Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls! These little bites of joy are my go-to appetizer for gatherings, and they never fail to impress! I remember the first time I made them for a family get-together; I could barely keep up with the demand! The crunchy exterior gives way to that warm, cheesy, and savory filling that’s just pure comfort. Trust me, when you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re incredibly easy to whip up, and you can even use leftover chicken, which is a huge bonus. Whether it’s game night, a potluck, or just a cozy dinner at home, these cheesy wonders bring everyone together. Seriously, you’ll want to make a double batch because they disappear fast!
Ingredients List
To make your Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (leftover works great!)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that gooey goodness)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (adds a nice salty kick)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for that perfect crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a little heat)
- 1 egg, beaten (to help bind it all together)
- Oil for frying (enough to submerge those delicious balls)
Gather these goodies, and you’ll be on your way to creating a mouthwatering appetizer that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls
Making Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through it step by step! First, gather all your ingredients and find a comfy spot in your kitchen. You’ll want to mix everything well, so having a good-sized bowl is essential. Start by combining the shredded chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix until it’s all blended nicely. You want it to be really well combined for that perfect cheesy bite!
Next, it’s time to form the mixture into small balls—about the size of a golf ball works perfectly. This is where the fun begins! Once you’ve shaped them all, dip each ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the breadcrumbs for that crunchy exterior. Make sure every bit is covered; trust me, that crunch is what makes these so addictive!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
- Dip each ball in the beaten egg, making sure it’s coated, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles when dropped in!
- Fry the balls in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they fry up quickly!
- Remove from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly delicious—each bite bursts with cheesy, savory goodness!
- Super easy to make, even for beginner cooks—trust me, you’ll impress!
- Perfect for any occasion: game nights, parties, or cozy dinners at home.
- Customizable—feel free to switch up the cheeses or add your favorite spices!
- Quick to prepare—whip them up in about 30 minutes, and you’re ready to go!
- Great for using up leftover chicken—no one will know it’s not fresh!
Tips for Success
If you want to make the best Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—around 350°F (175°C) works like a charm. You can test it by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, you’re good to go! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor; try adding cheddar or pepper jack for a kick! And don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty—mixing with your hands ensures a great texture!
Variations
The beauty of Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls is how adaptable they are! Want to give them a twist? Swap the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick! You could also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Feeling adventurous? Add some chopped jalapeños or diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture for a fresh crunch. For an herby touch, mix in some fresh parsley or basil. And if you’re a fan of bold flavors, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to spice things up. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make them your own!
Nutritional Information
These Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls are not only delicious but also surprisingly balanced! Each serving (about 4 balls) contains an estimated 250 calories, 15g of fat, 12g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredients and cooking methods, but it’s a tasty treat you can feel good about!
FAQ Section
Can I bake these instead of frying? Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning.
What dipping sauces pair well with these? I love serving these with a zesty ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo! You could also go classic with marinara sauce or sweet and sour sauce—yum!
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to cool them completely, then store in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture!
What other meats can I use? Feel free to get creative! Shredded turkey or even cooked bacon can be great alternatives to chicken in this recipe.
How do I know when they’re done frying? They’re done when they’re a gorgeous golden brown and crispy on the outside, usually taking about 3-4 minutes per side. Enjoy that delicious crunch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls properly ensures you can enjoy them again later! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for about a month.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful crunch!
Print
Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls: 6 Irresistible Comfort Bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls are a delicious appetizer made with chicken and cheese, coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Dip each ball in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the balls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Can be baked for a healthier option.
- Use leftover chicken for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Crispy Chicken Cheese Balls, Chicken Appetizer, Fried Cheese Balls