Buffalo Chicken Bites

Buffalo Chicken Bites are a fiery, cheesy, and irresistibly crispy appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or when I’m just craving a spicy snack. These bite-sized treats combine shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese, all rolled into crunchy, golden-brown bites that are seriously addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and easy these bites are to make, especially when I already have cooked chicken on hand. They’ve got that perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy in every bite. Whether I’m serving them to guests or enjoying them solo, they always hit the spot. Plus, they’re oven-baked, so I don’t have to deal with deep frying or extra mess.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Cooked and shredded chicken

  • Buffalo hot sauce

  • Cream cheese

  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • All-purpose flour

  • Eggs

  • Panko bread crumbs

  • Nonstick cooking spray

Directions

  1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a mixing bowl, I combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar until it’s all evenly mixed.

  3. Then I shape the mixture into small balls—around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

  4. I set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

  5. Each chicken ball gets rolled in the flour, dipped in the egg, and then coated in panko.

  6. I arrange the breaded bites on the prepared baking sheet and spray them lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

  7. They bake for 20–25 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. I like to flip them halfway through for even browning.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 Buffalo Chicken Bites, depending on how large I shape them. They take about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so I can have them ready in roughly 40 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the cheeses—pepper jack adds a little extra kick. If I want them milder, I use less buffalo sauce and add a bit more cream cheese. For a gluten-free version, I go with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. I’ve even added finely chopped celery to the mix for a little crunch inside.

Storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. They also freeze well—just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. I reheat from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.

FAQs

How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Bites?

They’ve got a good kick, but it depends on the buffalo sauce I use. I can adjust the heat level by using a milder or hotter sauce, or simply using less.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prep and bread them ahead, then store them in the fridge until I’m ready to bake. They also freeze well before baking.

What dipping sauces go best with these?

I like serving them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, but they’re also great with a simple garlic aioli or even extra buffalo sauce.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch. I just make sure to drain it well and shred it finely so the texture holds together.

How do I keep the bites from falling apart?

If the mixture feels too loose, I add a bit more cream cheese or cheese to bind it. Chilling the mixture for 10–15 minutes before shaping also helps.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Bites are the kind of snack I make when I want something easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor. They’ve got everything I love—spice, crunch, and gooey cheese—and they never stick around long once they hit the table. Whether I’m hosting a party or just need a comfort food fix, these little bites deliver every time.

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Buffalo Chicken Bites

Buffalo Chicken Bites

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  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 bites
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Buffalo Chicken Bites are the ultimate spicy, cheesy, and crispy appetizer made with shredded chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and gooey cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you’re craving bold flavor without the mess of frying. Quick, easy, and oven-baked—Buffalo Chicken Bites are your new favorite go-to spicy snack!


Ingredients

Cooked and shredded chicken

Buffalo hot sauce

Cream cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese

All-purpose flour

Eggs

Panko breadcrumbs

Nonstick cooking spray


Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar until fully combined.
  • Roll the mixture into 1–1.5 inch balls.
  • Set up a breading station: one bowl each for flour, beaten eggs, and panko.
  • Dredge each ball in flour, dip in egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
  • Place on the baking sheet and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra spice, use pepper jack cheese or hot buffalo sauce.
  • To make them milder, reduce buffalo sauce and increase cream cheese.
  • Add finely chopped celery for a crunchy texture.
  • Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • Chill mixture before shaping for better handling.

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