Chicken Cheese Ball
This easy Chicken Cheese Ball is your new favorite party appetizer, ready in under 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a quick snack, this creamy, delicious cheese ball is always a hit. You’ll be looking for any reason to make it again!
A chicken cheese ball. Is there anything better?
Why This Recipe Works
- Chicken and cheese is one of the most comforting flavor combinations on the planet.
- The prep time is short and it can (and should!) be made ahead before your guests arrive so it has time to chill.
- Jazzed up with ranch seasoning and bacon, it becomes the best snack idea ever with so much flavor!
- This Chicken Ranch Cheese Ball also makes a great appetizer for parties. Served with crackers or fresh veggies, this is a party treat that always puts a smile on guests’ faces.
Related post: The Best Cheese Ball Ever
It’s the perfect cheese ball recipe for just about any occasion.
Pair this cheese ball with ranch dressing mix with Old Bay Chex Mix and a classic Old Fashioned for the perfect happy hour spread.
Ingredients
- cream cheese (softened, at room temperature!)
- canned chunk chicken (or make your own chicken and chop it)
- bacon bits
- cheddar cheese
- green onion
- chopped pecans, to roll the ball in
- Wheat Thins or crackers for serving
I’ve made the recipe with full fat ingredients but feel free to choose the products that work best for your diet restrictions.
I prefer to make my own chicken but the canned chicken is a great time-saving hack!
You can make your own ranch seasoning mix if you want it to be cleaner or you can buy a large jar of it from Costco so you have it on hand all the time.
How to Make a Chicken Cheese Ball
Step 1
Add all the ingredients, except for the chicken, to a bowl.
Step 2
Using a hand mixer, mix the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, green onions and bacon bits.
Add chicken and mix well.
Step 3
Form the cheese and chicken mixture into a ball and wrap it with plastic wrap.
Step 4
Place in fridge for 1 hour to chill. It doesn’t really need to be hard, it just needs to hold it’s shape.
Step 5
Remove from fridge and roll in pecans, then serve!
Note: If you won’t be serving it right away, just hold off on adding the pecans until just before serving.
How to Serve
Place the chicken cheese ball on a serving plate and surround it with crackers, bread or veggies.
Although I like to serve it with Wheat Thins, other crackers work too. There is something extraordinary about Wheat Thins and cheese together though.
You can also serve this cheese ball with jicama, celery, carrots or any other crunchy, sturdy vegetable.
Top Tip
- You can make this recipe your own by adding other spices like onion powder, garlic powder or even Old Bay.
- If you prefer, you can change up the type of nut used or leave it off altogether.
- To add even more bacon flavor you can chop up extra bacon and mix it in with the pecans to coat the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can freeze cheese balls but cheese can dry out after being frozen. For best results, you’ll want to wrap it carefully so that it doesn’t get freezer-burnt. You’ll also want to allow plenty of time for it to thaw out before serving.
A cheese ball can last in the refrigerator for several days. Some recipes say it will last for up to 2 weeks but for the freshest flavor, I would keep it only for a few days.
So simple! This easy Chicken Ranch Cheese Ball is also easy to take to a party that you are attending. I’m not sure why cheese balls don’t end up on more hostess gift guides but wouldn’t you love it if someone brought you a cheese ball?!
More appetizer recipes
- Rose and Goat Cheese Log
- Dried Beef Roll-Ups
- Salsa Chicken Taco Cups
- Salami Chips
- Blue Cheese Steak Bites
Chicken Cheese Ball with Ranch
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 oz ranch seasoning
- 15 oz. can canned chunk chicken
- 1/2 cup bacon bits if 1/2 a cup seems like way too many just do what you think is best but note what you changed it to.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onion chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans to roll the ball in
- Wheat Thins or crackers to serve with
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, mix the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, green onions and bacon bits.
- Add chicken and mix well.
- Form into a ball and wrap with plastic wrap.
- Place in fridge for 1 hour to chill.
- Remove from fridge and roll in pecans.
- Serve immediately.
- Can be made ahead just wait to roll it in the pecans until ready to serve.
- Serve with Wheat Thins or other crackers.
Notes
-
- This recipe is easiest to make when the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- You can make this recipe your own by adding other spices like onion powder, garlic powder or even Old Bay.
- You can leave off the pecans or change the type of nut used to roll the chicken cheese ball in if you prefer.
I can’t wait to make this chicken cheese ball for my next movie night! The perfect app for a fun night in. Or a meal in that of itself. :)
This chicken cheese ball literally has my mouth watering. I’m on my way to get the ingredients now!
I just love your recipes I will use a few for Christmas have a blessed and happy holiday ..