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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Easy Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe

    Published: Dec 28, 2021 · Updated: Dec 28, 2021 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Easy Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Easy Chicken Ranch Cheeseball with text overlay
    Quick & Easy Chicken Ranch Cheese ball with text overlay
    A pecan crusted chicken ranch cheese ball on a plate with crackers.

    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!

    I’m 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.

    This post was originally published on February 28, 2019 and has now been updated with better instructions.

    This was inspired by my other Cheese Ball recipe. I wanted to make one with chicken and what goes better with chicken and cheese but ranch! Pair it with Old Bay Chex Mix and a classic Old Fashioned for the perfect happy hour spread.

    Why This Recipe Works

    Seriously, is there anything better than a cheese ball?

    Chicken and cheese are some 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.

    Jazz up the flavor with ranch seasoning, bacon and chicken and you’ve got the best snack idea 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 guest’s faces.

    Try my Dried Beef Cheese Ball too! It’s one of my most pinned recipes!

    Appetizers on a food table at a party with text next to it.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for easy chicken and ranch cheese ball on a wooden cutting board.
    • cream cheese
    • ranch seasoning
    • 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

    How to Make a Chicken Cheese Ball

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

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

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

    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.

    Form into a ball and wrap with plastic wrap.

    Easy cheese ball with ranch and chicken.

    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.

    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. 

    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 all of the ingredients are 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 most fresh 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?!

    Related Recipes

    • Rose and Goat Cheese Log
    • Dried Beef Roll-Ups
    • Salsa Chicken Taco Cups
    • Salami Chips
    • Blue Cheese Steak Bites
    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…
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    Course: Appetizers
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Resting Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 256kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    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

    Serving: 12Servings | Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 467mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!
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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at cupcakesandcutlery@gmail.com

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    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

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