One of my favorite guilty pleasures is buffalo chicken wings, especially dipped in blue cheese dressing. There’s something about the buffalo chicken and blue cheese combo that really appeals to me and I had a craving for it lately. When I came across a recipe for ham and cheese stuffed pretzel bites, I figured I could substitute it with chicken and blue cheese. That’s when I decided to make these Buffalo Chicken Bites… yum!
These are such an awesome snack, which could be a meal in itself if you have enough of them. It’s not hard since they are addictively delicious! I made a few changes to the original recipe aside from the filling substitution, including omitting the process of boiling the bites before baking. So, I feared the filling would ooze out during the boiling process so I just baked them after filling and they came out perfectly.
I plan on making these again and experimenting with other fillings such a steak, provolone, sauteed peppers and onions for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Bites… or even pepperoni, italian sausage, mozzarella and mushrooms for Pizza Bites. The filling ideas are endless!
What is Buffalo Chicken Bites?
Buffalo chicken bites are a popular snack or appetizer in American cuisine. It consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. The buffalo sauce is typically made from a combination of hot sauce and butter. It may also include other ingredients such as garlic, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
History Of Buffalo Chicken Bites
The history of buffalo chicken bites can be traced back to Buffalo, New York, where they were first created in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar. The story goes that the bar’s owners, Teressa and Frank Bellissimo, created the dish as a way to use up some chicken wings. They had accidentally received instead of the chicken necks they had ordered. They deep-fried the wings. So, they coated them in a spicy hot sauce and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing. Then, it has since become a classic accompaniment to the dish.
Over time, the popularity of buffalo chicken wings spread beyond Buffalo and became a staple of American sports bars and casual dining restaurants. As the dish became more popular, it also evolved to include variations such as boneless buffalo chicken bites. It is easier to eat and less messy than traditional wings.
Today, buffalo chicken bites are enjoyed by many Americans as a snack or appetizer, particularly during sporting events or other social gatherings. They are also sometimes served as a main course. It can be incorporated into a variety of dishes such as salads, wraps, and sandwiches. While they may not have a deep cultural significance, buffalo chicken bites have become a beloved and iconic part of American cuisine, particularly in the realm of casual dining and social gatherings.
Buffalo Chicken Bites
recipe adapted from Gourmet
Buffalo Chicken Bites Ingredients
- 1 cup finely diced cooked chicken breast
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (Frank’s brand is what I used)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 1/4 teaspoons rapid rise dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup warm milk ( I used 2%)
- 2 1/2 cups of flour
Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe Instructions
- To make the buffalo chicken mixture, in a small bowl, combine the chicken, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, melted butter and hot sauce; set aside.
- In a 1 cup measuring cup, heat the milk and then add the 2 tablespoons brown sugar; stir into warm milk until dissolved; place in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
- Add 2 1/2 cups flour and yeast to the stand mixer and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, adding up to 1/2 cup additional flour, a little at a time, if necessary.
- Allow the dough to knead in the stand mixer for 5-7 minutes. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to form a smooth ball.
- Place dough into a clean bowl that’s been lightly oiled.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled and bubbles appear on surface, about 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in the middle of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust your hands with flour, then gently roll and stretch 1 piece of dough to form a 12-inch-long rope.
- Flatten dough and arrange so a long side is nearest you, then roll out to a roughly 12- by 4-inch rectangle with a lightly floured rolling pin. Gently press one fourth of buffalo chicken mixture into lower third of rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border along bottom edge.
- Stretch bottom edge of dough up over filling and press tightly to seal, then roll up as tightly as possible to form a rope.
- Cut rope into 12 pieces and transfer to a sheet pan. Make 3 more ropes with remaining dough, filling and cut into pieces, transferring to sheet pans.
- Let rest at room temperature, uncovered, 30 minutes (dough will rise slightly).
- Bake buffalo chicken bites in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven (some cheese may have melted out.) and brush tops with melted butter before serving (optional).
Nutritional Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Bites
Buffalo chicken bites can be a good source of protein. It is an essential nutrient that is important for building and repairing tissues in the body. Chicken is a particularly good source of high-quality protein. It contains all of the essential amino acids that the body needs.
To make buffalo chicken bites more nutritious, you can try making them at home using lean chicken breast. Bake them instead of frying. You can also make a healthier version of the buffalo sauce using lower-fat ingredients, such as reduced-fat butter or yogurt.
