Buffalo Chicken Bombs are crispy, spicy bites filled with tender chicken and yummy cheese. They’re like mini snacks that pack a flavorful punch!
These tasty bombs are perfect for game day or any time you want a quick treat. Just pop them in the oven and let the fun begin. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use leftover chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to shred it well for the best texture!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but you can adjust the heat with different brands or even make your own. If you want a milder flavor, try a barbecue sauce mixed with a little hot sauce.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a great melt and flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist. Cream cheese adds creaminess, but you can skip it for a lighter version or use Greek yogurt instead.
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough makes life easy! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough is always an option. You can also use crescent rolls or biscuit dough for a different style.
How Do I Seal the Dough to Keep the Filling Inside?
Sealing the dough is key to keeping that delicious filling from leaking out. Here’s how to do it:
- After placing the chicken mixture on the dough, gently pull up the sides over the filling.
- Pinch the seams tightly, ensuring no filling is poking through.
- If you want extra security, you can twist the dough closed like a pouch.
- Make sure to place them seam-side down on the baking sheet to help keep the filling sealed during baking.
This step helps achieve that perfect bite without any mess—enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Bombs!
Buffalo Chicken Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 ounces)
- 1 tbsp melted butter
For Dipping (Optional):
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-18 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
2. Make the Chicken Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks cheesy and delicious!
3. Roll Out the Pizza Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, roughly 12×10 inches in size. The dough should be thin but not so thin that it tears easily.
4. Cutting the Dough:
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8-10 equal squares. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste great!
5. Filling the Dough Squares:
Take a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture and place it in the center of each dough square. You want enough filling to give it a nice flavor without overstuffing it.
6. Sealing the Bombs:
Carefully fold up the edges of the dough over the filling to seal it inside. Pinch the seams tightly to make sure the filling doesn’t escape while baking. Aim to create a ball shape!
7. Placing on the Baking Sheet:
Arrange the sealed dough balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each so they have room to puff up as they bake.
8. Brushing with Butter:
Using a brush or the back of a spoon, gently brush the tops of the dough balls with the melted butter. This will help them turn golden brown and delicious!
9. Baking Them to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and the filling is heated through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cooling and Serving:
After baking, remove the bombs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This way, you won’t burn your mouth with that hot filling!
11. Enjoying the Bombs:
Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your perfect game day snack or appetizer—these Buffalo Chicken Bombs are sure to be a hit!
Happy cooking and enjoy your spicy, cheesy treats! 🎉
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to cook and shred it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the quick thaw method: place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Once cooked, shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce you use or substitute it with a mild hot sauce. You can also add a bit of ranch dressing into the filling to balance out the heat, or serve additional ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the Buffalo Chicken Bombs ahead of time. After sealing them, place them on a baking sheet and cover them with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to your baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep them crispy!
