Move over sausage balls, we have a new favorite in town, and it's Spicy Chicken Cheeseballs!
This post contains affiliate links. It does not cost you anything extra by clicking the links. If you make a purchase from the link, I will get a small commission from the sale. Thank you for always supporting Everyday Made Fresh.
Parties and family gatherings around my neck of the woods usually involve sausage balls. Although sausage balls are delicious, it's time to change things up a bit, and these Spicy Chicken Cheeseballs do just that!
So what makes these so special?
It's literally the spice that the hot sauce adds. Not just any hot sauce will do though, which is why I use a version of the popular Sriracha sauce.
I use a brand called Tapatio's, that I picked up from Target one day. It's a salsa picante hot sauce, and it's by far the best, in my opinion for this recipe.
Can you use Sriracha?
Sure. If that's what you have on hand, go for it! If you love spicy, add in extra!
So one question that I get ask a lot with this recipe for Spicy Chicken Cheeseballs is...
Do I use raw chicken?
Yes! You're going to use the raw chicken just like you would raw sausage in the sausage balls.
If you're worried about your hands all in the raw chicken, grab a pair of disposable gloves, like these.
Can you use something other than Bisquick?
No! Bisquick, and my favorite organic brand by Arrowhead Mills, which by the way is gluten free, is made differently than all purpose or self rising flour. There are other ingredients that give it it's own unique flavor.
Can you freeze these? Yes, here are two options:
- Follow the recipe mixing the ingredients, forming the balls, and placing them on a parchment lined (or wax paper lined, if you aren't baking now) baking sheet. Pop in the freezer for two hours, to flash freeze them. Remove from the freezer, toss into a freezer safe zip top bag, and freeze until ready to bake. When you're ready to bake, place on a lined baking sheet, and add an additional 10 minutes to your baking time.
- You can bake these ahead of time, allow to cool completely, and freeze in a freezer safe zip top bag. When ready to heat and serve, place on a parchment lined baking sheet, and into a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until heated through.
These are perfectly tasty when served at room temperature, but I personally like them hot. You can reheat these easily in a 350 degree preheated oven in about 6 to 8 minutes.
I've been talking about serving these up for parties, but I've made them several times for dinner!
What do you serve them with for dinner?
I've served them with all of these below, usually a starch and a vegetable.
Mashed potatoes - Macaroni and Cheese - green beans - corn - peas
If you love pimento cheese, I suggest you take a look at my new version of these...Spicy Pimento Cheese Chicken Cheeseballs
Looking for more great ideas for those family gatherings, parties, etc? Check out these:
- Crack Chicken Cheeseballs
- Italian Chicken Sliders
- Pizza Sliders
Yield: 48 balls
Move over sausage balls, we have a new favorite in town, and it's Spicy Chicken Cheeseballs!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose baking mix Bisquick or Arrowhead Mills brands have both been tested
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons Tapatio Salsa Picante hot sauce
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- dash or salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix together all of the ingredients in a large bowl, either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
- Once combined, form into small balls, approx 1 inch in diameter.
- Place on prepared baking sheet, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Notes
*I fit mine all onto one large sheet pan, but mine were touching. I was ok with that. If you're not, by all means use two.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
48Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 140Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 290mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 8g
More All Holidays
- Easy Creamy Dill Pickle Pasta Salad - No Mayo
- Brown Sugar Blondies for Valentine's Day!
- 35 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes You Must Try This Summer
- Cupid Crunch - Easy Valentine's Day Recipe for Kids
Reader Interactions
Comments
Paula
What kind of baking mix did u use ?
Joanna
I used an organic brand that is the equivalent to Bisquick.
Lilly
Hi what is the organic brand that you used ifnyou don't mind me asking! ? Thanks!!!
Joanna
Sure! 🙂 I use Arrowhead Mills. I've only ran across it twice though. Once at Winn Dixie and the other time at Whole Foods. There is another brand that I've purchased a couple of years ago, but I can't think of the name of it off the top of my head.
Kirstie
Hi Joanna,
I want to try these and wondered if I could freeze them to eat at a later date?Joanna
I've never frozen them, but they keep well in the fridge for up to a week. If I were to freeze them, my advice would be to make them up, roll them out, and then freeze them without cooking. And cook when ready. Cook time will be longer if they are frozen.
Kirstie
Thanks....I'm going to try it tonight.
Joanna
Enjoy Kirstie!
marylou
Hints for warming frozen cooked appetizers: I do a ton of appetizers for a very large (100+) Annual Christmas Family open house, by myself.. make and serve! I found most appetizers can be made, cooked and frozen for later use..Preheat oven to 425...Place items on parchment paper covered sheet pans......Defrost (or not) in refrigerator overnight,, most items, depending on size will be hot in 10+ minutes.....buffalo wings/sauce after hot, pastry bites, puff pastry tarts, small crab cakes, pigs in a blanket, stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches (Battered chix strips. I put 12-16 in a quart ziplock...open top...zap on high in micro for 60-90) seconds.) Skewers..chix, beef, shrimp...thread, season, freeze..baste with butter or sauce of your choice before baking/broiling. Everything, of course, is faster if defrosted. I cook, everything I make ahead, a minute or more less than completely done as it finishes browning in oven when reheating! Check frozen appetizers in supermarkets or online for times they suggest for similar items as a guide.