It’s also important to eat buffalo chicken bites in moderation, as consuming too much sodium or saturated fat can increase your risk of health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. If you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet, you may want to limit your consumption of buffalo chicken bites or consider enjoying them as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
Tips for Preparing Buffalo Chicken Bites
Choose the right cut of chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for buffalo chicken bites. They are lean and easy to work with. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful bite.
Bake the chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter and hot sauce together. Then toss the cooked chicken in the buffalo sauce to coat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are many different brands and types of hot sauce available, but the most commonly used hot sauce for buffalo sauce is Frank’s RedHot. It has a tangy, spicy flavor that works well in buffalo sauce. However, you can also use other hot sauces if you prefer a different level of heat or flavor. Keep in mind that the hotter the sauce, the spicier the buffalo chicken bites will be.
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time by coating them in the breadcrumb mixture and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, it’s best to wait until just before serving to toss them in the buffalo sauce so that they stay crispy.
Yes, there are a few ways to make buffalo chicken bites healthier. One way is to bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the amount of fat and calories. You can also use a lower-fat version of the buffalo sauce by using reduced-fat butter and low-sodium hot sauce. Finally, you can serve the chicken with a side of fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks or cucumber slices, instead of high-calorie dips like blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Bites
Buffalo chicken bites are a popular snack or appetizer in American cuisine. It consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a spicy buffalo sauce. The buffalo sauce is typically made from a combination of hot sauce and butter. It may also include other ingredients such as garlic, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 mins
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely diced cooked chicken breast
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (Frank’s brand is what I used)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 1/4 teaspoons rapid rise dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup warm milk ( I used 2%)
- 2 1/2 cups of flour
Instructions
- To make the buffalo chicken mixture, in a small bowl, combine the chicken, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, melted butter and hot sauce; set aside.
- In a 1 cup measuring cup, heat the milk and then add the 2 tablespoons brown sugar; stir into warm milk until dissolved; place in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
- Add 2 1/2 cups flour and yeast to the stand mixer and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, adding up to 1/2 cup additional flour, a little at a time, if necessary.
- Allow the dough to knead in the stand mixer for 5-7 minutes. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to form a smooth ball.
- Place dough into a clean bowl that’s been lightly oiled.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled and bubbles appear on surface, about 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in the middle of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust your hands with flour, then gently roll and stretch 1 piece of dough to form a 12-inch-long rope.
- Flatten dough and arrange so a long side is nearest you, then roll out to a roughly 12- by 4-inch rectangle with a lightly floured rolling pin. Gently press one fourth of buffalo chicken mixture into lower third of rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border along bottom edge.
- Stretch bottom edge of dough up over filling and press tightly to seal, then roll up as tightly as possible to form a rope.
- Cut rope into 12 pieces and transfer to a sheet pan. Make 3 more ropes with remaining dough, filling and cut into pieces, transferring to sheet pans.
- Let rest at room temperature, uncovered, 30 minutes (dough will rise slightly).
- Bake buffalo chicken bites in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven (some cheese may have melted out.) and brush tops with melted butter before serving (optional).
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 344 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 966 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 53 mg
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken bites can be a delicious and satisfying snack. It is the combination of the flavors of spicy buffalo sauce with crispy and tender chicken. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main dish. It is perfect for sharing with friends and family. One reason why more people should try buffalo chicken bites is that they are easy to prepare at home. Also, it can be customized to suit individual tastes. You can adjust the level of spice in the buffalo sauce. Add your own seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, and choose your favorite dip to serve them with.
Another reason to try buffalo chicken bites is that they can be a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken wings. By baking the chicken instead of frying it, you can reduce the amount of fat and calories in the dish. You can also use a lower-fat version of the buffalo sauce and serve the chicken with fresh vegetables to make it even more nutritious. Overall, buffalo chicken bites can be a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for game day parties, movie nights, or even as a quick and easy dinner option. So why not give them a try and see for yourself how tasty and satisfying they can be!
YUM!! These bites look fantastic. I love working with Frank's Red Hot Sauce.
I will definitely have to try these! My hubby would totally love them! Thanks for sharing with us! 🙂
I made these thsi weekend for a baby meet and greet. They were a huge hit! They will be makign the rotation into Husker game day celebrations. Thank you!
