If you’re looking for a cheese ball recipe, this Chicken Cheese Ball is the perfect make-ahead appetizer. In fact, it’s really better when you make it ahead. Plus, everyone, and I mean everyone, likes this.
You’ll find this Chicken Cheese Ball recipe is not only super easy, but it’s tasty, with that sweet-spicy combination of flavors going on that makes it irresistible. I serve this with a variety of crackers during that time in-between brunch and dinner on Christmas day. It’s a hearty appetizer that will hold people over to the main meal.
This appetizer is inexpensive to make, as well. You can find all the ingredients on sale this time of year, with especially great buys on cream cheese.
TIP: Remember to save your drained pineapple juice to use in smoothies. Don’t let anything go to waste!
- Two 10 oz. cans chicken (white meat)
- One bar of cream cheese, softened
- 6 - 8 dashes of hot sauce (I prefer Frank's RedHot Sauce.)
- One small can of crushed pineapple, drained
- 3 - 4 chopped green onions (use only the green part)
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped
- Mix everything together except for the pecans.
- Chill for about an hour.
- Once it is chilled, it will be easier to shape it into a ball.
- Put crushed pecans on a flat dish, then roll the Chicken Cheese ball through the nuts until it is completely covered. (Press nuts in slightly as you roll.)
- Return to fridge to chill until serving.
- Accompany the Chicken Cheese Ball with your choice of cracker.
More appetizers to try:
See all my Recipes for Appetizers on Faithful Provisions.
Find more recipes for your Holiday Meal Planning on Faithful Provisions.
Recipe developed by Kelly Hancock ©2010 Faithful Provisions. For personal use only. May not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed for capital gain without prior permission from Kelly Hancock.
Should try. Looks easy to make. Hope taste good.
what else can you use for the outside? I don’t like pecans (I know bad southern girl)
Nothing is needed. Just make it as is, roll into a ball and wrap with saran wrap and let it mold. Then put on a platter and serve.
IF I make this, I am taking out the hot sauce (gross) and the pineapple (don’t do nor do I get the sweet and savory thing)
Kaycee – It will taste great without hot sauce or pineapple! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Sounds yummy! I have a Christmas party this weekend and I am totally making this : )
Do you think white meat from grilled chicken breasts would work? Finely chopped? I think I like that over canned chicken, but that is just me.
Honestly, Angela, I’m not sure, because that will be a different texture from the canned, so I really don’t know how it will work. If you try it, let me know, and I’ll be sure to post it as an alternative! Thanks!