Chicken Cheese Balls are a savory, bite-sized appetizer that combines the rich flavors of chicken, creamy cheese, and savory spices, all wrapped in a crispy coating. These little bites are perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering where you need something easy to snack on. The chicken is often mixed with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, or mozzarella, and seasoned with garlic, onion, or herbs, then rolled into balls and breaded before being fried or baked to a golden crisp.
The first time I made these; they were a huge hit! The combination of tender chicken and gooey cheese inside, with that crispy exterior, is irresistible. You can even add a little heat with some chili flakes or hot sauce if you want a spicy kick. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce for the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a fun snack, Chicken Cheese Balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Perfect for:
- Game nights
- Family gatherings
- Potlucks
- Appetizer spreads
- Chicken and cheese enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Chicken Cheese Balls will quickly become your go-to snack:
- Cheesy Goodness: The gooey cheese filling pairs perfectly with tender chicken, creating a satisfying flavor experience.
- Crispy Exterior: The outer layer is perfectly crispy and golden, providing the ideal contrast to the creamy filling.
- Versatile Flavors: Customize the flavor by adding spices, herbs, or extra seasonings to the chicken mixture.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cheese balls quick and easy to prepare.
- Perfect Party Appetizer: These bite-sized snacks are perfect for serving to a crowd, as they are easy to eat with fingers and pack tons of flavor.
- Freezable: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them, so you have delicious snacks ready to go whenever you need them.
- Kid-Friendly: With their cheesy, crispy exterior, kids love these as an after-school snack or party treat.
- Customizable: Add your favorite cheese or herbs to the filling for a personal twist on the recipe.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cheese balls are a hit at any party, gathering, or family dinner.
- No-Fuss Cooking: No need to worry about making a big meal; these are quick, easy, and perfect for when you’re craving something comforting.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 20 cheese balls
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cheese Balls:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Shredded Chicken: Adds protein and texture, making these cheese balls filling and savory.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy filling that blends perfectly with the other cheeses.
- Cheddar and Parmesan: These cheeses provide a rich, savory taste with just the right amount of sharpness.
- Breadcrumbs: Help create that perfect crispy exterior when fried.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Cheese Balls:
- Prepare Chicken: Shred cooked chicken into small pieces and set aside.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and uniform.
- Form the Balls: Using your hands, shape the chicken mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Prepare for Coating: Dip each chicken ball into the beaten egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Heat Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Fry the Balls: Carefully place the chicken balls in the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Drain and Cool: Once golden brown, remove the cheese balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve warm, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken Cheese Balls:
- As a Snack: Serve them on their own for a delicious snack.
- With Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, ketchup, or buffalo sauce for added flavor.
- For Game Day: Serve them during the big game alongside other appetizers.
- On a Party Platter: Arrange the cheese balls on a platter with fresh veggies or crackers for a fun appetizer spread.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the cheese balls.
- In a Wrap: Place them inside a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce for a tasty wrap.
- For Family Dinners: Serve as a side dish or snack for a quick family meal.
- As a School Lunch: Pack them in lunchboxes for a tasty and satisfying lunch for kids.
- As a Party Starter: Serve as an appetizer at parties to get everyone’s appetite going.
- For Appetizer Buffets: Perfect for a buffet setup with a variety of other small bites.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil, which can cause the balls to cook unevenly.
- Use Leftover Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
- Coating Variations: Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, or add Italian seasoning for an herbaceous twist.
- Test Oil Temperature: Drop a small piece of bread in the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying.
- Serve Immediately: These cheese balls are best served hot and fresh, so enjoy them as soon as they’re fried.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls: Add buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herbed Chicken Cheese Balls: Add chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
- Mozzarella Chicken Cheese Balls: Use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a gooey, melty interior.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Cheese Balls: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour.
- BBQ Chicken Cheese Balls: Add BBQ sauce to the filling for a smoky twist.
- Vegetarian Cheese Balls: Replace the chicken with finely chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
Special Equipment
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: For frying the cheese balls to crispy perfection.
- Bowl and Whisk: For preparing the egg wash.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely removing the cheese balls from the oil.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil from the cheese balls.
FAQ Section
- Can I bake the cheese balls instead of frying them?
Yes, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. - Can I freeze these cheese balls?
Yes, freeze un-fried cheese balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from the freezer. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try using gouda, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese balls and store them in the fridge before frying. Fry just before serving. - How do I know when the oil is ready?
Drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot and ready. - Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works well if you don’t have fresh chicken on hand. - What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, cornflakes, or panko breadcrumbs are great alternatives. - How can I make these spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for added heat. - How do I prevent them from falling apart while frying?
Make sure the chicken mixture is well-combined, and the balls are tightly packed. - Can I use other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey, beef, or even fish can be used instead of chicken.
Conclusion
Chicken Cheese Balls are a savory and irresistible snack or appetizer, perfect for parties, game days, or any casual get-together. These bite-sized balls are made by mixing cooked, shredded chicken with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs for added flavor. The mixture is then rolled into small balls and coated with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy exterior.
You can fry them to golden perfection for an extra crispy texture or bake them in the oven for a lighter version. These cheesy chicken balls are best served with a side of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce, depending on your flavor preference. Feel free to customize the filling with extras like cooked bacon, green onions, or jalapeños for a spicy twist. They’re easy to make in batches and are always a hit with guests.
I can’t wait to see how your Chicken Cheese Balls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious, cheesy creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!