I love these! My friends are going to love them. Thank you!
You share my intense love for buffalo wings. i like that. I made those ham and cheese bites and you're right, the filling leaked out a bit. But I wonder if by not boiling them the bites were fluffy enough? They look delish. I guess I will just have to try it for myself and see what happens.
These look great. Do you think they are able to be frozen?
Anonymous – thanks for your comment! Yes, you can certainly freeze them before baking. When you're ready, take out what you need while you preheat the oven and bake. You may have to add a couple minutes to the original bake time for them to be done.
Hello,
Do you think these could be made with premade pizza dough? I have a potluck at work coming up and my freezer is teeming with frozen dough and something like this would be great!
ASkinner – you can definitely use premade pizza dough. It's a great way to prepare this the fast and simple way!
I'm not a fan of bleu cheese (the cheese OR the dressing… I eat my wings w/ ranch). Do you have a recommendation of what might make a good substitute??
Jessica – feel free to use shredded cheddar cheese instead of blue. 🙂
Joelene _ EVERY-TIME I come across a recipe I want to try…the link leads me to your site!! Seriously!
I'm trying this one today!
I made these on Saturday for a party. They were devoured! Great recipe. I was curious, because from the recipe, it doesn't seem like you let the yeast and sugar proof up first? Not sure what the term is, but normally, I add the liquid to the yeast and some sugar and let it frizz up. But regardless, I followed the directions as written and the dough came out good. I'm sure it's probably delicious with the canned pastry but, I like making breads.
Thanks for sharing! Will definitely be exploring your blog some more!
Sadaf
Hi Sadaf, thanks for your comment! Not all bread recipes require to "bloom" yeast before making a dough, such as this recipe. Glad you enjoyed it!
I made these a couple weeks ago for a family gathering – finger foods are always the best to take to these events! Anyway, they turned out great and they were eaten up really fast and believe me I made what I thought was more than enough!! Thank you for posting!!
Yum x 10000000.
Featured this in my Food Trends article today, looks delicious! https://www.recipelionblog.com/food-trend-buffalo-chicken-recipes/
Wowzas! These look incredible! Thanks for the recipe.
I love anything with buffalo chicken in it.
OMG! Diabolical! Totally making these ASAP!
I took these to a pot luck Christmas party and they were a huge hit! My kids tried a couple and made me promise to make them the next night so they could have more.
Our cooking time was quite a bit different. It took about 20 minutes in the oven to cook them properly.
Just made these! Holy moly they are good! I can't stop eating them! Mine aren't nearly as pretty but that doesn't matter when it tastes THIS good!!!
These were so delicious! I made them 3 days before Christmas. Then I froze them after the boiling/baking step, and then thawed them out Christmas morning then baked to warm them up. They were perfect!!!
Delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Do I need to use a mixer? Or could i mix and knead it by hand?
Good to know since I don't have a dough mixer; thx!
I'm going to try this but instead use a can of biscuits. I have a similar recipe but instead of buffalo chicken its made with taco meat.
Um yes please I will take 50.
How did you cook your chicken breast prior? Thanks!
Hi Anonymous! I've made these a few times and for the chicken, I've roasted and poached the chicken breast. I've even used store bought rotisserie chicken to save some time. Just as long as the chicken is cooked through, any way you do it is fine. 🙂
I found your recipe via Pinterest, and just made these for my family this evening. They are AMAZING!!! Joelen, thank you so much for sharing your recipe (your instructions are thorough and clear, which makes them SO EASY!)! With your help, I was quite the hero at dinner time! Based on some of your other recipes (and wonderful photographs to accompany them!), I may be spending a lot more time with you here. Again, THANK YOU!! -Jenni
I'm right there with you on the buffalo wing and blue cheese guilt pleasure! Those look really tasty and I can't wait to eat a couple dozen this weekend!
SO excited to try these out! Thanks for all the comments and tips… Can't wait to see how it turns out 🙂
The directions refer to "softened butter" to be mixed in with the chicken and cheeses, but the ingredients only mention melted butter. Is the melted butter just for brushing the tops after they've been cooked? How much softened butter should be put in with the chicken?!
