Delicious chicken bacon cheese ball

This Crack Chicken Ball combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and a trio of cheeses all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. It makes an irresistible appetizer or party snack that disappears fast whenever I bring it out.

I first served this at a family gathering, and it quickly earned the nickname "the crowd pleaser" due to how quickly it vanished from the platter.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough sheet: forms a buttery, flaky crust that holds all the filling together— look for refrigerated dough in a tube or sheet for convenience
• Cooked shredded chicken: provides hearty protein and a tender base— rotisserie chicken works great here if you want to save time
• Cooked bacon chopped: adds that salty crunch and smoky depth— cook bacon until crisp but not burnt for best flavor
• Cream cheese softened: creates smooth creaminess to bind the filling— bring to room temperature for easy mixing
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: offers mild melty goodness— use fresh shredded from a block instead of pre-shredded to avoid additives
• Shredded parmesan cheese: sharp and nutty for extra flavor complexity— fresh grated will elevate taste the most
• Ranch seasoning: gives tangy herbaceous notes— you can use store-bought packets or homemade seasoning blends
• Ground black pepper: balances flavors with subtle heat— freshly ground is preferable
• Melted salted butter: brushed over the dough for a rich golden crust— use real butter for best texture
• Parsley for garnish: optional but adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous hint

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Unroll the Crescent Dough:

Gently unroll the crescent dough sheet onto the parchment paper so it lays flat. Avoid stretching the dough to keep it tender.

Mix the Filling Ingredients:

In a large bowl or using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully integrated and creamy.

Shape the Filling into a Ball:

Use your hands to form the chicken and cheese mixture into a compact ball shape. This helps it hold together when wrapped in dough.

Wrap the Dough Around the Filling:

Place the ball of filling in the center of the crescent dough. Bring the edges up and over the ball, carefully pinching the seams closed on the bottom to seal it completely. Flip the dough-wrapped ball seam side down on the parchment paper.

Brush with Butter and Bake:

Brush the entire dough surface with half of the melted salted butter to help it brown beautifully. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

Finish and Garnish:

When the baking time is up, remove the ball from the oven and brush the remaining melted butter all over the crust. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetables, or crackers.

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is the ranch seasoning. It offers just the right tangy herb kick that pulls all the rich, creamy ingredients together. It always reminds me of my first holiday party where this ball disappeared so fast I had to make a second one just to keep everyone happy.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to bring back some of the crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping cheddar for mozzarella if you want a sharper cheese flavor. If you only have powdered ranch seasoning, cut back slightly to prevent saltiness. Canned chicken works too but be sure to drain well before mixing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of the warm ball alongside crunchy crackers, toasted baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers for a balanced bite.

Serve warm with toasted baguette or crackers and enjoy the melty, savory center. It disappears fast— make a second one if you’re feeding a crowd.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of dough is used for the casing?

Crescent roll dough is used to wrap the filling, providing a soft, flaky crust that bakes to a golden finish.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses in the filling?

Yes, cheddar cheese can replace mozzarella for a sharper flavor, and parmesan adds a nutty taste to the blend.

→ Is canned chicken suitable for this dish?

Canned chicken can be used, but it should be drained well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

→ How is the mixture seasoned?

The filling is seasoned with ranch seasoning and black pepper to enhance the savory flavors without overpowering.

→ What serving suggestions complement this dish?

Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetables, or crackers for a balanced combination of textures.