If you’re craving a snack that’s packed with bold flavors and flaky, buttery goodness, you’ve got to try this Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites Recipe. These little parcels are a perfect marriage of spicy buffalo chicken and creamy cheese, all wrapped inside crisp puff pastry that bakes up golden and irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want a flavorful, fun appetizer, these bites bring that comforting kick of buffalo sauce in an easy-to-handle, shareable form. Believe me, once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite go-to snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together perfectly in this recipe to create a snack that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays its part, from the tender shredded chicken to the smooth cream cheese, the spicy buffalo sauce, and that golden puff pastry that wraps it all up beautifully.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: The protein-packed base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce: Adds the perfect amount of spicy tang for that classic buffalo kick.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened: Gives a dreamy creaminess that balances the heat.
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly and adds that stringy, gooey texture we all love.
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and depth to the cheesy filling.
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing: Adds herbaceous, cool creaminess to mellow out the spices.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory undertone.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle layers of flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Lends a mild smoky complexity that enhances the buffalo sauce.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed: The flaky exterior that makes these bites irresistible.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Ensures a beautiful golden finish on each pastry bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the pastries shine.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A bright, fresh note to finish the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional): Sprinkled on top for an extra crunch and burst of flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper isn’t just for easy cleanup; it also prevents your pastry bites from sticking and helps them cook evenly to that perfect golden crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, bring together the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, ranch dressing, and spices. Mixing all these flavors ensures every bite is packed with that classic buffalo heat and cheesy goodness, perfectly balanced and smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to cut. Then, carefully slice the pastry into nine equal squares — each one will become a little package of heaven.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pastry
Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture right into the center of each square. Next, bring the corners up together and pinch firmly to seal—creating a neat little pouch. This keeps all the filling inside while baking and gives the bites their appealing shape.
Step 5: Bake the Pastry Bites
Place the assembled pouches seam-side down on your lined baking sheet to avoid leakage. Brush the tops with beaten egg, which helps achieve that stunning golden brown finish once they bake. Slide them into your preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until you see puff pastry magic — beautifully risen and flaky.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
When the bites are straight out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for extra shine and richness. Sprinkle fresh parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like a bit of crunch and freshness. These bites are best enjoyed warm, paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping — the creamy dips cool down the spicy filling perfectly.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks — it adds a herby brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, spicy filling. For that final tactile pop, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds texture and elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites pair perfectly with crisp celery sticks or carrot batons, classic buffalo accompaniments that add refreshing crunch and help balance the richness of the pastry. A cool ranch or blue cheese dip is a must-have side to soothe the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites on a festive platter with small bowls of dressing to dip. For parties, stack them in a pyramid shape or place on individual mini plates with a celery stick for a fun presentation. They’re also fantastic on a charcuterie board alongside crackers, cheeses, and pickles for a full flavor experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making them even tastier the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the unbaked pastry bites on a parchment-lined tray and flash freeze for a couple of hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time, so you always have a hot snack on hand.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is to place leftover bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely flaky texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and tender, making the preparation quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make these bites less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce, and add a bit more cream cheese or ranch to balance the heat.
Is there a way to make these bites vegetarian?
You can swap the shredded chicken for cooked cauliflower or chickpeas tossed in buffalo sauce to create a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers that spicy, creamy punch.
Can these be made ahead and baked later?
Definitely! Assemble the bites and keep them chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they come straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm on a sturdy platter with plenty of dipping sauces nearby. Don’t forget some napkins—they’re deliciously messy in the best way!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a warm, crispy Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bite that bursts with spicy, cheesy flavor. This Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites Recipe is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you need a snack that’s both comforting and exciting. I hope you love making and sharing these as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with every golden, flaky bite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 pastry bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites are a delicious appetizer featuring shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce and creamy cheeses, all encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfectly baked until golden brown, these bite-sized treats make a crowd-pleasing snack or party finger food with a savory, tangy kick.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Pastry & Finishing
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and creamy.
- Prepare the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet gently to even it out. Cut the sheet into 9 equal squares to form the individual pastry bases for the bites.
- Fill and Seal the Pastry: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each square. Bring the corners of each pastry square toward the center and pinch together firmly to seal, forming a neat pouch to hold the filling during baking.
- Bake the Pastry Bites: Arrange the filled pastry pouches seam-side down on the lined baking sheet. Use a brush to coat the tops with the beaten egg wash for a glossy, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries puff up nicely and turn golden brown and flaky.
- Finish and Serve: When baked, remove the pastry bites from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter to add richness. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and flaky sea salt on top if desired. Serve warm alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to enhance the buffalo flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Puff pastry should be fully thawed for ease of rolling and folding.
- Make sure to seal the pastry edges well to prevent filling from leaking while baking.
- Serve immediately for best texture; these are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
