Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Bombs
Buffalo Chicken Bombs are a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy! Here are some reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Quick and Easy: These bombs can be ready in no time, making them perfect for a quick meal or snack.
- Perfect for Beginners: With simple steps, even novice cooks can successfully create this dish.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: Everyone loves the cheesy, spicy filling, making it a hit at family dinners.
- Economical: Using common ingredients can save you money while feeding a crowd.
- Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
The Necessary Ingredients
To make these delicious Buffalo Chicken Bombs, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Oil for frying
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken. For a vegetarian option, shredded tofu can work too.
- Buffalo Sauce: This spicy sauce gives the bombs their signature flavor. If you prefer less spice, try a mild hot sauce or BBQ sauce for a sweeter twist.
- Cream Cheese: This makes the filling creamy. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or ricotta if you want a lighter version.
How to Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Bombs Step by Step
Follow these simple steps to create your mouth-watering Buffalo Chicken Bombs:
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
This ensures your bombs will bake evenly and become golden brown.
Pro Tip: Preheating your oven is always a good practice for baking! -
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions until well combined.
Mixing these ingredients together ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Pro Tip: Use a fork to break up any clumps of cream cheese, making mixing easier. -
Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into squares.
Aim for about 4-inch squares; this size is perfect for holding the filling.
Pro Tip: Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. -
Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each square.
Don’t overfill; too much can make sealing difficult.
Pro Tip: Use a tablespoon for consistent portion sizes. -
Fold the dough over the filling and seal to create a ball.
Pinch the edges well to avoid any filling leaks while baking.
Pro Tip: You can roll the filled bombs in your hands to form a perfect shape. -
Place the filled bombs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Keep an eye on them closely during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
Pro Tip: For an extra golden finish, brush the tops with melted butter before baking. -
Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
The dipping sauces complement the spicy flavors beautifully.
Pro Tip: Prepare a small bowl of each sauce for a fun touch at the table!
Serving Suggestions
Here are some fun ways to serve Buffalo Chicken Bombs:
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Enjoy these bombs with a light beer or a refreshing iced tea.
- Side Dishes: Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks, or a crunchy salad for a balanced meal.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: Quick to make on busy nights; pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Game Day Snack: Perfect finger food for watching sports with friends.
Serving Tips
- Arrange the bombs on a platter with dipping sauces in the center to encourage sharing.
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To ensure your leftover Buffalo Chicken Bombs stay fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Type of Container: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezed
- If possible: Yes, you can freeze them before baking.
- Packaging: Place uncooked bombs in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
- Defrosting: Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating
- Best Method: Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This keeps them crispy.
Guaranteed Success Tips
To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Bombs come out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix the filling: Stir just until combined to keep the texture creamy.
- Carefully seal the dough: Any openings can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different; adjust the time as necessary.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and cheese yield the best flavor.
- Serve immediately: These bombs taste best fresh from the oven!
Recipe Variations
Feel free to mix things up with these fun variations:
- For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of Espelette pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling for added heat.
- For a Vegan Version: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit and use vegan cream cheese.
- For a Cheesy Twist: Incorporate crumbled feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, just make sure to fully cook and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.
Q: What if my dough rips when sealing?
A: Simply pinch together the edges gently; you can also use a small piece of dough to patch it up.
Q: How can I make the bombs less spicy?
A: Use a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with some ketchup for a milder flavor.
Q: Can these be baked instead of fried?
A: Yes, baking is healthier and still produces delicious results! Just ensure they are brushed with oil or butter.
Q: How many bombs does this recipe make?
A: This recipe typically makes around 12-16 bombs, depending on the size.
Q: Do I have to use pizza dough?
A: While pizza dough works best, you can use biscuit dough or crescent roll dough for a different texture.
Q: What dipping sauces pair well with the bombs?
A: Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are popular choices, but any favorite dressing works well!
With this comprehensive guide, your Buffalo Chicken Bombs are sure to be a success for any occasion. Happy cooking!
Buffalo Chicken Bombs
Ingredients Â
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can use leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded tofu for a vegetarian option.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce For a milder flavor, try mild hot sauce or BBQ sauce.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened Can substitute with Greek yogurt or ricotta for a lighter version.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough Can also use biscuit or crescent roll dough.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped For garnish, if desired.
InstructionsÂ
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions until well combined.
- Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into squares, aiming for about 4-inch squares.
- Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal to create a ball.
Cooking
- Place the filled bombs on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.