Hi Lindsey – thanks for your question! Sorry for the typo… I've updated it so that it reflects (4 tablespoons) melted butter, not softened to be combined with the chicken and cheeses. Additional melted butter (not included in the ingredient list) is optional to brush on top once baked.
How would you recommend transporting these? I'm worry they will get soggy.
these look delish. I might substitute cheddar for the blue cheese as you suggested- but I'm wondering how strong the blue cheese flavor is?
Anonymous – you can decrease the amount of blue cheese if it's not one you like or even combine both cheddar and blue cheese (which I've done since I like both!).
Countrygirl – you can bake and transfer them to a container/serving platter and cover with foil. They won't get soggy really when in transport and they'll maintain their texture well once baked up.
Looks delicious! How many servings does this yield? Also, if using pizza dough..how many would I need?
Do you use regular flour or self-rising?
Can't wait to make!! Using pizza dough…Thoughts on prepping and baking the next day?
Instead of making the dough I used crescent roles and they were pretty darn good. I also substituted the blu cheese with ranch dressing and used the canned chicken to make my life more simple. Yum!
Wow. These look amazing!!! I would love to serve these up at a party or a fun night at home with the fam.
Simply amazing
I made these for our super bowl party!! HUGE hit! I used cresant rolls instead of making the dough! They were amazing!
This looks so good
Thanks for this amazing recipe. I make dip similar to the filling and so I tried using some of those same ingredients. I subbed cream cheese instead of the blue cheese, added about 3 Tablespoons of ranch dressing and only used maybe one Tablespoon of butter in the filling, along with the Frank's, the chicken and the cheddar. I did a few extra Tablespoons of cheddar as well.
Could you use premade dough and role it out instead?
I'm not really a fan of buffalo chicken (I know, I'm a little disappointed in myself too) but these just look way too good to pass up. I'm actually excited to try to make these.
Anonymous – you can definitely use pre-made pizza dough to save time!
Joelen-I am going to try to make these for dinner…do you think they'd work in bigger sections (like two per rope or something) or should I stick to the small 12 bites?
Also, if I wanted to make less, could I just cut everything in half?
Thanks!
Hi Shana! I've never tried making them bigger than a bite, but it should be possible! If anything, I'd bake them longer than indicated in the recipe above to ensure the dough is cooked through and isn't too doughy. Please let me know how it turns out 🙂
This recipe looks fantastic! My husband and kids are not big fans of bleu cheese though. I am going to try dry ranch dressing mix and cream cheese instead. I will let you know! 😉
Peanut butter & jelly bites!
I changed up the recipe some and came up with Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites. Here is a link to my blog with the changes I made. Thanks so much for posting this!! 🙂
http://www.cookingcleaningplaying.blogspot.com
Made these the other day, and they are delicious. Hard to go wrong with Franks Red Hot, blue cheese, and chicken!
This recipe looks Great! will try
Hi, These look so good, gonna make them today for a BBQ. I am confused tho, some of the somments mention boiling them, is that a step that got left out or did they add their own step? I want to make sure I have the directions right!!
Looks like a great recipe! I have you bookmarked so I can I find you quickly! Thanks for posting!
CaN you use ranch instead of bleu cheese?
Holly Perry – I didn't boil these because I was afraid having these in water would mess up the filling. So, these were rolled up, cut and then baked.
Anonymous – absolutely! Ranch would be delicious with these too!
How should we cook the chicken breast prior to using? By boiling?
Anonymous – you can use any cooked chicken breast, whether it's boiled, baked, fried, from a can, or even a store bought rotisserie chicken.
You had me from the picture. OMG these look awesome, going to have to try with some frozen bread dough. Side Note: These very closely resemble Pillsbury Savorings …it was a frozen appetizer, not sure if they're still commercially available. But they were delicious – these can only be better 'cause you control what goes in them instead of a bunch of nasty preservatives and such.
Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to try this.
These look good. Got to gave it a try.
WOW, looks amazing 🙂
Amazing! I made theses with premade crossant rolls and they came out great.
looks good,i'm going to try this recipe,thank you
I tried this recipe last night n the girls loved it….. but in stead of making my own dough….I used Cresent rolls, 2 packages. I cut them in 3 n folded them over gave it a litle pinch and baked them. Oh…the other thing….I had my family tried the chicken mixture n some said it was too spicy…so I added more Blue cheese dressing n some more cheese…..THANK YOU FOR THIS RECIPE IDEA!!!