Britney
Thanks for the suggestions!
Loretta
Have you ever made ahead and frozen stuffed mushrooms? If so how did you do it?
Michele Draskovic
Marylou, you are the bomb! Thanks for these great suggestions. I entertain a ton and am always doing the cooking the day of or before. No more girl friend!!
Cheri
Great tips! It's always so hard when hosting to have everything run smoothly. The more we can do ahead the better. Thank you!
Debs
Marylou, do you have a Pinterest board of your make ahead foods? I’ll be making these chicken balls but looking for others too.
Chris
Could I use gluten-free Bisquik?
Joanna
I wouldn't see why not.
Janelle
What is baking mix
Joanna
Bisquick is a brand of baking mix.
Casey
Jiffy has a 40 oz box at most stores also!
Elisabeth
How are these room temperature.
Joanna
They are still quite good. Just don't store them at room temp. Place them in the fridge. 🙂 You can reheat in the oven on 350, covered with foil, for about 8 minutes.
Rachel D
These look so good! What else did you have with them for dinner?
Joanna
We had mac and cheese (since it's my daughters favorite), and peas. 🙂
Jennifer
Looks yummy! How do I print this recipe? I don't see a way to do that.
Joanna
Right above the list of ingredients it gives you an option to save or print.
Sonia
What's baking mix? I'm in England. Want to make these for a buffet tomorrow.. Plz help?
Joanna
Baking mix is an all purpose mix with everything in it that you need to bake with. I'm not sure of an alternative off hand.
Caz
Also in UK and have no idea what your baking mix is ~ is it some kind of flour ? or a seasoning mix ?C
Joanna
Hey Caz, it is some kind of flour. Here is a link to a recipe for a baking mix, so you can get a better idea of what's inside. http://www.marthastewart.com/1086611/homemade-baking-mix
Caz
Many thanks ~ have found a recipe to make your own baking mix so may be able to make these after all
Joanna
Wonderful!
Louise
There are many recipes online to make your own Bisquick. Easy.
Erin
Could you substitute turkey or pork? I can't recall ever seeing ground chicken anywhere around here locally and I don't have a meat grinder right now!
Joanna
Ground chicken here is located with all the chicken products in the meat department. I would use ground turkey, since it's another bird. 🙂 If you try this recipe that way, let us know how they turn out for you!
Chelsey
I've used ground turkey and they still came out delicious!
Aaron
Hey Jonna, I just cook those spicy cheeseballs for my wife and they r great thanx for the recipe
Joanna
Great Aaron! Glad that y'all enjoyed them!
Theresa
So for the baking mix I can use Bisquick?
Joanna
Yes!
Monica
Suggestions for a dipping sauce?
Joanna
Sorry Monica, I don't personally have any suggestions. We didn't need a dipping sauce. However, my oldest daughter, 4th year culinary student, says a cheese dip would be good. 🙂 If you give it a try, let us know how it turns out for you!
Monica
I'll keep you posted! Thanks
Rebecca
You mentioned that your daughter is a 4th year culinary student. I'm guessing that means she's at Nicholls State? My daughter just graduated from there in May. Her focus was patisserie.
Your recipe sounds yummy. I agree with your daughter on the cheese sauce.Joanna
Thanks Rebecca! My daughter is in her senior year of high school. She is fortunate enough to attend a high school with an excellent culinary program.
elle
I would use either blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing to dip them in...if you feel the need. If you like spicy, I would use hot sauce. Here, the brand is Frank's Hot Sauce. I made these and they are very good.
CakePants
I agree, October is passing entirely too quickly! These cheeseballs look like a great way to slow down and savor the cozy fall-time weather. I can definitely see having these for dinner!
Joanna
You'll love them! Let us know if you get a chance to try them. 🙂
Rachael
Do you cook the meat first or make the balls with raw meat? These look scrumptious and perfect for our party on Monday!
Joanna
Your using raw meat. I sometimes use gloves, and sometimes I don't. Enjoy!
Victoria
how many meatballs does this recipe make approx?
Joanna
About 48
Judy
I don't have Tapatio here - is this like Sriracha (hom*ogeneous) or is it more like a salsa (chunky)?
Joanna
Hi Judy, it's just like Sriracha. 🙂
angelica
Do you think I could use shredded chicken instead of ground?
Joanna
I wouldn't. You need the moisture that you get from the ground chicken to help mold and hold the balls together.
Shakira
Hi Joanna,
I was thinking I could use some chicken tenders and then chop in a food processor because that’s what I have on hand and add a little chicken broth for moisture. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Jocelyn
Could we substitute the cheddar cheese? What would you recommend?
