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Assortment of chicken appetizers arranged for a party spread.

Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Party Appetizers

These crowd-pleasing chicken appetizers are perfect for any party or gathering, offering a variety of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Saucepan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Small baking dish
  • Deep skillet or pot
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • egg beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup prepared BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • baguette sliced into 1/2-inch rounds, or mini bell peppers/celery stalks for dipping

Crispy Chicken and Cheese Spring Rolls

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12-15 spring roll wrappers
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Sweet chili sauce or avocado ranch for dipping

Instructions
 

Tangy BBQ Chicken Meatballs

  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, beaten egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; mix gently until just combined.
  • Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, yielding about 20-24 meatballs.
  • Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the meatballs on all sides before transferring them to a baking sheet and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  • In a saucepan, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, bringing the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, stirring to coat completely, and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly; serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Creamy Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); if using baguette slices, toast them lightly until crisp.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch/blue cheese dressing, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Microwave the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cheese is melted, and the mixture is well combined and heated through.
  • Spoon the warm dip onto toasted baguette slices or into mini bell pepper halves, or serve with celery sticks; top with additional shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
  • For a baked version, transfer the dip mixture to a small baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden; serve warm.

Crispy Chicken and Cheese Spring Rolls

  • In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, red bell pepper, cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then mix well.
  • Lay a spring roll wrapper with a corner pointing towards you, place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the bottom corner, fold the corner over, fold in the side corners, and roll tightly upwards, sealing the edge with water if needed; repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
  • Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C); carefully place a few spring rolls in the hot oil (do not overcrowd) and fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove spring rolls with tongs and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil; serve hot with sweet chili sauce or avocado ranch for dipping.

Notes

These appetizers can be prepared ahead of time. The meatballs can be cooked and kept warm in a slow cooker with the sauce. The buffalo dip can be assembled and reheated. The spring rolls are best when freshly fried but can be partially fried and finished in the oven.