Best 9 Chicken Salad Balls Recipes

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Chicken salad balls are a delightful appetizer, side dish, or light meal that combines the classic flavors of chicken salad with the convenience of a handheld snack. Made with tender cooked chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, savory nuts, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, these bite-sized treats are bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you're hosting a party, preparing a picnic spread, or simply looking for a quick and satisfying snack, these chicken salad balls are sure to be a hit. This article offers three variations of the classic chicken salad ball recipe: a traditional version, a bacon-ranch version, and a buffalo chicken version. Each variation adds its own unique twist to the dish, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste preferences.

In the traditional chicken salad ball recipe, the classic flavors of chicken salad shine through. Tender cooked chicken is combined with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, savory walnuts, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. The bacon-ranch chicken salad balls add a smoky, savory twist to the dish with the addition of crispy bacon and a tangy ranch dressing. Finally, the buffalo chicken salad balls bring the heat with a spicy buffalo sauce and a creamy blue cheese dressing. No matter which variation you choose, these chicken salad balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD



Classic Chicken Salad image

A classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck! Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups cooked chicken (chopped)
½ cup mayonnaise
1 stalk celery (chopped)
1 green onion (diced (or chives or red onion))
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
pepper to taste
1 teaspoon fresh dill (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve as a sandwich or over salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 362 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHICKEN SALAD PUFFS



Chicken Salad Puffs image

For a unique way to serve chicken salad, these puffs can't be beat! The tasty filling gets color and crunch from the olives and celery. Guests have told me they are delicious and satisfying. -Marlys Benning, Ackley, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

CREAM PUFFS:
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup butter, cubed
Dash salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
FILLING:
2 cups diced cooked chicken
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. , Drop by six rounded tablespoonfuls 3 in. apart onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. , Remove to a wire rack. Immediately split puffs open; remove tops and set aside. Discard soft dough from inside. Cool puffs. , For filling, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery and olives. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; stir into chicken mixture. Fill puffs just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323 calories, Fat 24g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 137mg cholesterol, Sodium 338mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

THE BEST CHICKEN SALAD



The Best Chicken Salad image

Gently poaching chicken breasts in an aromatic broth yields tender morsels for folding into a bright and herby homemade dressing. Serve it solo on a bed of lettuce with sliced tomatoes or in half an avocado. It also makes a killer chicken club sandwich topped with crisp bacon and other sandwich fixings.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 cup prepared or homemade mayonnaise
2 teaspoons strained freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups diced poached chicken, recipe follows
1 stalk celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons shallot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Sliced chives, for garnish
10 sprigs parsley
2 sprigs thyme
1 small onion, halved
1 small carrot, halved
1 stalk celery, halved
3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves, fat trimmed
5 to 6 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium store bought

Steps:

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, 1 tablespoon salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl.
  • Toss together the chicken, celery, shallot, dill and parsley in a large bowl.
  • Add the dressing to the chicken and mix gently until combined. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight to meld flavors. Garnish with chives.
  • Put the parsley, thyme, onion, carrot, celery and chicken breasts in a medium saucepan. Cover with the broth and bring just to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low and cover. Poach the chicken until firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, uncover and cool the chicken in the liquid for 30 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and reserve the liquid. Bone and skin the chicken and roughly chop the meat into about 1/2-inch pieces. Discard the bones and skin.
  • Strain the broth and store, covered, in the refrigerator for 3 days or freeze for later use. Remove any fat from the surface of the broth before using.

ITALIAN CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Italian Chicken Meatballs image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Nonstick cooking spray, for the foil
2 pounds ground chicken
1/2 cup pesto
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 cups arugula
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 cup halved yellow cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced jarred roasted peppers
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • For the meatballs: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat on the broiler setting. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.
  • Add the chicken, pesto, mozzarella, Parmesan, balsamic glaze, salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper to a large bowl. Mix well with clean hands and form into 15 meatballs, about a third of a cup each, adding them to the prepared sheet pan as you go.
  • Broil until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (165 degrees F internally), 14 to 16 minutes.
  • For the salad: Add the arugula to a platter. Drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic glaze, then toss lightly. Top with the cherry tomatoes, peppers and Parmesan. Add the meatballs and serve.

BASIC CHICKEN SALAD



Basic Chicken Salad image

This basic chicken salad is a family favorite. I like to use baked thighs or breasts that have been sprinkled with basil or rosemary.

Provided by Jackie M.

Categories     Salad

Time 10m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken meat
½ cup blanched slivered almonds
1 stalk celery, chopped

Steps:

  • Place almonds in a frying pan. Toast over medium-high heat, shaking frequently. Watch carefully, as they burn easily.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pepper. Toss with chicken, almonds, and celery.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 778.7 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Cholesterol 125.9 mg, Fat 63.1 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 44.3 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Sodium 403 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

CHICKEN SALAD BALLS



Chicken Salad Balls image

I was working the election polls several years ago when some of the ladies brought these little appetizers for us to munch on. They came from their church cookbook. I liked them so much that I bought a cookbook on the spot. Great marketing on their part!

