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The moment I pulled my golden Buffalo Chicken Bites from the oven, an irresistible aroma filled my kitchen, drawing my family in like bees to honey. These crunchy, bite-sized morsels are not just a snack; they’re the ultimate party pleaser worth every bit of excitement. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or hosting a casual gathering, these bites will elevate any occasion with their zesty flavor and creamy filling—a delightful twist on the classic Buffalo wings we all know and love.

What I adore about this recipe is its versatility. You can whip them up effortlessly by using leftover rotisserie chicken or opt for a healthier twist with Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. Plus, if you’re watching your gluten intake, we’ve got gluten-free options covered! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a crowd-favorite appetizer that not only satisfies those savory cravings but also leaves everyone wanting more. So, let’s dive into this easy, mess-free recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning snack!

Why Love These Buffalo Chicken Bites?

Flavor Explosion: With a perfect blend of zesty Buffalo sauce and creamy cheese, these bites deliver an unforgettable flavor profile.
Adaptable: Easily customize by swapping ingredients—try Greek yogurt for a healthier option or go gluten-free with panko crumbs!
Quick & Easy: This recipe is straightforward, using simple steps to create a delicious dish in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners—these bites are sure to be a hit!
Mess-Free Delight: Enjoy all the satisfying flavors of Buffalo wings without the mess—perfect for any occasion!

Buffalo Chicken Bites Ingredients

For the Filling
• Shredded Chicken – Provides the main protein; using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
• Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and binds the filling; Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter alternative.
• Buffalo Sauce – Essential for that unmistakable spicy kick; adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
• Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella) – Enhances creaminess and flavor; feel free to swap with your favorite melting cheese.

For the Coating
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates an irresistibly crispy outer layer; opt for gluten-free versions if needed.
• Egg – Acts as a binding agent; for a vegan option, substitute with a flax egg.

For Cooking
• Oil (for frying or baking) – Helps achieve that golden crispiness; light vegetable oil is great for frying, while spray oil works well for baking.

These Buffalo Chicken Bites are not just tasty; they’re quick to prepare and customizable for various dietary needs!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bites

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, half of the Buffalo sauce, and shredded cheese. Blend until smooth, then chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up the mixture.
Form the Bites: Once chilled, scoop out portions of the filling and roll them into small balls about the size of a golf ball, ensuring they hold their shape.
Coat the Bites: Dip each rolled ball into beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, roll them in panko breadcrumbs until they are fully coated, giving a crunchy finish.
Cook the Bites:

For Baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated bites on a lined baking sheet, lightly spraying them with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy.
For Frying: Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in batches for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn crispy and golden. Transfer them onto a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Serve: If you’d like, toss the cooked bites in the remaining Buffalo sauce for extra flavor. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Buffalo Chicken Bites Variations

Embrace your culinary creativity and make these Buffalo Chicken Bites your own with simple tweaks and swaps!

Gluten-Free: Substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free options for a celiac-friendly treat. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious crunch.
Baked Delight: For a healthier version, skip the frying entirely and bake the bites. Simply spray them with oil and bake until golden and crispy!
Spicy Switch: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling if you’re craving more heat. This fire-packed option will tantalize your taste buds!
Creamy Twist: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt to lighten up the bites without sacrificing creaminess. It adds a nice tang that complements the Buffalo flavor beautifully.
Veggie Version: Swap shredded chicken for finely chopped cauliflower and black beans for a vegetarian delight. You’ll still get that satisfying filling texture alongside the Buffalo flavor.
Cheesy Upgrade: Try mixing in additional cheeses like blue cheese or pepper jack for a flavor explosion. This will elevate your bites to a whole new level of cheesy goodness.
Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley into your filling. This adds freshness and a pop of color, enhancing both the taste and presentation.
Sweet & Spicy: Mix honey or maple syrup into the Buffalo sauce for a delightful sweet-spicy balance. This twist could make your bites a standout at any gathering!

Make Ahead Options

These Buffalo Chicken Bites are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the filling (shredded chicken, cream cheese, Buffalo sauce, and shredded cheese) up to 24 hours in advance—just mix the ingredients and refrigerate the mixture until ready to assemble. The shaped bites can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just coat them in breadcrumbs and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake the frozen bites straight from the freezer at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes or fry until golden and crispy. This saves you time and makes it easy to enjoy a delicious homemade snack without the last-minute rush!

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Bites?

Get ready to elevate your appetizer game and create a complete meal experience around these zesty bites!

Creamy Ranch Dressing: Perfect for dipping, this cool and tangy dressing complements the spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites beautifully, balancing flavors with its creamy texture.
Vegetable Stick Platter: Crisp and colorful celery, carrots, and cucumber sticks provide a refreshing crunch that pairs well with these savory bites, adding a healthy contrast.
Garlic Aioli: This rich and garlicky sauce brings an indulgent twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile while providing a unique dipping option for your guests.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Sprinkle some tangy blue cheese on top for an added layer of flavor. The creaminess of the cheese beautifully contrasts with the spicy bites.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet and hearty side that complements the spice of the Buffalo Chicken Bites while providing a satisfying crunch.
Ice-Cold Beer: For an adult gathering, pair the bites with a refreshing lager or pale ale. The beer’s brightness cuts through the richness, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds a touch of sweetness and vibrancy to the table, balancing out the richness of the bites.
Mini Caesar Salad: Serve up a classic Caesar in small cups or bowls for a nostalgic crunch. The dressing and romaine will enhance the bites’ flavors while bringing a savory note.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, finish on a sweet note with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Their warm, gooey texture will delight guests after the savory feast.

With these delectable pairings, your Buffalo Chicken Bites will take center stage at your next gathering, leaving everyone craving more!

Storage Tips for Buffalo Chicken Bites

Room Temperature: Buffalo Chicken Bites can be left out for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be stored in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven helps restore their crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, place uncooked or cooked bites in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.

Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Bites

Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the filling for 15-20 minutes before shaping to make it easier to roll into balls and maintain their form.
Oil Temperature: When frying, keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). Oil that’s too hot can burn the bites, while cooler oil can make them greasy.
Customize Your Heat: Experiment with various hot sauces to achieve your desired spiciness level; don’t hesitate to mix in barbecue sauce for a milder option.
Perfect Coating: Ensure the bites are fully coated in panko breadcrumbs to achieve that irresistible crispy texture for your Buffalo Chicken Bites.
Baking Tip: If baking, lightly spray the bites with oil before placing them in the oven to enhance their crispiness and golden color.

Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for Buffalo Chicken Bites?
You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but freshly cooked chicken breast is more flavorful. Both options work well, so choose what’s best for you!

How should I store leftovers?
To maintain freshness, store leftover Buffalo Chicken Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their delicious crispiness.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Bites?
Absolutely! You can freeze both uncooked and cooked bites. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

What if my Buffalo Chicken Bites are too greasy when fried?
If they’re greasy, check your oil temperature; it should be around 350°F (175°C). If it’s too cool, the bites will absorb excess oil. Consider frying in smaller batches to maintain the oil’s heat.

Are there gluten-free options for the coating?
Yes! Substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko to make your Buffalo Chicken Bites gluten-sensitive friendly. Everyone can enjoy these tasty snacks!

Can pets eat Buffalo Chicken Bites?
It’s best to keep Buffalo Chicken Bites away from pets. Ingredients like garlic and onion in some sauces can be harmful to animals. Always check ingredient labels if you’d like to share.