If you love the unforgettable zing of buffalo chicken but want to enjoy it in a fun, bite-sized form, you are going to be head over heels for this Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe! Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in tangy buffalo sauce, creamy cheeses, and green onions, all nestled in a golden, buttery biscuit cup. These savory cupcakes are perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or even a cozy snack that hits all the right notes of spicy, creamy, and comforting. They’re surprisingly simple to make, but their flavor punch will have you coming back for more every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is part of the magic behind the Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe. Each ingredient plays its own crucial role, from the spicy buffalo sauce that gives it that classic kick to the biscuits that provide the perfect soft, flaky base.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded): Using tender shredded chicken gives the cupcakes hearty texture and a savory foundation.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: This adds the signature spicy, tangy heat that makes buffalo chicken so addictive.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Cream cheese brings creaminess and smoothness that balances the heat perfectly.
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Either dressing adds a cool, zesty punch and enhances the richness.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy goodness inside each cupcake.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild bite and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count): These create the buttery, flaky shell, making every bite utterly satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Brushed on for a golden finish and subtle richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkled in the butter for a hint of aromatic depth.
- Crumbled blue cheese and extra green onions (optional): Perfect for topping and adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) because a hot oven ensures those biscuit cups turn out perfectly golden. While it heats up, combine your shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions in a medium bowl. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly means every bite will burst with rich, spicy flavor.
Step 2: Form Biscuit Cups
Lightly grease a muffin tin so nothing sticks, then separate the biscuit dough. Flatten each round gently—this helps them fit snugly into the muffin cups. Press each biscuit into the tin, pushing up the sides to create a little well that will hold all that delicious buffalo chicken filling without spilling over.
Step 3: Fill and Prepare for Baking
Spoon about two tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into each biscuit cup, filling them generously. Next, mix your melted butter with garlic powder and brush this mixture along the edges of each biscuit cup. This step is like the secret handshake for a perfect crust, giving it that irresistible golden color and subtle garlic aroma.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye out for the biscuits to turn a beautiful golden brown while the filling heats through and bubbles slightly. The combination of textures you’ll achieve at this stage is absolute magic.
Step 5: Cool and Add Final Touches
Once baked, let your Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe cool in the pan for about five minutes to make handling easier. If you want to take them to the next level, top each one with crumbled blue cheese and an extra sprinkle of green onions for that burst of tang and freshness right at the end.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can instantly elevate your Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe. A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese delivers a tangy contrast that complements the spicy filling perfectly, while extra chopped green onions contribute a fresh crunch and vibrant color that welcome the eye as much as the palate.
Side Dishes
Since buffalo chicken is a bold flavor, pairing these cupcakes with crisp celery sticks or a cool ranch dipping sauce is classic and delicious. For a fuller spread, consider adding a fresh garden salad or some crunchy carrot sticks to balance out the richness and heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try serving these Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe on a rustic wooden board garnished with celery and carrot sticks arranged in a colorful pattern. Or use mini cupcake liners to add a pop of color and make them easy hand-held appetizers for parties and game day gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe left, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days, making them perfect for next-day snacking or a quick appetizer fix.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to two months frozen. This is a great way to prep for busy days or surprise guests without having to start from scratch.
Reheating
For reheating, place the cupcakes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the biscuit’s crisp edges and ensures the filling is piping hot and delicious again.
FAQs
Can I make the Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture for an extra kick that suits your heat preference.
What can I use instead of refrigerated biscuit dough?
If you prefer homemade, you can use your favorite biscuit or pastry dough recipe. Just be sure it’s pliable enough to form into cups and bake evenly.
Is there a way to make these cupcakes milder for kids?
Yes, simply reduce the buffalo wing sauce and increase the ranch or blue cheese dressing to soften the heat without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
The filling can be mixed up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before filling the biscuit cups.
How do I prevent the biscuit cups from getting soggy?
Brushing the biscuit edges with melted butter and baking at the right temperature ensures a crisp exterior. Also, avoid overfilling to keep the biscuit from becoming too moist and soft.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving something delicious and different, this Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes Recipe is an absolute winner. The blend of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and buttery biscuit base is pure comfort in every bite. Give these a try—you’ll love how effortlessly they bring warmth and excitement to your gathering or snack time!
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 flavorful and fun appetizer made with shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese, all baked inside flaky biscuit dough cups. Perfect for game day or parties, these savory bites combine creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors in a convenient handheld treat.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Biscuit Cups
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings (Optional)
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Extra chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the buffalo chicken cupcakes.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Prepare Muffin Tin and Biscuit Dough: Lightly grease a muffin tin. Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each biscuit round slightly with your hands. Press each flattened biscuit into the muffin tin cups, pushing up the sides to form a cup shape.
- Fill Biscuit Cups: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into each biscuit cup, filling them evenly.
- Brush Biscuit Edges: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder. Brush this buttery garlic mixture over the edges of each biscuit cup for added flavor and to promote golden browning.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the buffalo chicken cupcakes to cool for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Optionally, top each cupcake with crumbled blue cheese and extra chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe and saves time.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more hot sauce for extra heat.
- For a milder taste, reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce and increase the ranch or blue cheese dressing.
