Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Chicken Cheese Ball always made an appearance around my house growing up. Especially around the holidays, whenever Mama hosted a shower, or for other special occasions, her chicken cheese ball was sure to requested.
It is definitely one of the easiest recipes to toss together when entertaining, which probably explains why she has always loved to make it through the years.
I just remember being excited when it was finally time to serve her chicken cheese ball at whatever event she was hosting so that I could have a bite. She’d usually prepare it the evening before, or even earlier, and there it would be, taunting me in the refrigerator until time for her party. Talk about tempting!
Now that I’m older, I’m the one keeping the cheese ball covered in the refrigerator and begging my family not to dive into it too early. I probably should learn to just make two of them, one for entertaining and one for my family to enjoy.
Mama’s chicken cheese ball recipes are legendary in our family. The one I’m sharing today is her classic version that we all loved. I’ll have to share some of her other chicken cheese ball recipes soon so that you can give them a try, too. They are out of this world.
Here are a few tips for making her chicken cheese ball ahead of time.
Have all of the ingredients at room temperature before you begin mixing them. Then, you can easily stir all of the ingredients together with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Have a large piece of plastic wrap ready for wrapping the chicken cheese ball for chilling as you begin mixing your ingredients together. Then, just pour your cheese ball mixture onto the center of the wrap and form it into a ball.
Press the chopped pecans onto the cheese ball before it is refrigerated as they will adhere better to the outside of the chicken cheese ball once it is chilled.
So, be sure to pick up the ingredients for this recipe if you don’t already have them in your pantry so that you can make this over the holidays. It’s perfect to pull out of the refrigerator to snack on anytime of the day.
Here’s Mama’s Chicken Cheese Ball recipe. I can’t wait to hear how you love it.
Chicken Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12-ounce) can chicken, white meat only preferred
- 2 (8-ounce packages) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup chopped onion, or 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- crackers and fruit, for serving
Instructions
- Mix together chicken, cream cheese, onion or onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans in a medium mixing bowl.
- Pour chicken cheese ball mixture into the center of a large piece of plastic wrap. Using plastic wrap, press chicken cheese ball mixture to form a ball.
- Press remaining chopped pecans onto top and sides of chicken cheese ball.
- Wrap with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 1 hour up to 3 days before serving.
- Serve with crackers and fruit.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Made this tonight for the first time. I am taking it to Bunco. I am sure they are going to love it.
Hope you all enjoy it – it’s always devoured at parties in my experience. Thanks Tracie! xo
It was a huge hit! Everyone loved it. I used 2 breasts from a rotisserie chicken and used 4 finely chopped green onions for a little color. Served with Ritz crackers.
I’ve been making this every year for years! The canned chicken gives it more flavor and is easier to blend with the other ingredients. I’ve had guests tell me it’s addictive once you start you can’t stop so take my advice and make more than one. It’s a hit!
Can this cheese ball be frozen?
I have been making a chicken cheese ball and I use a ranch powder packet the amount varies to your taste have your family tried this? I use the same ingredients can chicken, cream cheese and pecans I love this recipe too!
Hi Jill,
I’ve not tried ranch in this particular cheese ball – but thanks for the tip! Have you tried making Homemade Ranch Seasoning? It’s delicious and I love keeping some on hand! Thanks!
I have made this recipe time and again and went to make it again today and couldn’t fine my recipe! I googled chicken cheese ball and when I saw your recipe, it was exactly the same as the one I had. I do use the canned chicken and it’s makes it so easy! Buy a good brand and all white meat and it’s just fine. Finely diced onion does add a better flavor than the onion powder (in my opinion).
Thanks so much Micki! Have loved this recipe for such a long time! Isn’t it delish?! xo
I made this recipe as written except I didn’t have to bake the full 10 minutes the second time. I’ve burned plenty of pecans in the past from not watching close enough. These turned out perfect and some will be used on our salad with grilled chicken. Thanks for sharing this and the chicken cheese ball which I plan to try soon.
Glad you enjoyed it, Glenna! Thanks! xo
Very good recipe, and very versatile. Next time I’ll add some chopped craisins for a holiday flair.
I’m going to try this tomorrow, for Sunday. The crackers you show look so buttery and delicious. What is the brand name. I can’t wait to share this deliciousness. Kind regards, Dina
My sister-in-law was telling me she had tried a chicken cheese ball and loved it. I’m sure yours will be good. Pinning it!