Spicy Chicken Balls

For those that aren't big beef or pork eaters, these chicken balls are just the ticket. They are full of flavor and easy to whip up for a party or snack.

Spicy Chicken Balls
(Makes 40 3/4-inch chicken balls.)

• Vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup spicy picante sauce
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 celery stalk, minced
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 450°F.


Spicy Chicken Balls

Drizzle the vegetable oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.

Combine the butter and picante sauce in a small saucepan, and cook over low heat, whisking until the butter is melted and fully incorporated. Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.

Combine the salsa mixture, ground chicken, egg, celery, bread crumbs, and salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated.

Roll the mixture into round, 3/4 -inch balls, making sure to pack the meat firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken balls are firm and cooked through. They can be served with your favorite dipping sauce or with a warmed 1/2 and 1/2 combination of tomato sauce and picante sauce.