Yummy Chicken Ball Appetizer — the Nostalgic Cheese Ball Alternative to Try Now

I think the height of appetizer balls was sometime in the 80s and cheese balls specifically were a staple at any get together. Tuna balls are probably more common but there’s a lot of people who have an aversion to tuna — I’m one of them 😉 But whether you haven’t had this kind of appetizer in a while or it’s the kind of app that never disappeared in your circles, this chicken ball is delicious and something special. I especially love it for showers because it fits the bill whether you’re looking for another protein or another dip-style dish. It’s also unique enough that I’ve never know anyone else to have served it, so it’s always been a “new” taste to share.

What Ingredients Are Used In This Chicken Ball Recipe?

This Chicken Ball recipe only requires six ingredients that are basic and are typically on hand in any well-stocked kitchen. The ingredients include:

• Chicken Breast
• Cream Cheese
• Onion
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Ranch Seasoning
• Pecans
• Chicken Broth (optional)

What Kitchen Tools Are Needed To Make This App?

Again, only basic items are needed when it comes to the kitchen tools I use to make this Chicken Ball recipe. I love that no measuring is needed, so no measuring spoons or measuring cups are needed. The kitchen tools I use include:

• Small cooking pot with lid
• Kitchen Aid or hand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Chopper or mini food processor (if you start with pecan halves and they need to be chopped)
• Plastic wrap

How Do You Serve This Appetizer?

I like to serve this Chicken Ball recipe in the center of a large plate or small serving platter surrounded by crackers. It’s how I grew up and how my mom always served any cheese-based appetizer balls. My cracker of choice to serve is Wheat Thins, but any of these cracker varieties will work, too.

• Triscuits
• Ritz
• Club
• Saltines
• Sociables
• Town House

You can also use carrot and/or celery sticks as your dippers.

Can This Chicken Ball Recipe Be Simplified?

Yes, and definitely! You can certainly skip the steps of cooking and shredding a chicken breast by substituting one can of chicken. (As a note, canned chicken is often a BOGO item at Publix.) You can also skip the step of forming this recipe into a ball and simply serve it as a dip.

Can Any Other Items Be Used To Change Up This Chicken Ball Recipe?

To be honest, this Chicken Ball recipe was fashioned from a Tuna Ball recipe I tried at a work potluck years ago. Everyone has always loved the Tuna Ball version, too, even if they aren’t a tuna fan. If you are interested in making the Tuna Ball version, simply substitute the chicken for a drained can of tuna and eliminate the addition of Ranch seasoning powder.

Can This Chicken Ball Recipe Be Made In Advance?

The Chicken Ball is a great appetizer to make the day ahead of time that you plan to serve it. If you’re not making the Chicken Ball the day before, It’s advisable to make it a couple of hours ahead of time on the day you plan to serve it so it can set up in the refrigerator to firm up and let the flavors marry before it is served.

Print

Chicken Ball

This Chicken Ball recipe consists of only six ingredients and is a tasty appetizer to serve with crackers before dinner or at a party, shower or potluck.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword boneless chicken breast, Cream Cheese, tuna

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 large Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast
• 1 8 oz. Cream Cheese softened
• 1 Yellow Onion
• 6 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 pkg Ranch Seasoning Powder (approx. 6 shakes if you have a seasoning container)
• 1/2 cup Pecans finely chopped
• Chicken Broth optional

Instructions

1. Place boneless, skinless chicken breast in a small-sized pot and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cover with water (or chicken broth) and cover with lid. Cook on medium heat for approximately 20 minutes.

2. While the chicken breast is cooking, peel and finely dice yellow onion.

3. While the chicken breast is cooking, chop 1/2 cup of pecans into fine pieces.

4. When the chicken breast is done, place in a mixing bowl and shred with either a stand or portable mixer.

5. Add the softened cream cheese and diced onion to the shredded chicken.

6. Add six dashes or Worcestershire sauce and the package of Ranch seasoning blend to the bowl.

7. Mix all of these ingredients up until they are well incorporated.

8. Dump the chicken mixture out on to a large piece of plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap is large enough so that the edges can be used to cover the ball when it is shaped and covered with the pecan pieces.

9. Shape the chicken mixture into a ball.

10. Sprinkle the pecan pieces on to the top and sides of the chicken ball, pressing the pieces lightly into the ball.

11. When the ball has been covered with the pecan pieces, bring the edges of the plastic wrap over the top of the bowl and twist to close.

12. Refrigerate the ball until you are ready to serve it.

13. Prior to serving, remove the chicken ball from the plastic wrap and place it in the middle of a large plate or small platter, with the bottom side down.

14. Place crackers or dippers of choice around the finished chicken ball.

Recipe Notes

If you are substituting canned chicken or tuna for the fresh chicken breast, drain the can thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.

As always, if you make this, I’d love for you to come back and leave your feedback!

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