Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites offer the ultimate fusion of creamy, cheesy buffalo chicken dip encased in golden, buttery biscuit pockets. These incredibly easy-to-make bites are an absolute must-have for parties, game days, or any time you crave a hot, bold, and satisfying snack. With just a handful of simple ingredients and about 30 minutes, you’ll have an irresistible appetizer ready to serve—and watch them disappear in minutes!
If you’re a devoted fan of bold, tangy, and savory flavors, these buffalo chicken bombs are a guaranteed hit. The rich, creamy filling, bursting with the iconic taste of buffalo chicken, is perfectly wrapped in soft, flaky biscuit dough, creating the ideal bite-sized treat. This versatile buffalo chicken appetizer recipe is also perfect for preparing in large batches, making it an excellent choice for significant gatherings, holiday parties, or simply for stocking up on delicious snacks throughout the week. Forget complicated recipes; these delectable bites are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
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Why You Will Love These Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites
These buffalo chicken appetizers aren’t just delicious; they’re incredibly convenient and a surefire hit for almost any occasion. Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to recipe:
- Only 5 Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for obscure items at the grocery store. This recipe calls for just five readily available ingredients, making shopping a breeze. Most of them are likely staples in your pantry and fridge already, which means you can whip up a batch whenever a craving strikes without much planning. The simplicity ensures a stress-free cooking experience, perfect for busy individuals or novice cooks.
- A Family Favorite (Kids Included!): The vibrant, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of these buffalo chicken bombs are universally appealing. Even picky eaters find them irresistible, thanks to the comforting biscuit exterior and the cheesy, flavorful chicken filling. You’ll be amazed at how quickly plates are cleaned, making dinner time or snack time a happy occasion for everyone. For those sensitive to spice, you can easily adjust the buffalo sauce to a milder version without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick & Easy: A 30-Minute Weeknight Winner: Short on time after a long day? These chicken bites are your answer! With minimal prep work and a quick bake time, you can have a hot, homemade snack or a light dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you need a satisfying bite without spending hours in the kitchen. They offer maximum flavor reward for minimal time investment.
Craving even more buffalo chicken flavor? Be sure to explore our delightful buffalo chicken cups and our incredibly simple dairy-free buffalo chicken dip recipe for more spicy inspiration!
Essential Ingredients and Clever Substitutions
Crafting these delicious buffalo chicken dip bites requires a few key ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how you can make smart substitutions to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Chicken: For the best results in this chicken and biscuit recipe, pre-cooked and finely shredded chicken breast meat is recommended. You can cook and shred your own chicken, or for ultimate convenience, pick up a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Canned chicken, drained and flaked, is also a quick and easy alternative that works well in a pinch.
- Cream Cheese: You can use cream cheese with any fat content—full-fat, reduced-fat, or even dairy-free options—since it will be thoroughly mixed with the chicken and other ingredients. The most crucial tip here is to ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will help it combine smoothly and evenly with the other filling ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a perfectly creamy texture.
- Buffalo Sauce: The choice of buffalo sauce allows you to customize the spice level of your biscuit bombs. You can opt for mild, medium, or hot varieties based on your preference. Popular brands like Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce are excellent, but feel free to use your favorite. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount slightly or mix it with a little ranch dressing before adding it to the chicken.
- Cheddar Cheese: Pre-shredded cheddar cheese is a fantastic time-saver for this recipe. However, if you prefer, you can buy a block of sharp or mild cheddar and shred it yourself for a fresher, potentially meltier result. Other cheeses that melt well and complement buffalo chicken, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a sharp provolone, can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Biscuit Dough: We rely on convenient canned biscuit dough for speed and ease, specifically the large, flaky biscuit varieties. However, if you enjoy baking from scratch, making your own dough adds a wonderful homemade touch. Consider these easy biscuit recipes: a sour cream biscuits recipe for extra tenderness, easy 3-ingredient biscuits for ultimate simplicity, or cheddar jalapeno biscuits for an added kick and flavor complexity.
