Why You’ll Love This these Chicken & Egg Balls
These little golden bites are basically comfort food wrapped up in a neat, poppable package that’ll make you wonder why you’ve been eating regular chicken salad all this time.
They’re perfect for those moments when you want something fancy enough for guests but simple enough that you won’t stress about whether you remembered to preheat the oven, because guess what – no oven required.
Plus, with just five ingredients and zero actual cooking involved, you can whip up a batch while your pasta water boils, making them the ultimate multitasking appetizer.
Ingredients List
You’ll need just five simple ingredients to create these delightful little bites that somehow manage to be both elegant and completely unpretentious.
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chives
- 225 g cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 50 g browned breadcrumbs
A Few Things Worth Noting:
- These balls pack a serious protein punch with both eggs and chicken doing the heavy lifting
- The mayonnaise keeps things creamy but also adds those calories, so maybe don’t eat the entire batch in one sitting (though I won’t judge)
- Chives bring a gentle onion flavor plus a tiny bit of vitamin K, which is nice but to be frank, we’re not making these for the nutritional benefits
- Using pre-cooked chicken makes this a breeze, whether it’s leftover roast chicken or that rotisserie bird you grabbed from the store
Step by Step Directions
These protein-packed appetizers come together in just a few simple steps that anyone can master.
- Mix the base ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped hard-boiled eggs, chives, and shredded cooked chicken until evenly distributed.
- Add the binder: Pour in the mayonnaise gradually, starting with about 4 tablespoons and adding more as needed until the mixture holds together when squeezed but isn’t soggy.
- Shape the balls: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each one between your palms to form smooth, compact balls.
- Coat with breadcrumbs: Roll each ball thoroughly in the browned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ascertain the coating sticks.
- Chill before serving: Place the coated balls on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and let the flavors meld together.
For an even easier preparation method, consider using a premium slow cooker to gently warm these appetizers before serving at your next gathering.
Substitutions and Variations
• Coating creativity: A light dusting of flour before the breadcrumbs helps everything stick better.
Crushed nuts add unexpected crunch, while grated parmesan mixed into regular breadcrumbs creates a savory upgrade that feels fancy.
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
These little protein-packed spheres practically beg for the right companions to make them shine.
• Fresh and crisp salads work beautifully here – think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette, or maybe a cucumber salad that cuts through all that creamy richness.
Sometimes the simplest pairings are the most genius, right?
- Warm soup creates this snug, comfort-food atmosphere that just feels right. A light vegetable broth or even tomato soup turns this into a proper meal without overwhelming those delicate chicken flavors.
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls give everyone something to do with their hands while nibbling.
Plus, to be frank, bread makes everything better – it’s like the universal food hug.
• Pickled vegetables might sound fancy, but we’re talking basic pickles, pickled onions, or those little cornichons that add a sharp pop.
The acidity is like a palate cleanser between bites.
• Simple dipping sauces turn these into finger food gold.
Ranch, honey mustard, or even a basic aioli – nothing too complicated, just something creamy or tangy to make each bite a little different from the last.
Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)
Getting these little beauties just right comes down to a few simple tricks that make all the difference.
- Chill everything, and I mean everything – your eggs, your chicken, even the bowl if you’re feeling fancy. Cold ingredients stick together better and won’t turn into a mushy mess when you’re trying to roll them into perfect spheres.
- Don’t go overboard with the mayo because nobody wants chicken and egg soup. Start with less than you think you need, then add more gradually until the mixture just holds together when you squeeze it gently in your palm.
- Wet your hands slightly when rolling the balls, which prevents the mixture from sticking to your fingers like some kind of protein glue. Think damp, not dripping – we’re not making mud pies here.
- Press the breadcrumbs gently but firmly so they actually stick around instead of falling off like autumn leaves the moment someone picks up a ball. A little pat-pat-roll motion works wonders.
- Make them ahead of time because these actually taste better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors meld together, the coating sets properly, and you get to look like you have your life together when guests arrive.
- Keep them uniform in size by using a small ice cream scoop or just eyeballing it – nobody’s measuring with a ruler, but try to keep them roughly the same so they look intentional rather than haphazard.
Nutritional Facts
These protein-packed bites deliver impressive nutritional value in a compact, party-friendly form.
- High in protein – Each ball contains approximately 8-10 grams of complete protein from both chicken and eggs, providing all essential amino acids your body needs for muscle maintenance and repair.
- Rich in B vitamins – Particularly B12 from the eggs and niacin from the chicken, supporting energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Good source of selenium – An important antioxidant mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health, primarily from the chicken.
- Contains choline – Found in egg yolks, this nutrient supports brain health, memory, and liver function.
- Moderate calorie content – Each ball averages 85-95 calories, making them a reasonable indulgence for appetizers or snacks.
- Healthy fats present – The mayonnaise and egg yolks provide monounsaturated fats that help with nutrient absorption and satiety.
- Low in carbohydrates – Only about 3-4 grams per ball, mainly from the breadcrumb coating, making them suitable for lower-carb eating plans.
- Iron content – Both chicken and eggs contribute heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than plant-based iron sources.
- Phosphorus for bone health – Both main ingredients provide this mineral essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Customizable nutrition – Using Greek yogurt instead of some mayonnaise can boost protein while reducing calories and fat.
Fun “Did You Know?”
Did you know that the “chicken or egg” paradox has puzzled philosophers for over 2,000 years, yet this recipe brilliantly sidesteps the debate by combining both ingredients into one delicious bite?
I find it fascinating that hard-boiled eggs were accidentally uncovered around 5,000 BC when eggs fell into boiling water. The mayonnaise binding these balls together was invented in 1756 by a French chef celebrating a military victory.
When you roll these into perfect spheres, you’re creating what I consider the ultimate harmony between two ingredients that have sparked countless philosophical discussions throughout human history.
