Snappy Chicken Balls
Crispy, flavorful chicken balls with coconut and curry spices, perfect as an appetizer or party snack, offering a delightful combination of textures and aromatic tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, almonds, green onions, and chutney in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and curry powder.
- Combine the chicken mixture with the cream cheese mixture.
- Chill the mixture until firm.
- Shape into bite-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in grated coconut.
- Refrigerate covered until ready to serve.
- Garnish with tiny yellow and white flowers or candied orange peel before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. If you don't have almonds, walnuts or pecans work well as substitutes. You can also use low-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise to lighten the recipe. Make sure to chill the mixture thoroughly for easier shaping into balls. This recipe can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
These snappy chicken balls are perfect as an appetizer or party snack. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or mango salsa for added flavor. They also pair beautifully with Baked Quail for a more elaborate meal. Consider garnishing with edible flowers for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover snappy 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. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snappy Chicken Balls contains roughly 30 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg 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 make the chicken balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken balls a day in advance. Simply shape them and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. This can actually enhance the flavors as they chill together. Just be sure to roll them in coconut just before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with these chicken balls?
These chicken balls are versatile and can be served with various sides. They go well with a light salad or some crispy vegetable sticks. You can also serve them with a tangy yogurt dip or a sweet chili sauce to complement the flavors.
Can I freeze the chicken balls for later use?
Absolutely! Freeze the shaped chicken balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake them directly from the freezer, adding 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).