Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites
Who’s ready for some football? Let’s face it, as Americans, buffalo chicken anything is the perfect appetizer for the Super bowl or any gathering! No need to ask what you are making for your next party because it is Buffalo Chicken Bites! This is one of my go to, easy recipes. It can be made ahead of time and frozen so all you need to do is throw them in the oven. These buffalo bites are full of cream cheese and and Frank’s red hot sauce. Not only are they a great party appetizer they are a perfect game day snack. Full recipe card below 😉
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What is buffalo chicken?
In short, buffalo chicken is an American staple! Often considered bar food and the food of choice during football season, buffalo wings are said to have been invented sometime in the 1960s in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo chicken is traditionally made by deep frying un-breaded chicken wings and tossing them in a spicy vinegar based sauce made from cayenne pepper sauce, butter, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. They are often served with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and celery sticks. Buffalo chicken recipes have gained in popularity and now have many iterations including boneless chicken wings, buffalo chicken nuggets, buffalo chicken salad, and of course buffalo chicken dip.
Why I love this recipe
Easy – This simple recipe only requires a few ingredients and no fancy tools, gadgets, or chopping.
Quick – This buffalo chicken bites recipe can be made in less than a half hour or it can be made ahead of time and frozen. Perfect for last minute gatherings, parties, or Sunday football.
Delicious – No joke, these taste just like buffalo chicken dip! The spicy sauce mixed with cream cheese and chicken is the best combo! You get the satisfaction of a buffalo chicken wing without the messy hands. You definitely won’t be able to eat just one 😉
Pantry Ingredients – Some recipes can be difficult to plan for because they require ingredients most people don’t keep on hand and if you fail to make them in a timely manner fresh ingredients go bad. All of these ingredients will store in your pantry or fridge for a while until you are ready to make except for the English Muffins and cream cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Bites Recipe Ingredients
This is a a very easy recipe to make but contains all the good stuff even though they are simple ingredients! These spicy little bites will definitely become a fan favorite.
English Muffins – This unlikely ingredient is just the right size for bite size appetizers when cut into quarters. Simply cut the English muffins in half and quarter each half. They have a nice sturdy base and don’t fall apart. I usually use the original Thomas brand but a store brand would work just as well.
Buffalo Sauce – Any brand is fine, but I prefer Frank’s Red Hot Sauce for this recipe. If you are feeling ambitious you can also make your own homemade buffalo sauce.
Butter – I normally use real unsalted butter because it has a richer flavor, but margarine works too if you don’t have butter.
Cream Cheese – If you have ever had buffalo chicken dip you know that cream cheese is an essential ingredient. It offsets the acidic vinegary taste of the buffalo sauce and gives it a creamy texture. I usually use the 1/3 less fat version, but you can use any kind of plain cream cheese.
Ranch – I always have ranch seasoning packets on hand. A tablespoon of this powerful mix can really add a lot of flavor to a dish. In this case, it adds that ranch flavor that pairs so well with boneless wings or original recipes. You can use traditional ranch dressing but you will need to use more to have the same flavor impact and this could change the texture and end result of these boneless chicken bites.
Chicken – I use canned chicken because it is easy and already cooked. Once I open the can, I shred the chicken breast pieces with a fork to achieve the best consistency. You can also use small, plain chicken breasts and shred the chicken pieces once they are cooked. I do not recommend using boneless buffalo wings or buffalo chicken wings in this recipe as they will be much more difficult to shred.
Freezing – I rarely freeze fresh food because it often changes the consistency and flavor. However, these are 100% approved to freeze in my book. In fact, I rarely make then without freezing. Once the mix has been made and spooned on top of the English muffins, place on a baking sheet and put in the freezer for 30-60 minutes. Once they are set up, I transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. And next time you have a party or craving, just pop a few in the oven frozen and you are ready to go! So easy!
Mixing – You can use a medium to large mixing bowl and mix with a handheld mixer or a stand mixer. You can also mix by hand with a large spoon, but I think it’s easier to combine and evenly distribute the ingredients with a mixer.
Boneless Buffalo Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 can cooked chicken (12.5 oz) drained
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 3 tbsp butter softened
- 1 pkg English Muffins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a baking mat.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients with a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Blend until fully combined.
- Cut English Muffins in half and quarter each half creating small bite sized triangles.
- Spoon buffalo chicken mixture onto English muffin pieces. The small spoon in your everyday flatware works perfectly.
- For immediate consumption, bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes.
- For freezing, place bites on baking sheet and place in the freezer for 30-60 minutes. Once the bites have frozen a bit, transfer them into a freezer bag or air tight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Cool on a wire rack or plate for 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 40 bites depending on how much you top them with. You will likely only use 5 of the English Muffins.
- Cooking time will vary. Start at the low end and add more time as needed.
- For best results use or freeze right away after making.
- Leftover buffalo chicken bites can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days after cooked but may become soggy.
- Uncooked buffalo chicken bites should be frozen in a freezer bag or airtight container right away for up to 3 months.
Can I make these in my air fryer?
Maybe? I have not yet tried air fryer buffalo chicken bites, so I cannot say for sure. But if you are feeling adventurous, give it a try.
When to make buffalo chicken bites
The great thing is this versatile appetizer is the perfect hand held snack for all your entertaining needs! It is bite sized so it doesn’t need silverware. I have made this on many occasions, but here are a few to get you started.
Super Bowl Party
Christmas Party
Halloween Party
Thanksgiving Appetizer – Perfect for those watching football!
Baby Shower
Engagement Party
Birthday Party
Dinner Party
No matter what occasion you decide to make these for, this is a great recipe for a large crowd and they are sure to be a big hit!
Need more party ideas? Check out these recipes.
Moscow Mules
Red Pepper Hummus
Muddy Buddies
Chocolate Martinis
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