It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of snacks – especially when they’re as delicious and easy to make as this Chicken-Cheese Ball. Originating from the classic cheese ball recipes that have been a party staple for decades, the Chicken-Cheese Ball adds a delightful twist with the inclusion of all-white canned chicken. This gives the dish a unique flavor that’s both satisfying and addictive. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You simply combine all the ingredients, form the mixture into a ball, roll it in chopped pecans, and voila – a scrumptious snack that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. I love it because it’s not only delicious, but it’s also a great way to switch up the usual snack routine. Plus, the chicken provides a good dose of protein, making it a healthier option than many other snack foods out there. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick and easy snack, this Chicken-Cheese Ball is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 small can chicken (all white meat)
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 Tbsp. minced onion
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce or lemon soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- chopped pecans
- maraschino cherry for garnish (if desired)
Mixing Method
- Combine all ingredients, except nuts and cherry.
- Form into ball.
- Roll in enough nuts to cover.
- (If too soft, chill a little first, then roll in nuts.)
- Can garnish with cherry on top.
Calorie: 350
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
A Tale of Chicken, Cheese, and Cherries
Once upon a Friday evening, I found myself in the kitchen, staring at a small can of chicken (the all-white meat kind), a softened block of cream cheese, a tablespoon of minced onion, and some soy sauce. I also noticed a tablespoon of mayonnaise, a bag of chopped pecans, and a maraschino cherry. I thought to myself, “What culinary delight could possibly marry these ingredients together?”
The Unconventional Gathering
First, the chicken and cream cheese were pulled together. It was like a love story, a Romeo and Juliet of the kitchen. The chicken, being all white meat, was like the pure Romeo, and the cream cheese, soft and tangy, was our Juliet. They were combined with the minced onion and soy sauce, their trusty sidekicks. But not to forget, our tablespoon of mayonnaise. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Mayonnaise in a cheese ball? Is she out of her mind?” But trust me, it’s like the secret ingredient in grandma’s hot chocolate – you don’t know why it’s there but it works.
The Great Ball of Chicken-Cheese
Once all the ingredients (except for the pecans and cherry) were combined, they needed to be formed into a ball. This was a task. Imagine trying to create a perfect sphere with a sticky, chicken-infused, cream cheese concoction. But worry not, it’s not a sculpture contest. The ball doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to hold together.
The Nutty Rollercoaster
The next step was to roll the ball in the chopped pecans. It was like sending our little chicken-cheese ball on a rollercoaster ride covered in nuts. If your ball is too soft, you might need to chill it a bit. But if it’s just right, it rolls like a kid down a grassy hill, picking up enough nuts to cover itself.
The Cherry on Top
To finish off this masterpiece, I topped it with a maraschino cherry. The cherry just sat there, like the star on top of a Christmas tree, adding a touch of color to our otherwise beige ball. If you’re not a fan of cherries, it’s okay, you can leave it out. But honestly, who can deny the charm of a cherry-topped chicken-cheese ball?
The Taste of Triumph
Finally, the moment of truth: the taste test. The combination of chicken, cream cheese, onion, soy sauce, and mayonnaise was a flavor explosion. The pecans added a delightful crunch, and the cherry was like a sweet little surprise. It was like my taste buds were throwing a party and the chicken-cheese ball was the guest of honor.
The Final Verdict
So, my friends, if you ever find yourself staring at a can of chicken, a block of cream cheese, and a bag of chopped pecans, don’t despair. Whip up a chicken-cheese ball. It’s a culinary journey, filled with nutty rollercoasters and cherry-topped surprises. And just remember, when in doubt, add the mayonnaise. Trust me on this.
