick, add some hot sauce to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken-cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, vegetable sticks, or pita chips for dipping. It makes an excellent appetizer for gatherings or game days. For a complete spread, pair it with Easy Chicken And Dumplings or Croquettes(Chicken, Fish Or Meat) to round out your menu. Garnish with additional pecans around the base for an attractive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken-cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find it has softened too much, you can chill it for about 30 minutes before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave if desired, or enjoy it cold as a refreshing snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Cheese Ball contains roughly 123 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 989mg per serving (43% 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 make this chicken-cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken-cheese ball can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare it, roll it in the chopped pecans, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just add the maraschino cherry garnish right before serving for a fresh touch.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're allergic to pecans or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. You can also omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version. The flavor will still be delicious without them, but the nuts add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of this recipe, substitute the canned chicken with finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and carrots mixed with cream cheese. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the chicken.
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).