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Easy Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe

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This easy Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe is the perfect party appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients, this tasty snack can be ready in under 15 minutes!

If you’re a lover of easy, delicious recipes, this cheese ball recipe is for you. Make one for your next party or any time you need a yummy snack.

Chicken, ranch and bacon cheese ball on a white plate with crackers.
Let’s make a tasty Chicken Cheese Ball recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

Seriously, is there anything better than a chicken cheese ball?

Chicken and cheese is one of the most comforting flavor combinations on the planet. Whether it’s in an appetizer, burrito, or entree idea, it’s always delicious!

Jazzed up with ranch seasoning and bacon, it becomes the best snack idea ever!

Together, all these flavors make the perfect cheese ball recipe for just about any occasion.

Related post: The Best Cheese Ball Ever

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.

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

Ingredients for easy chicken and ranch cheese ball on a wooden cutting board.
What you need to make a chicken cream cheese ball.

How to Make a Chicken Cheese Ball

Ingredients for a chicken ranch cheese ball in a white bowl.

1. Add all the ingredients, except for the chicken, to a bowl

Cheese ball ingredients including ranch and chicken in a mixing bowl.

2. Mix

Using a hand mixer, mix the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, green onions and bacon bits.

Add chicken and mix well.

Easy cheese ball recipe with chicken and ranch.

3. Wrap it

Form into a ball and wrap with plastic wrap.

Easy cheese ball with ranch and chicken.

4. Chill it

Place in fridge for 1 hour to chill. It doesn’t really need to be hard, it just needs to hold it’s shape.

Easy chicken and ranch cheese ball covered in pecans.

5. Roll in pecans

Remove from fridge and roll in pecans.

If you won’t be serving it right away, just hold off on adding the pecans until just before serving. 

6. How to serve

Serve immediately. 

Although I like to serve it with Wheat Thins (other crackers work too but there is something extraordinary about Wheat Thins and cheese together), you could also serve this cheese ball with jicama, celery, carrots or any other crunchy, sturdy vegetable. 

I love any kind of party food that can be made ahead of time and can sit on a table for a while without being a gloppy mess. 

Chicken and ranch cheeseball surrounded by crackers on a white plate.

Top Tips

  • FYI, dry ranch seasoning is such a great way to add flavor to recipes! I have used it recently in a crockpot chicken recipe also and it’s so tasty! Instead of having to have all kinds of different spices in your cabinet, just keep a few ranch packets around! 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. 
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze a chicken cheese ball?

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.

How long will a homemade cheese ball last in the refrigerator?

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.

Easy ranch and chicken cheese ball on a plate with crackers.

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 cheese ball recipes

More appetizer recipes

Printable pages on top of an image of kitchen gadgets with text next to it.
chicken cheese ball featured image

Chicken Cheese Ball with Ranch

If you are looking for a great party appetizer, you'll love this easy chicken cheese ball recipe! It's easy to make and even easier to eat…
4 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 256kcal
Servings: 12 servings

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 12Servings | Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 467mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
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3 Comments

  1. 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. :)

  2. This chicken cheese ball literally has my mouth watering. I’m on my way to get the ingredients now!

  3. Cornetta Winstead says:

    4 stars
    I just love your recipes I will use a few for Christmas have a blessed and happy holiday ..

4 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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