Exciting Recipe Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your buffalo chicken dip bites! Here are a few exciting variations to customize your batch and keep things fresh:
- Amp Up the Heat: For those who love an extra spicy kick, consider stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (like Tabasco or ghost pepper sauce for extreme heat!), or even some finely minced fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers into the chicken filling. Remember to taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level without overpowering the other flavors.
- Gooey Cheesy Blend: While cheddar is classic, swapping it out or mixing in other cheeses can transform the texture and flavor. Mozzarella cheese will add an incredible gooey, stretchy texture, while provolone or a Monterey Jack cheese will offer a milder, creamier melt. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates the best of both worlds – rich flavor and satisfying pull.
- Savory Garlic Ranch Twist: Infuse more savory depth by mixing a teaspoon of garlic powder, a quarter teaspoon of onion powder, and a dash of dried dill into either the biscuit dough or the chicken filling. This adds a subtle ranch-like flavor that beautifully complements the tang of the buffalo sauce, offering a harmonious and herbaceous punch.
- Add a Bacon Crunch: Crispy, crumbled bacon bits are a natural pairing with buffalo chicken. Stir about ½ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon into the chicken filling for an irresistible smoky, salty crunch in every bite.
- Veggies for Freshness: For a slight textural contrast and added freshness, finely dice a small amount of celery or green bell pepper and fold it into the chicken mixture. This provides a subtle crunch and cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Kitchen Tools for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Bombs
Having the right tools can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of the essential kitchen equipment you’ll need for this buffalo chicken appetizer recipe:
- Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for preventing your delicious bites from sticking to the baking sheet. Alternatively, parchment paper works just as well for easy cleanup.
- Medium mixing bowl: For combining the creamy, flavorful buffalo chicken filling.
- Large mixing spoon: To ensure all the ingredients in your filling are thoroughly combined and evenly coated.
- Bench cutter or sharp knife: Useful for portioning homemade biscuit dough or for general kitchen prep.
- Rolling pin: To flatten your biscuit dough into uniform circles, creating the perfect wrapper for your filling.
- Medium-sized scoop: Ideal for portioning out the chicken filling, ensuring each bite-sized bomb has a consistent amount.
- Baking Sheet: A standard baking sheet (9×13 inch or larger) is needed to bake the buffalo chicken bombs until golden and crispy.
- Basting brush: For brushing the baked bombs with melted butter, adding an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden sheen.
- Instant-read thermometer: Recommended for checking the internal temperature of the chicken bombs to ensure they are safely cooked (165°F).
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
Always bring your cream cheese to room temperature before you begin. This simple step is crucial for achieving a perfectly smooth and creamy filling. When cream cheese is cold, it tends to be stiff and will form hard clumps that are difficult to mix evenly. Setting it out on the counter for about an hour before you start cooking will ensure it’s soft enough to blend seamlessly with the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce, properly coating every piece of chicken for a consistent and delicious flavor throughout your buffalo chicken dip bites.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buffalo Chicken Appetizers
Get ready to create these incredibly tasty buffalo chicken dip bites with ease! Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.
- Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your bombs are ready. Next, prepare your baking sheet by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper, which makes for an even easier cleanup and helps prevent sticking.
- Create the Flavorful Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked shredded chicken, your softened cream cheese, the buffalo wing sauce of your choice, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Using a large mixing spoon, stir all the ingredients together thoroughly. Continue mixing until everything is evenly combined, resulting in a creamy, well-coated chicken mixture. Ensure there are no large clumps of cream cheese, as this indicates it wasn’t soft enough (refer to our Pro Tip!).
🎯 TFN Pro Tip
To significantly cut down on your prep time and make these buffalo chicken appetizers even faster, consider using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already perfectly cooked, wonderfully tender, and shreds effortlessly, which means you can skip the step of cooking your own chicken. This shortcut ensures your buffalo chicken dip bites come together in record time without compromising on flavor or texture!
