Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites are the perfect appetizer for any occasion. These bite-sized treats feature a flaky, golden puff pastry shell filled with a spicy, creamy buffalo chicken mixture, gooey cheese, and a touch of ranch. Whether you’re hosting a party, game day, or looking for a quick snack, these savory bites are sure to be a hit. With the right balance of heat and creaminess, they’re packed with flavor in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make snack or appetizer that combines the delicious flavors of buffalo chicken with a crispy, buttery pastry. The addition of ranch dressing, cream cheese, and two kinds of cheese make them irresistibly creamy, while the smoky paprika and buffalo sauce provide the perfect level of heat. The golden puff pastry gives each bite a satisfying crunch, making these treats an instant favorite for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 9 equal squares.
- Fill and Seal the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each square. Fold the corners of the pastry together and pinch to seal, forming a small pouch.
- Bake the Pastry Bites: Place the filled pastries seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
- Final Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and flaky.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, brush the warm pastries with melted butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt (optional). Serve warm with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 9 pastries
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Spicy: For more heat, increase the buffalo sauce or add finely chopped jalapeños to the chicken filling.
- Cheese Swap: Swap out the mozzarella and cheddar for other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick or gouda for a creamy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based protein, such as shredded jackfruit or tofu, for a vegetarian alternative to the chicken.
- Add Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling for a smoky, savory flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover buffalo chicken pastry bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to keep the pastry crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave for 30-45 seconds if you’re in a rush.
FAQs
1. Can I make these buffalo chicken pastry bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastries up to the point of baking and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of pastry?
Yes, if you don’t have puff pastry, you can use crescent roll dough or phyllo pastry as alternatives.
3. Can I freeze these pastry bites?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled pastries before baking. Once ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. What can I serve these with?
These pastries are delicious on their own, but they pair wonderfully with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
5. How can I make these spicier?
To make these bites spicier, add more buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture or top the pastries with sliced jalapeños before baking.
6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver! Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap in different cheeses, such as gouda, pepper jack, or parmesan, depending on your taste.
8. How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the buffalo chicken mixture isn’t too wet before placing it in the pastry. You can also try brushing the pastry with a little olive oil or egg wash to create a barrier.
9. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar substitutes.
10. Can I make these without ranch dressing?
Yes, you can omit the ranch dressing if you prefer. You could substitute it with more cream cheese or a bit of sour cream for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites are a flavorful, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just a quick snack. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, gooey cheese, and flaky pastry is irresistible. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, these savory bites will quickly become a favorite in your appetizer rotation. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable snack experience!
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Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites
Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites are the perfect appetizer, combining spicy buffalo chicken, gooey cheese, and a flaky, buttery puff pastry shell. These bite-sized treats are quick to make, bursting with flavor, and ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Serve them warm with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 pastries
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the pastry into 9 equal squares.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pastry
- Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the pastry together and pinch to seal, forming a small pouch.
Step 5: Bake the Pastry Bites
- Place the filled pastries seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and flaky.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Once baked, brush the warm pastries with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt (optional).
- Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Extra Spicy: Add more buffalo sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the chicken filling for extra heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack for an extra kick or gouda for a creamy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for shredded jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers Snacks
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
