Buffalo Chicken Bombs Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Bombs are a fantastic fusion of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors wrapped up in golden, fluffy dough, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a game-day treat. If you’re a fan of the iconic buffalo chicken flavor, you’ll love how the tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch or blue cheese, and spicy buffalo sauce come together inside a crispy, doughy bite-sized bomb.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Bombs?
Buffalo Chicken Bombs are small, handheld treats filled with a spicy buffalo chicken mixture and then baked or fried to crispy perfection. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor that combines spicy buffalo sauce, tangy ranch or blue cheese dressing, gooey melted cheese, and tender chicken. These are delicious on their own but pair well with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance out the heat.
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Bombs
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite packs a punch of buffalo sauce, cheese, and creamy ranch or blue cheese.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and is simple to assemble, even for beginners.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
- Add Cream Cheese and Dressing: Add the softened cream cheese and dressing (either ranch or blue cheese) to the bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until the cream cheese is fully incorporated, creating a creamy buffalo chicken mixture.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, folding it in until evenly distributed. The cheese will add flavor and melt beautifully in the oven, creating a gooey, cheesy interior.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Separate Biscuit Dough: Open the can of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit.
- Flatten Each Biscuit: Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten each biscuit into a round shape, about 4-5 inches in diameter. This will give you enough space to hold a generous amount of filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Bombs
- Spoon in the Filling: Place a tablespoon of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each flattened biscuit.
- Seal the Edges: Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching to seal and create a dough ball. Ensure that there are no gaps or holes, so the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.
- Shape into Balls: Once sealed, gently roll each filled biscuit between your palms to create a smooth, round shape.
Step 4: Bake the Buffalo Chicken Bombs
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Place Bombs on Sheet: Arrange the buffalo chicken bombs on the baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one to allow for expansion.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the bombs are golden brown on top and the dough is fully cooked.
Alternative Cooking Method: Air Fryer
- Preheat Air Fryer: If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange Bombs in Basket: Place the bombs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch to allow for even cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish: Once the buffalo chicken bombs are done baking, sprinkle them with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Arrange the bombs on a platter and serve with a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Bombs
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use less buffalo sauce or choose a mild version. For more heat, add extra buffalo sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This is a great shortcut that saves time and effort.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use, making assembly quicker.
- Seal Well: To prevent the filling from oozing out, be sure to seal the dough tightly around the filling.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Bombs with Jalapeños: Add some diced jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
- BBQ Chicken Bombs: Swap the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a sweeter, smokier flavor.
- Stuffed with Mozzarella: Instead of shredded cheddar, add small cubes of mozzarella cheese for a gooey center.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or make a homemade gluten-free dough.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover buffalo chicken bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked bombs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These Buffalo Chicken Bombs are delicious on their own but even better with a variety of dipping sauces. Try pairing them with:
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: These classic dips complement the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly.
- Extra Buffalo Sauce: For those who like it spicy, add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce.
- Honey Mustard: For a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought biscuit dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, use your favorite recipe for biscuits or rolls, and prepare the bombs as directed.
2. Are there any low-carb options for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-carb dough or a keto-friendly biscuit dough to create a low-carb version of buffalo chicken bombs.
3. Can I make these vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with cooked, diced cauliflower or chickpeas, and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
4. Can I bake these in a muffin tin?
Yes! If you’d like, place each bomb in a greased muffin tin cup to help keep them from spreading too much while baking.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Bombs are a perfect way to enjoy the tangy, spicy, and creamy flavors of buffalo chicken in a fun and handheld format. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy night in, or as a snack for the big game, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone. Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for the best Buffalo Chicken Bombs you’ve ever tasted!
Buffalo Chicken Bombs Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Bombs are a fantastic fusion of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors wrapped up in golden, fluffy dough, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a game-day treat. If you’re a fan of the iconic buffalo chicken flavor, you’ll love how the tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch or blue cheese, and spicy buffalo sauce come together inside a crispy, doughy bite-sized bomb.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions (if using). Mix until everything is well blended and creamy.
3. Assemble Bombs:
- Open the biscuit can and separate each piece. Flatten each biscuit dough round slightly with your fingers to about a 4-inch circle.
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling in the center of each dough circle. Pull the edges of the dough around the filling, pinching them together tightly to seal and form a ball.
4. Add Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and parsley. Brush each sealed buffalo chicken bomb with the garlic butter mixture for extra flavor.
5. Bake:
- Place the bombs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce according to your preferred spice level or add a sprinkle of cayenne if you want more heat.
- Customizable: Add extras like chopped celery for crunch or swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella if desired.