- Prepare and Roll the Biscuit Dough: If you’re using canned biscuit dough, simply separate the individual biscuits. If you’re making homemade dough, use a bench cutter or a sharp knife to divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 2 ounces. Once portioned, lightly flour your work surface and use a rolling pin (or even your fingers) to flatten each piece of dough into a circle, aiming for about 4 inches in diameter. These circles need to be large enough to completely encase about 2 ounces of your delicious chicken and cream cheese filling.
- Fill and Securely Seal the Bites: Take a medium-sized scoop of the buffalo chicken mixture and place it directly in the center of each flattened biscuit dough circle. Carefully gather the edges of the dough and pull them up and over the filling, ensuring that the filling is completely enclosed. Pinch the seams of the dough together very tightly to create a secure seal. This step is crucial to prevent the cheesy filling from oozing out during baking. Once sealed, place each chicken bomb seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Once all your buffalo chicken bombs are assembled and arranged on the baking sheet, lightly brush their tops with a little melted butter for extra flavor and a beautiful golden crust. Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the tops of the biscuit bombs are beautifully golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). You can verify this using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a bomb.
- Finish and Serve Warm: Once baked to perfection, remove the buffalo chicken dip bites from the oven. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can brush them with a bit more melted butter while they’re still hot. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Drizzle with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing, or serve the dressings on the side for dipping. These are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, when the cheese is melty and the biscuit is tender.
If you love easy snacks wrapped in crusty dough, perfect for kids after school or casual gatherings, then you must try our delightful calzone mini pepperoni bites and our classic pigs in a blanket with dipping sauce!
Delightful Serving Suggestions
Buffalo chicken dip bites are truly the ultimate crowd-friendly snack, destined to be the star of any game day spread, party table, or casual get-together. Their bold flavor and convenient size make them incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Classic Dipping Sauces: Always serve these irresistible bites with generous sides of creamy ranch dressing and tangy blue cheese dressing. These classic pairings perfectly complement the spicy kick of the buffalo chicken.
- Fresh Veggie Sticks: Offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dip bites with a platter of crisp, fresh vegetable sticks. Celery, carrot, and cucumber sticks are excellent choices, providing a cool crunch and a healthy balance.
- Crispy Sides: For added crunch and satisfaction, a bowl of gourmet kettle chips or even sweet potato fries makes a great accompaniment. The salty, crispy texture works wonderfully with the warm, savory bombs.
- Creamy Balancers: To balance the bold flavors, consider serving something creamy and comforting on the side, such as a homemade mac and cheese, a classic coleslaw, or a simple potato salad. These dishes provide a smooth, cooling contrast.
- Ultimate Game Day Platter: Arrange your buffalo chicken dip bites amongst other game day favorites like mini hot dogs, loaded potato skins, and a variety of sliders. This creates an impressive spread that caters to all tastes.
- Make it a Meal: While fantastic as an appetizer, these bombs can also be the star of a light meal. Pair them with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a satisfying and easy dinner.
However you choose to serve them, be warned: they’ll disappear fast! It’s always a good idea to consider making extras, especially if you’re hosting a larger group or want to ensure there are leftovers to enjoy later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Bites
There are a few common reasons why your buffalo chicken bombs might be falling apart. The most common culprit is not tightly sealing the biscuit dough around the shredded chicken filling. It’s crucial to firmly pinch the seams together to create a secure pocket. Another reason could be overcooking, which can dry out the biscuit dough, making it crumbly and more prone to breaking. Ensure you don’t bake them longer than necessary to keep them moist and intact.
While ranch and blue cheese dressing are classic pairings for buffalo chicken, feel free to get creative with your dipping sauces! Consider serving them with marinara sauce for a pizza-like twist, a zesty barbecue sauce for a smoky sweetness, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. Honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, or a cooling avocado crema would also make excellent companions, offering a variety of flavor profiles for your guests.
As written, this recipe uses cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, so it is not dairy-free. However, it’s very easy to adapt! You can find excellent dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese substitutes in most major grocery stores. Simply swap them in at a 1:1 ratio. If you prefer, you can also omit the cheeses entirely, focusing on the chicken and buffalo sauce, though the texture and richness will be different.