Any idea of how much this makes? I want to try it but need to figure out if I should double it or not. Thanks!
This taste great with sriracha! Thanks for inspiration.
Can the dough be mixed with just a regular mixer?
Definitely going to try these for an upcoming party. Thanks everyone for the freezing recommendations/success stories. Can't wait to try them!
can you use crescent rolls dough
I was surfing the web for some party appetizers, and BAM!!!, I came across these. I am going to get some of the ingredients I don't have and cook a batch up today. Thank you.
Found this recipe on Pinterest. Made these last night and they disappeared before anything else there. Absolutely delicious.
My brother is a die hard fan of Frank's hot sauce, and loooooves buffalo chicken! Will definitely be making these this week! Just a thought…..do you think that crumbled feta cheese could be substituted for the bleu cheese, and just add ranch dressing mix for those who don't like bleu cheese??
I was linked to your page from pinterest and I made these tasty bites for our ladies night holiday party…. They were a HIT!!! Can't wait to make them for my annual superbowl party
When you refer to blue cheese, do you mean blue cheese dressing or actually blue cheese found in the produce aisle?
Anonymous – crumbled blue cheese, as in the cheese found in the cheese section of your grocery store. Regular blue or even gorgonzola cheese would work nicely!
Can I make them today and reheat them tomorrow? Or, would I be better off freezing them unbaked today and baking them from frozen tomorrow?
I love your site! Thank you:)
Hi Lindsay! You can do either – bake & then reheat OR freeze unbaked & bake from frozen. Thanks for visiting my site! 🙂
You better LOVE blue cheese to enjoy these. I'm having a hard time washing the taste out of my mouth.
Quick question: IF I were to use a pre-made Buffalo sauce, would I still need to add the melted butter or would that dilute the flavor?
Hawaiian Simpson family – feel free to use a pre-made buffalo sauce. I wouldn't add the melted butter since it would make it too greasy and as you said, dilute the flavor.
Thank you for the recipe. I made these tonight and they were delicious. We will be making them again and again. The dough was fantastic.
Hi,
Could I use this phyllo pastry? Wrap them up in phyllo squares and bake?
My husband and I make thing like this all the time it is a qiick snack but, we use the biscuits that come in the rolls, we make pizza pockets and my favorite was mashed potatoes and cheddar, we have never tryed buffalo chicken it should be great can't wait to try, hope u don't mind we will be using the biscuits though, we are really busy and don't have a dough maker thingy
can't wait to try these snacks…I like your blog and invite you to mine…Your feedback is welcomed… https://annasrainbow.blogspot.com
https://sewingcraftingquiltingfourfun.blogspot.com
can't wait to try these snacks…I like your blog and invite you to mine…Your feedback is welcomed… https://annasrainbow.blogspot.com
https://sewingcraftingquiltingfourfun.blogspot.com
i will definitely try this recipe, thank you!
you're welcome to my site
https://everythingofcooking.com/
I so hope these are good cause the frozen ones out of the box that i sampled at sam's club made me gag.
I want to make those for a party I am hosting soon. Thank you for a great recipe!
If I use already made dough, which one should I buy?
Anonymous – you could use your favorite pizza dough for this recipe.
I made these with left over pulled pork, half with BBQ sauce and half with buffalo sauce and cheddar cheese. Baked them a little longer and didn't add the butter inside since the pork had a bit more fat than chicken would. Anyway quite successful, all the kids liked them too. (I have four picky eaters)
My husband loves anything that is 'buffalo chicken' so these would be an awesome app for Sunday afternoon! I also love that you make the dough from scratch. yum!
It looks delicious! got inspired, and it will be spectacular dish before my friends 🙂
I just made these and they are great! The dough was easy. I don't have a stand up mixer so used my hand mixer as long as I could. Next time I will add more filling. Or roll the dough thinner. Great flavor! Thanks.
Can I use a pre made Dough? A filo or just a reg dough?
Oh my!!! So glad I found your recipe! I was thinking I wanted snacky yummy food tonight and this is just what I was looking for! LOVE YOU!!!
I've made the ham and cheese pretzel bites many times. I am assuming that the buffalo chicken bites aren't chewy like a pretzel since boiling the dough is necessary for the pretzel texture. But it still sounds AMAZING. I can't wait to try this!!
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