Juanita'S Cocktail Chicken Balls
Juicy and flavorful cocktail chicken balls combine tender cooked chicken with crunchy pecans and fresh vegetables, offering a delightful appetizer perfect for gatherings. The creamy mayonnaise and a hint of hot pepper sauce add a gentle spice, making these bites appealing to a wide range of guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the finely chopped cooked chicken, chopped onion, chopped pimento, chopped green pepper, chopped celery, and ground pecans in a bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Roll each ball in the finely chopped pecans.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
- Optionally, spear a chicken ball and a pineapple chunk on an hors d'oeuvre pick for serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For more flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. If you don't have pimento, roasted red peppers can be a suitable substitute. Ground walnuts can replace pecans if desired. Ensure the chicken is finely chopped for better binding and easier shaping of the balls. If you want to make them ahead, prepare the mixture and refrigerate it overnight before shaping.
Serving Suggestions
These cocktail chicken balls are perfect for parties and pair wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or a spicy aioli. Serve alongside fresh vegetable sticks or on a platter with cheese and crackers for a delightful appetizer spread. For a fun twist, try spearing them with a fruit chunk, such as pineapple, for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain their texture, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Juanita'S Cocktail Chicken Balls contains roughly 348 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
No, this recipe requires cooked chicken for safety and flavor. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts beforehand. Ensure it's finely chopped to blend well with the other ingredients.
How can I make the chicken balls spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more hot pepper sauce to the mixture or incorporate diced jalapeños. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce to enhance the heat without altering the base recipe.
Can I freeze these chicken balls?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked chicken balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).