If you’re craving an irresistible snack that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Poppers: Spicy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Bites Recipe. These tasty little bites combine tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo wing sauce with creamy cheeses, all wrapped in a flaky crescent or biscuit dough that bakes up golden and bubbly. Whether you’re preparing for a game day, party, or just a cozy night in, these poppers deliver the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each plays a vital role in creating the perfect Buffalo Chicken Poppers. From the tangy buffalo wing sauce to the melty cheddar cheese, every element brings something special to the table—texture, flavor, or that signature spicy kick.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty and tender base that absorbs all the delicious buffalo flavors.
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce: Acts as the spicy heart of the filling—Frank’s RedHot is a fantastic choice for classic heat.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds rich creaminess that balances the heat and binds everything together.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, melty cheesiness that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle depth of savory flavor without overpowering the mix.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and aroma that rounds out the seasoning.
- 1 pack crescent roll dough or biscuit dough: Provides the flaky, golden casing that turns the filling into irresistible poppers. Mini bell peppers are a great low-carb alternative for a fresh crunch.
- Optional: chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles: Perfect finishing touches that add color, texture, and extra flavor contrast.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Poppers: Spicy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature to bake the poppers into golden, bubbly perfection, giving you that delightful crispy exterior with a melting cheesy center.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything until it’s well blended and creamy. This filling is where all the bold flavors come together, so give it a good mix to make sure each bite is packed with that spicy-cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Poppers
If you’re using crescent or biscuit dough, unroll it and cut it into small squares—big enough to hold a tablespoon of filling. Spoon a dollop of the buffalo chicken mixture onto each square, then carefully fold or pinch the dough around the filling to seal it into a neat little pocket or ball. If using mini bell peppers, simply stuff each pepper with the filling for a fresh, vibrant twist.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place your assembled poppers onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and help them bake evenly. Give them enough room so they don’t stick together but stay close enough to encourage a soft interior texture beneath that crisp crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling hot. This step transforms your raw ingredients into the ultimate crowd-pleasing bites that are sure to disappear fast.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, feel free to drizzle the poppers with ranch dressing or a little extra buffalo sauce for extra flavor and moisture. Sprinkle chopped green onions or blue cheese crumbles on top for a fresh, tangy finish that makes these poppers truly irresistible.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Poppers: Spicy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Buffalo Chicken Poppers: Spicy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Bites Recipe with chopped green onions for a subtle crunch and mild onion flavor, or go classic with crumbled blue cheese to add a sharp, creamy contrast. These garnishes not only make the dish look more inviting but also layer in fresh bursts of texture and taste.
Side Dishes
Complement these poppers with cool and crisp veggie sticks like celery and carrots to balance the heat. Ranch or blue cheese dips are perfect companions, offering a creamy counterpoint to the spicy, melty filling. For a heartier spread, pair them alongside a fresh garden salad or even some seasoned fries for a fun, casual feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Buffalo Chicken Poppers presentation up a notch by arranging them on a platter with individual dipping cups of ranch and buffalo sauce. You can also serve them atop large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option with a fresh touch. For parties, consider stacking them pyramid style with colorful garnishes sprinkled on top to impress your guests visually as well as flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These poppers taste just as good the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well preserves the moisture and flavor, so they’re ready for a delicious snack at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for a future gathering, assemble the poppers but don’t bake them yet. Freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftovers or thawed frozen poppers into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp again—usually about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to keep that nice flaky crust intact.
FAQs
Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Poppers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the crescent or biscuit dough for your favorite gluten-free dough, or use halved mini bell peppers as a natural, gluten-free vessel for the filling. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like buffalo sauce, are gluten-free as well.
What can I use instead of buffalo wing sauce?
If you want to switch things up, try a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter for a homemade buffalo-style sauce. Alternatively, a spicy barbecue sauce or sriracha can add a delicious twist while keeping that fiery spirit alive.
Are Buffalo Chicken Poppers very spicy?
The spice level mostly depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. Frank’s RedHot tends to have a nice, moderate heat, but you can always adjust the amount or select a milder or hotter sauce depending on your preference.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! The filling can be mixed a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly faster and simpler when you’re ready to bake—perfect for busy days or entertaining last minute guests.
What are some good dipping sauces for these poppers?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are the classic choices, but you can also serve them with creamy garlic sauce, cilantro lime dip, or even a cooling yogurt-based dip to complement the spicy, cheesy filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about these Buffalo Chicken Poppers: Spicy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Bites Recipe that makes them an instant favorite for any occasion. The perfect combo of fluffy dough, spicy buffalo chicken, and melty cheese turns simple ingredients into a dish that brings people together. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to for parties, snacks, or whenever you want a bite that’s bursting with flavor and fun.
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Buffalo Chicken Poppers: Spicy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 poppers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Poppers are spicy, cheesy bites perfect for game day or parties. These delicious morsels feature shredded chicken mixed with buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar, wrapped in crescent roll or biscuit dough, then baked until golden and bubbly. Optionally, mini bell peppers can be used for a low-carb twist. Serve with ranch or extra buffalo sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 pack crescent roll dough or biscuit dough (or use mini bell peppers as a low-carb option)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Ranch dressing (for drizzling)
- Additional buffalo wing sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking the poppers.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well incorporated and creamy.
- Form Poppers: If using dough, unroll and cut it into small squares. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto each square. Seal the dough pieces by folding over or pinching edges to form balls or pockets to enclose the filling.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the formed poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, drizzle with ranch dressing or extra buffalo wing sauce. Sprinkle chopped green onions and blue cheese crumbles over the poppers for added flavor and presentation. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute mini bell peppers for dough for a low-carb and gluten-free option.
- Feel free to adjust the buffalo sauce amount to match your preferred spice level.
- These poppers can be made in advance and reheated in the oven for a quick snack.
- Serve with extra dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
