Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Mix, chill, and roll—it’s that simple!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any event, whether it’s a holiday, a game day, or a casual gathering.
- Flavorful: A delicious combination of ranch seasoning, chicken, makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese
- Shredded chicken breast
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Ranch dressing mix
- Chopped pecans (for coating)
Directions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, chicken, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the Ball: Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, form it into a ball shape, and refrigerate for another hour.
- Coat with Pecans: Roll the chilled cheese ball in chopped pecans to coat it evenly.
- Serve: Place the cheese ball on a platter and serve with crackers or pretzels.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 8-10 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Ranch: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Buffalo Ranch: Mix in buffalo sauce for a tangy twist.
- Southwest Ranch: Add diced bell peppers, corn, and black beans for a Tex-Mex flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This cheese ball is best served cold, so no reheating is needed.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, make it the day before and refrigerate until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of pecans?
You can use walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, as long as the ingredients like mayo are gluten-free.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
It’s not recommended to freeze the cheese ball, as it may affect the texture of the cream cheese.
How do I serve this?
Serve with crackers, pretzels, or even fresh vegetables for dipping.
What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
You can make your own ranch seasoning with a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, simply halve the ingredients for a smaller cheese ball.
Conclusion
This Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball is the ultimate appetizer that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for any gathering, it’s sure to impress your guests and have everyone asking for the recipe.
Print
Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ranch Chicken Cheese Ball is the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer with creamy cheese, shredded chicken, and a tangy ranch flavor. Easy to make, it’s a fantastic choice for parties, game days, and casual gatherings. Serve with crackers for a savory snack that’s sure to impress everyone!
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Shredded chicken breast
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Ranch dressing mix
- Chopped pecans (for coating)
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix . Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Shape the Ball: Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap, shaping it into a ball. Refrigerate for another hour to firm it up.
- Coat with Pecans: Roll the chilled cheese ball in chopped pecans until it’s fully coated.
- Serve: Place the cheese ball on a platter and serve with crackers or pretzels.
Notes
- Spicy Ranch: For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Buffalo Ranch: Mix in buffalo sauce for a tangy and spicy kick.
- Southwest Ranch: Add diced bell peppers, corn, and black beans for a Tex-Mex flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