Joanna
Sure! I would go with a Monterrey Jack, or even Pepper Jack. I wouldn't suggest mozzarella, as it melts a bit different. Let me know what you decide to go with Jocelyn, and how it turns out for you!
Carol
Is that like hot sauce.
Joanna
More like sriracha.
Tracy
I could not find the hot sauce you mentioned is like sriracha. So I grabbed pace picante hot salsa is that okay or use sriracha instead? Making tomorrow?
Joanna
For this recipe Tracy, I would use the sriracha. 🙂
Janet
Just made these to take to a party tomorrow- texture is way better than mom's sausage ones! The flavor is good but I wanted more flavor! I doubled the siracha and they are still mild- maybe my Texas taste buds are just used to hotter! Next time - and there will be a next time- I think I'll try it using Franks hot wings sauce and some smoked chipolte pepper. Thanks for the recipe!
Joanna
I'm so glad that you love them Janet! Yea, they aren't spicy, but you can always add to it! 🙂
Michele
Do you cook the chicken first?
Joanna
No, you won't cook it first.
Sherlyn
Can this recipe be made the day before or possibly a week before and frozen?
Joanna
I've never frozen them. I've made them a few days ahead of time, and kept in an air tight container in the fridge. Before time to serve, I placed them on baking sheets into a cold oven. Turned it on to 350 degrees, and when the oven was up to temp, they were the perfect temperature.
Marita Dilworth
What could you substitute for the hot liquid. I would like to make these, but my pallet is too sensitive for the heat.
Joanna
Hi Marita, there is just such a small amount, you won't need to replace it with anything. Just omit it.
Noele
Was wondering if 20 some mins are long enough for raw meat inside?
Joanna
Noele, they are small enough that they cook through fairly quick.
Diane
Can you usr canned chicken
Joanna
I wouldn't recommend it.
Michellr
Can I use chili paste instead of sirrachi
Joanna
I've never tried it, but go for it, and let us know how it turns out for you!
Michellr
How many chicken balls should it make
Joanna
About 48
Michelle
I just made the chicken cheeseballs. They were great but next time I would add more spice to it. I like spicy food.
Thanks 🙂Joanna
So glad that you enjoyed them!! Yes, totally spice it up next time. ?
Lydia
I'm a sucker for meatballs, I LOVE this recipe. Spicy and cheese are right up my alley!
Kelsey
Would you recommend marinating these meatballs overnight?
Joanna
I really wouldn't.
David Garcia
Hello Joanna,
I live in the Philippines and do not have the product you used for spicy chicken cheese balls. what can I do in place of your baking mix?
Joanna
Look through the comments, there is a link for a recipe for the baking mix.
Amber
How many does the recipe make?
Kari
Made these gluten free tonight. I used a gluten free baking mix for 1 1/2 of the mix and almond flour for the rest- almond flour makes it all so good and lower carb. I put more (a lot) franks hot sauce as we like it spicy. Also, as gf flour is a it drier I added a touch more milk. Next time I would add a little Parmesan cheese to give it more bite and maybe even blue cheese to make it more like hot wings. Either way they were great and everyone like them.
Maria
I made these tonight and they seem gummy. They're definitely cooked through, but an odd consistency. I also agree with the poster that said to add more spice. I may try these with less Bisquick to get more of a meat feel.
Kathi
I agree with the "gummy" comment... 3 cups of baking mix seems out of balance. I also felt there was not much flavor, so I want to try them again using less baking mix, and use some hotter sauce + some pepper jack cheese. I really want to like these appetizers!
Anthony
Will it work if I use mini muffin tins to bake these in just to keep their form
Joanna
Perhaps. However, I don't see a need for it, these have always held their form.
Anthony
Can I prepare batter the day before I bake
Joanna
You can, just make sure that you wrap it up really well, to prevent a "crust" from forming.
Hannah
What are the nutrition facts on this? Cal, carbs, protein, ect?
Tina
This is probably a silly question but do you cook the chicken first then mix in other ingredients or throw everything together raw and just it cook in oven?
Joanna
You will use raw ground chicken.
Casualremark
I used what we had on hand and they still turned out great, thank you!! (Mixed water and sour cream and used instead of milk; didnt't have quite enough chicken, so added a link of leftover chicken sausage; had pepperjack cheese, so used that)
Sharon H
Have made the traditional sausage balls for years & they are always my most requested appetizer to bring to parties & family gatherings so was super excited to see your recipe using chicken as a change. For those who commented on the "gooey texture I would recommend using 2 lbs. of ground chicken & 1 1/2 cups of the Bisquick mix (same ratio as sausage ball recipe). I have always cooked the sausage balls & then frozen in zip lok bag. To reheat & keep warm throughout a party I put them in my crock pot with a can of beef consomme (beef broth works as well) & this way they stay moist but none of the flavors are compromised. I would imagine chicken broth or stock will work just as well with the chicken balls. Can't wait to try these - thanks so much for the recipe!
Tonya
About how many chicken balls does this make?
Tonya
About how many chicken balls does this make?
