If you’re searching for a bold and irresistible snack that will steal the spotlight at your next gathering, this Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with creamy, cheesy goodness all nestled in a flaky biscuit cup, these bite-sized delights pack layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a game day party or a casual get-together, these savory cupcakes are as fun to eat as they are delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and versatile, coming together to create the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and a buttery finish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making your Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes truly shine.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ease and great flavor.
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce: Adds that signature tangy and spicy kick.
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: Brings a lush creaminess to blend with the heat.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to enhance the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle depth of flavor without overwhelming.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count): Forms the buttery, flaky shell that holds everything together.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on the edges for a golden, irresistible crust.
- Optional toppings: Ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, and crumbled blue cheese for extra flair and freshness.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s nice and hot when your cupcakes are ready to bake. Lightly grease a standard muffin tin to prevent any sticking, giving your biscuit shells the perfect environment to crisp up.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine your tender shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until every bit of chicken is coated and the mixture is creamy and evenly seasoned. This filling is the heart of your Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe, packing all those classic flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare Biscuit Dough Shells
Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each round gently to about a 4-inch circle. Press each one firmly into the greased muffin cups, creating little dough bowls that will hold all the goodness. This step is crucial because those biscuit shells provide the perfect buttery, crispy base that balances the spicy, cheesy filling.
Step 4: Fill and Finish the Cupcakes
Now, spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture into each biscuit shell, piling it up so the flavors burst in every bite. Brush the exposed dough edges with melted butter – this ritual gives them that beautiful golden color and an extra layer of richness once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown biscuits and bubbly, hot filling that smells irresistible. After baking, allow the cupcakes to cool slightly before the final touch, ensuring no one burns their tongue!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Top your buffalo chicken cupcakes with a drizzle of creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing to add cooling contrast to the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and vibrant color, or scatter crumbled blue cheese for an intense, savory finish. These garnishes elevate the presentation and provide extra layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes pair wonderfully with simple sides like crisp celery sticks or carrot batons that complement their spicy richness. A fresh green salad or a cool slaw can also balance the meal by adding lightness and crunch. For game day vibes, serve alongside classic chips or your favorite dipping sauces for a complete snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange these cupcakes on a festive platter lined with lettuce leaves or parchment paper printed with buffalo-themed patterns. You could also serve them in mini cupcake liners for easy handling during parties or place toothpicks in each for bite-sized finger food style. Presentation matters, and these ideas will have guests eyeing them first!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the spicy goodness a little later without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, these cupcakes freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to revive crispiness and warm through the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that delightful biscuit texture. A quick oven reheat keeps these cupcakes tasting freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the refrigerated biscuit dough for gluten-free biscuit dough or use gluten-free phyllo cups to create a similar texture without gluten. Just be sure to check your buffalo sauce and other ingredients for any hidden gluten.
How spicy are these cupcakes?
The spice level depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. For milder heat, choose a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount slightly. If you love a fiery kick, opt for a hotter sauce and consider extra blue cheese dressing as a cooling counterpoint.
Can these be made vegetarian-friendly?
While the classic Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe centers around chicken, you can substitute shredded jackfruit or cooked cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce for a vegetarian version that still delivers that tangy, spicy flavor.
What other cheeses can I use instead of cheddar?
Sharp cheddar melts perfectly, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder, stretchy texture or pepper jack for an extra spicy touch. Mixing cheeses can also add interesting layers to the filling.
Are these suitable for parties and potlucks?
Absolutely! Their individual size and bold flavor make Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes perfect for entertaining. They’re easy to share, mess-free, and sure to be a crowd favorite, especially when served warm with tasty garnishes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about biting into these spicy, cheesy, and buttery Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes that warms the soul and sparks joy. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking a few for yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes. I can’t recommend enough giving this Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe a try – it just might become your new go-to for game days and casual get-togethers!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 cupcakes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes are a deliciously spicy and savory appetizer that combines tender shredded chicken with classic buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar, all baked inside a buttery biscuit shell. Perfect for game-day snacks or party appetizers, these flavorful bites are easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dough and Topping Ingredients
- 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional toppings: ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy.
- Form Biscuit Shells: Separate the refrigerated biscuit dough and flatten each biscuit round into approximately a 4-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
- Assemble the Cupcakes: Press each flattened biscuit circle into a muffin cup, molding it to form a cup shape with raised edges to hold the filling.
- Fill and Brush: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture into each biscuit shell. Brush the exposed edges of the biscuit dough with melted butter to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the buffalo chicken cupcakes cool slightly. Top each cupcake with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions, or crumbled blue cheese as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- For a different texture, substitute crescent roll dough or phyllo cups instead of biscuit dough.
- These buffalo chicken cupcakes make fantastic party appetizers or game-day snacks.
