If you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer or a flavorful snack, these Buffalo Chicken Bites with Blue Cheese Dip are a crowd-pleaser! Soft, pillowy dough encases a spicy, cheesy buffalo chicken filling, complemented by a creamy blue cheese dip for the ultimate bite of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Filling:
1 cup cooked chicken breasts, small diced
¼ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
¼ cup hot sauce
2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
¼ cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
¼–½ tsp. garlic powder (to taste)
Salt, to taste
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 ½–3 cups all-purpose flour
7 oz. envelope instant dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp.)
4 Tbsp. melted butter
Kosher salt
Blue Cheese Dip:
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2.5 oz. (½ cup) blue cheese, crumbled
1 ½ Tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sliced green onion for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a stand mixer bowl with a dough hook, combine warm milk and brown sugar, stirring to dissolve.
- Add 2 ½ cups flour and instant yeast. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, adding a little more flour if necessary. Knead for 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, knead a few times, and form a ball. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- Combine diced chicken, cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, hot sauce, crumbled bacon, melted butter, garlic powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until well incorporated and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Blue Cheese Dip
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with green onion before serving.
Step 4: Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch rope, then flatten into a 12×4 inch rectangle.
- Spread ¼ of the chicken filling onto the bottom third of each rectangle. Roll tightly, starting at the filling end.
- Cut each log into 12 pieces and arrange on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each piece. Allow them to rise for 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Brush the bites with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with Blue Cheese Dip.
Tips and Variations
Spice Level: Adjust the hot sauce to suit your taste. Add more for an extra kick or substitute with mild buffalo sauce for less heat.
Cheese Options: Swap Cheddar for Mozzarella or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with diced roasted vegetables or plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and dough in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.
How to Store
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked bites on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, you can use pre-made pizza dough or crescent roll dough for convenience. - What can I substitute for blue cheese in the dip?
For a milder option, substitute blue cheese with feta or ranch dressing for a tangy dip. - Can I air fry these bites?
Absolutely! Place bites in a preheated air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. - Are these bites good for meal prep?
Yes! Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them. Simply reheat or bake as needed.
These Buffalo Chicken Bites with Blue Cheese Dip are the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and savory. Whether it’s a game day snack or a party appetizer, they’re guaranteed to impress!