Provided by Debbie Quimby

Categories     Other Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 c cooked chicken, chopped fine
1 Tbsp onion, chopped fine
1 Tbsp pimento, chopped fine
dash(es) hot sauce, to taste
1/2 c mayonnaise
1/2 - 3/4 c pecans, chopped fine

Steps:

  • 1. Mix all ingredients together except pecans.
  • 2. Chill for approximately 2 hours.
  • 3. Roll into 1 inch balls, then roll in chopped pecans.
  • 4. Keep chilled until ready to serve. Great with crackers or cut vegetables (celery, carrots, etc)

CREAMY CHICKEN SALAD BITES



Creamy Chicken Salad Bites image

Creamy Chicken Salad bites served on crunchy crackers are such a simple and satisfying appetizer, lunch or snack. Put your leftover chicken to good use and make this delicious chicken salad with some eggs, cheese, tomato - all staple ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen already. The crisp and juicy cucumber tops it all off perfectly.

Provided by Olga's Flavor Factory

Categories     Appetizer

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 1/2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken
2 hard-boiled eggs, finely grated
1/4 cup finely grated cheese
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
1/2 Tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons Homemade Ranch dressing, optional
35 - 40 crackers
1 large English cucumber, sliced
salt, ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Combine the cooked and chopped chicken, grated eggs, cheese, tomato, parsley in a large bowl.
  • Add the mayo and Ranch dressing, if using and mix everything to combine.
  • Slice the cucumber into thin slices.
  • Place about 1 Tablespoon of chicken mixture on top of the crackers. Place a cucumber slice on top of the chicken mixture. Serve immediately.

CHICKEN SALAD BALLS



Chicken Salad Balls image

Make and share this Chicken Salad Balls recipe from Food.com.

Provided by lupitavaldes

Categories     Chicken

Time 10m

Yield 4 chicken salad balls, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 roasting chicken (store bought is perfect)
2 celery ribs, chopped into tiny pieces
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (could be regular or light)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 green apple, chopped
salt and pepper
lemon twist (optional)

Steps:

  • Take your rotisserie chicken apart, using a fork to make strands.
  • In a bowl mix the chicken, the celery, the almonds, the walnuts, and the green apple together.
  • Add the sour cream and mayo, as well as the twist of lemon juice, preferably fresh. Incorporate the salt and pepper.
  • Mix it together with your hands until all of your ingredients have been perfectly combined.
  • With your hands, form palm size balls. They should be easy to manipulate and all of the ingredients should stick together, if they don't you can add a little more sour cream so they will hold up. You should end up with four balls (the size of tennis balls approximately).
  • Refrigerate over night. (If you can't, try to leave it at least a couple of hours in the fridge).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310.6, Fat 24.6, SaturatedFat 6, Cholesterol 62.9, Sodium 130, Carbohydrate 8.2, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 4.1, Protein 15.4

CHICKEN SALAD BALL



Chicken Salad Ball image

This is a great make ahead and take it with you dish. You can form it into whatever sport shape you want!

Provided by Jennifer Jordan

Categories     Salads

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 large chicken breasts
2 tsp garlic salt
2 pkg cream cheese, low-fat
1 bunch green onions
1 1/2 c slivered almonds, chopped pecans or chopped pretzels (if there is a nut allergy)

Steps:

  • 1. Stew chicken breast with garlic salt for 1 hour. (You can used canned chicken if you'd rather.) Cool to room temperature, place the breasts in your kitchen aid stand mixer with the dough hook, and shred (or you can shred by hand).
  • 2. Add the, room temperature, cream cheese and blend (I put my hands in this), add the green onions. Form the ball into your desired shape. Press the nuts into it. If your using the pretzels, do this just before you serve it.
  • 3. This is great served with carrots and celery sticks and of course a good cracker. My husband eats it on a wrap.
  • 4. I adjust the size of this recipe up or down with the ration of 2 large chicken breast to 1 package of cream cheese.

Tips:

  • For a classic chicken salad flavor, use a combination of white and dark meat chicken. However, if you prefer a leaner salad, you can use all white meat chicken.
  • To make sure the chicken is cooked through, boil or poach it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, if you like a sweeter salad, you can add more honey or grapes. If you like a spicier salad, you can add some diced jalapeño peppers or cayenne pepper.
  • To make the chicken salad balls more festive, you can roll them in chopped nuts, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon.
  • Chicken salad balls can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are also a great option for a packed lunch or picnic.

Conclusion:

Chicken salad balls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be tailored to suit any taste. Whether you are looking for a classic chicken salad flavor or something a little more unique, you are sure to find a chicken salad ball recipe that you will love.

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