Great Balls of Fire

Ignite your taste buds with "Great Balls of Fire," a crowd-pleasing appetizer bursting with bold flavors and a fiery kick! These crispy, golden bites feature tender ground chicken blended with zesty hot sauce, creamy cheddar and cream cheese, and the heat of fresh jalapeño, all seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion powder, and smoky paprika. Coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and fried to irresistible crispness, these savory meatballs are perfect for game day snacks, party platters, or anytime you crave a flavor-packed treat. Ready in just 35 minutes, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like cool ranch or extra hot sauce, for the ultimate spicy indulgence. Perfect for spice lovers and party hosts, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 5

Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure an even coating on all sides.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7

Carefully lower the balls into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 8

Fry each batch for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 9

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or extra hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1394.3 grams (1394.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5662

Total Fat 542.20g	695%
Saturated Fat 120.20g	601%
Polyunsaturated Fat 270.50g
Cholesterol 992mg	331%
Sodium 3775mg	164%
Total Carbohydrate 102.80g	37%
Dietary Fiber 5.40g	19%
Total Sugars 9.20g
Protein 151.50g	303%

Vitamin D 82IU	410%
Calcium 1104mg	85%
Iron 13mg	70%
Potassium 3011mg	64%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.8%

Protein: 10.3%

Carbs: 7.0%