Does anyone even have real parties anymore?? Life has been so hectic that lately that we’ve only been inviting family over for birthdays. And even then, it’s usually just for cake and ice cream. The idea of having people over can be super overwhelming with all the prep work and the cleanup, not to mention smiling and small-talking (total introvert right here). But I’m kind of feeling like I want to hang out with some friends, as long as it’s easy! This easy Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe is the perfect party appetizer. Especially for lazy people (my hand is raised!).
I’m a lover of easy recipes and this cheese ball recipe totally is!
I love this Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe So So Much
Seriously, is there anything better than a cheese ball?
Chicken and cheese are one of the most comforting combinations on the planet. Whether it’s in an appetizer, burrito, or entree idea, it’s always delicious!
So having both in a cheese ball recipe makes this the most perfect cheese ball recipe for just about any occasion.
How to Make a Chicken Cheese Ball
Ingredients for this easy Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball:
-
2) 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
-
1 oz. ranch seasoning
-
5 oz. can canned chunk chicken (or make your own chicken and chop it)
-
1/2 cup bacon bits
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
3 green onion, chopped
-
1/2 cup chopped pecans, to roll the ball in
-
Wheat Thins or crackers for serving
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.
I fell like these ingredients could be used in some type of recipe challenge. I wonder how many different recipes could be made with these basic ingredients? I bet I would love all of them. I can’t eat cream cheese on its own (so gross) but in a recipe??I’m all about it! 
Steps to make this easy cheese ball:
- 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. It doesn’t really need to be hard, it just needs to hold it’s shape.
Today I realized that my level of chill is about the same as all of Ludacris’ songs from the 2000’s. I’m a little high strung, as they say. Maybe that’s why I haven’t been having people over. My stress shows on my face and having to make sure your guests have toilet paper at all times can be so stressful!
- Remove from fridge and roll in pecans.
- Serve immediately.
If you won’t’ be serving it right away, just hold off on adding the pecans until just before serving.
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.
So simple! This Chicken 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 Great Party Food Appetizer Ideas
- Rose and Goat Cheese Log
- Dried Beef Roll-Ups
- Salsa Chicken Taco Cups
- Salami Chips
- Blue Cheese Steak Bites
This easy ranch cheese ball with chicken and cheese is a crowd pleaser!
I don’t want to give too much away and tell you this is great for the morning after a party also…so I’ve heard…
Printable Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe
Chicken Cheese Ball with Ranch
Ingredients
- qty. 2 - 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 oz ranch seasoning
- 1 5 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.
Nutrition
Pin this Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball for Later
Have you ever tried a chicken cheese ball before? 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.
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