Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion? Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls are a delicious combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a zesty buffalo sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re preparing for game day, a family gathering, or a casual get-together with friends, these irresistible cheese balls are sure to be the star of the show.
In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of making these tasty bites, from the simple ingredients to easy-to-follow instructions. We’ll also share some helpful tips, variations, and ideas for serving. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these flavorful Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls!
What Are Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls?
Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls are the perfect appetizer for anyone who loves the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce combined with the rich, creamy taste of cheese and ranch dressing. They are made by mixing cooked, shredded chicken with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce, then rolling the mixture into bite-sized balls and baking them to golden perfection.
The result? A crispy, cheesy, and savory bite with just the right amount of heat from the buffalo sauce. These cheese balls are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them an ideal snack for busy days or when you want to impress your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Cheese Balls
There are countless reasons to love Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls:
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Packed with Flavor
The combination of buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Add crispy bacon to the mix, and you’ve got a snack that’s smoky, tangy, and downright delicious. -
Easy to Make
With just a few simple ingredients, these cheese balls are quick and easy to prepare. No complex techniques or fancy equipment are needed—just mix, form, and bake. -
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just making a snack for your family, these cheese balls are always a hit. Their finger-food format makes them easy to serve, and they pair perfectly with additional dipping sauces like ranch or extra buffalo sauce. -
Great for Meal Prep
These cheese balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. You can even freeze them for future use, so they’re perfect for meal prep or when you need a quick snack on hand.
Ingredients for Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls
To make these flavorful Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – The base of your cheese balls. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well for ease.
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1 cup cream cheese, softened – Adds creaminess to the cheese ball mixture.
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Provides a sharp, melty texture.
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½ cup crumbled bacon – Adds smokiness and crunch to the mix.
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½ cup ranch dressing – Brings tanginess and a creamy texture to the cheese balls.
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¼ cup buffalo sauce – For that signature spicy kick.
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1 cup breadcrumbs – Used to coat the outside of the cheese balls, giving them a crispy exterior.
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1 tsp garlic powder – Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
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½ tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
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½ tsp black pepper – Adds a bit of heat and depth.
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1 tbsp chopped green onions – For garnish and a touch of fresh color.
These ingredients come together to create a balanced flavor profile that combines the richness of cream cheese, the heat of buffalo sauce, the smokiness of bacon, and the tanginess of ranch dressing. The breadcrumbs give these cheese balls a satisfying crunch, making them a perfectly balanced bite-sized snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls
Ready to get cooking? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cheese balls will bake to perfection, getting golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and creamy on the inside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
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Shredded chicken
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Cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Crumbled bacon
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Ranch dressing
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Buffalo sauce
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Garlic powder
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Salt
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Black pepper
Mix everything together until it’s well combined. The cream cheese will help bind the ingredients, and the ranch dressing and buffalo sauce will add moisture and flavor. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit thick—that’s perfect for forming into balls.
Step 3: Form the Cheese Balls
Now, it’s time to form the mixture into balls. Use your hands to shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, making sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. You should be able to make about 24 cheese balls from this recipe.
Step 4: Coat the Balls with Breadcrumbs
Roll each chicken cheese ball in breadcrumbs to coat it evenly. The breadcrumbs will give the cheese balls a crispy, golden exterior once they’re baked.
Step 5: Bake the Cheese Balls
Place the coated cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced evenly apart so they can cook evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can check them halfway through to make sure they’re cooking evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your cheese balls are out of the oven, sprinkle them with chopped green onions for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve them with additional ranch or buffalo sauce for dipping, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls
Here are some tips to ensure that your Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls come out perfectly every time:
1. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken
To save time, use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal. Shredded chicken is the easiest to work with, and using pre-cooked chicken speeds up the process.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese
Ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will make it easier to incorporate into the other ingredients and will prevent any lumps in the mixture.
3. Customize the Spice Level
The buffalo sauce is the main source of heat in these cheese balls, so adjust the amount based on your preference. If you prefer a milder version, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a milder brand. Conversely, if you love spicy food, feel free to add extra buffalo sauce.
4. Experiment with Different Cheeses
While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for these cheese balls, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A sharp Monterey Jack or a pepper jack cheese will give your cheese balls a slightly different flavor and texture.
5. Bake and Serve Immediately
These cheese balls are best served fresh and hot. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked cheese balls and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls
Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some fun ideas for serving them:
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As an Appetizer: Serve them as a party appetizer with a side of ranch or buffalo dipping sauce.
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With Veggies: Pair the cheese balls with fresh veggies like celery, carrots, and cucumber slices for a healthier option.
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On a Snack Platter: Add them to a snack platter alongside other finger foods like chips, pretzels, and cheese.
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As a Main Dish: If you’re craving something hearty, serve these cheese balls alongside a salad or roasted potatoes for a full meal.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to complement your Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls, check out these related dishes:
These recipes share similar ingredients or cooking techniques, making them the perfect additions to any meal or gathering.
FAQs for Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls
1. Can I make Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls ahead of time! Once you’ve formed the balls, you can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them and bake when you’re ready to serve.
2. How can I adjust the spice level in these cheese balls?
To make the cheese balls milder, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild version. If you prefer more heat, add extra buffalo sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce.
3. Can I substitute the bacon in this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer a non-pork version, try using turkey bacon, or for a vegetarian option, you can use crispy fried onions or even a bit of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
4. What should I serve with these cheese balls?
These cheese balls pair well with extra ranch or buffalo dipping sauce. You can also serve them with fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, or cucumber for a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls are the ultimate snack for any occasion. Their combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for a casual meal, they’re an easy and delicious option that will leave everyone wanting more. Try them out today, and get ready to enjoy a party in every bite!
Print
Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheese balls 1x
Description
Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls are everything you love about spicy, cheesy appetizers in one bite-sized snack. Loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and that classic buffalo-ranch flavor combo, these golden-baked goodies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or even a game-day feast.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup crumbled bacon
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½ cup ranch dressing
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¼ cup buffalo sauce
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Mix It Up: In a large bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, ranch, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is fully combined.
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Roll the Balls: Scoop and shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each one in breadcrumbs for a crisp coating.
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Bake: Arrange the cheese balls on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and heated through.
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Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and serve warm with extra buffalo or ranch sauce on the side.
Notes
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Want it milder? Cut the buffalo sauce in half or swap with mild wing sauce.
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Make them ahead: Prepare and refrigerate unbaked balls up to 24 hours in advance.
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Gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and chicken that’s not breaded.
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For crispier results, spray or brush with a little oil before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Balls, buffalo chicken bites, baked cheese balls, party appetizers, spicy chicken snacks, bacon chicken ranch recipe, easy buffalo appetizer