Leftover buffalo chicken dip bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen bites overnight in the refrigerator. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the center reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps restore their crispy exterior.
Absolutely! You can assemble the buffalo chicken bombs up to 24 hours in advance. Once assembled, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove them from the fridge about 15-20 minutes before baking to allow them to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed. This makes them perfect for party prep!
Yes, buffalo chicken bombs are fantastic in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bombs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them!
More Easy Appetizers And Snacks To Love…
- Spicy Firecracker Meatballs
- Creamy Cajun Crab Dip with Shrimp
- Zesty Spicy Deviled Eggs
- Classic Knorr Spinach Dip
If you tried this buffalo chicken bombs recipe or any other delightful recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means the world! Thanks for visiting and happy cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin
Snack, Dinner
American
8
servings
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
323
Equipment
-
non-stick cooking spray -
medium mixing bowl -
large mixing spoon -
bench cutter or sharp knife -
rolling pin -
medium-sized scoop -
9×13 inch baking sheet -
basting brush
Ingredients
-
1 ½
cups
cooked shredded chicken -
4
ounces
cream cheese
softened -
¼
cup
buffalo wing sauce -
⅓
cup
shredded cheddar cheese -
1
pound
biscuit dough
or 15.7 ounces canned dough (about 8 large biscuits) -
2
tbsps
melted butter
For Serving
-
¼
cup
chopped flat leaf parsley or 2 scallions
thinly sliced -
ranch or blue cheese dressing -
blue cheese crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a large mixing spoon to stir ingredients until thoroughly combined and creamy; set aside.
- If using homemade biscuit dough, use a bench cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 equal pieces, about 2 ounces each. If using canned dough, separate the individual biscuits. On a lightly floured surface, use your fingers or a rolling pin to flatten each piece into a circle approximately 4 inches across.
- Using a medium-sized scoop, place a portion of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of each flattened biscuit dough circle. Carefully pull the sides of the dough up and over the filling, then pinch the edges together very tightly to fully enclose the filling.
- Arrange the sealed chicken bombs on the prepared baking sheet, placing them seam-side down. Using a basting brush, lightly brush the tops of the bombs with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven; if desired, brush each chicken bomb with a little more melted butter, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or green onions, and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the tops before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
- Rotisserie Shortcut: To save time on prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It’s already cooked, tender, and shreds beautifully—making these buffalo chicken dip bites even quicker to assemble!
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Be sure to bring the cream cheese to room temperature first. When combining the ingredients, it’s important to use soft cream cheese so it can properly coat the chicken instead of forming cold, hard clumps. To do this, set the cream cheese on the counter for about an hour before you start cooking.
Recipe Variations:
- Extra spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or finely minced jalapeños to the filling for a bolder bite. Taste and adjust to your preference.
- Cheesy blend: Swap or mix in mozzarella cheese with the cheddar for an extra gooey texture. Provolone or a spicy pepper jack can also add interesting flavors.
- Garlic ranch twist: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill into the biscuit dough or the chicken filling for a savory, herby punch that complements the tang of the buffalo sauce.
- Bacon bliss: Stir in ½ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon bits into the filling for a smoky, salty addition.
- Veggie boost: Finely diced celery or green bell pepper can be added to the filling for a subtle crunch and freshness.
Storing Instructions:
- Store leftover buffalo chicken bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- You can also freeze the baked and cooled bombs in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container for up to three months.
- To reheat, allow frozen bombs to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F (74°C) using a digital thermometer.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
serving
|
Calories:
323
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
28
g
|
Protein:
7
g
|
Fat:
20
g
|
Saturated Fat:
7
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
7
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.1
g
|
Cholesterol:
35
mg
|
Sodium:
869
mg
|
Potassium:
169
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
3
g
|
Vitamin A:
340
IU
|
Vitamin C:
0.2
mg
|
Calcium:
77
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg