Bethanie Bate · | Last updated
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·★★★★★5 from 2 reviews
One of my favorite guilty pleasures is buffalo chicken wings, especially dipped in blue cheese dressing. There’s something about the buffalo chicken and blue cheese combo that really appeals to me and I had a craving for it lately. When I came across a recipe for ham and cheese stuffed pretzel bites, I figured I could substitute it with chicken and blue cheese. That’s when I decided to make these Buffalo Chicken Bites… yum!
These are such an awesome snack, which could be a meal in itself if you have enough of them. It’s not hard since they are addictively delicious! I made a few changes to the original recipe aside from the filling substitution, including omitting the process of boiling the bites before baking. So, I feared the filling would ooze out during the boiling process so I just baked them after filling and they came out perfectly.
I plan on making these again and experimenting with other fillings such as steak, provolone, sauteed peppers, and onions for Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Bites… or even pepperoni, Italian sausage, mozzarella and mushrooms for Pizza Bites. The filling ideas are endless!
Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 mins
Ingredients
Units Scale
- 1 cup finely diced cooked chicken breast
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (Frank’s brand is what I used)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 1/4 teaspoons rapid rise dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 cup warm milk ( I used 2%)
- 2 1/2 cups of flour
Instructions
- To make the buffalo chicken mixture, in a small bowl, combine the chicken, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, melted butter and hot sauce; set aside.
- In a 1 cup measuring cup, heat the milk and then add the 2 tablespoons brown sugar; stir into warm milk until dissolved; place in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook.
- Add 2 1/2 cups flour and yeast to the stand mixer and mix on low speed until a soft dough forms, adding up to 1/2 cup additional flour, a little at a time, if necessary.
- Allow the dough to knead in the stand mixer for 5-7 minutes. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to form a smooth ball.
- Place dough into a clean bowl that’s been lightly oiled.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled and bubbles appear on surface, about 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in the middle of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal pieces. Lightly dust your hands with flour, then gently roll and stretch 1 piece of dough to form a 12-inch-long rope.
- Flatten dough and arrange so a long side is nearest you, then roll out to a roughly 12- by 4-inch rectangle with a lightly floured rolling pin. Gently press one fourth of buffalo chicken mixture into lower third of rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border along bottom edge.
- Stretch bottom edge of dough up over filling and press tightly to seal, then roll up as tightly as possible to form a rope.
- Cut rope into 12 pieces and transfer to a sheet pan. Make 3 more ropes with remaining dough, filling and cut into pieces, transferring to sheet pans.
- Let rest at room temperature, uncovered, 30 minutes (dough will rise slightly).
- Bake buffalo chicken bites in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned.
- Remove from oven (some cheese may have melted out.) and brush tops with melted butter before serving (optional).
- Author: Joelen
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 344 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 966 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 53 mg
History Of Buffalo Chicken Bites
The history of buffalo chicken bites can be traced back to Buffalo, New York, where they were first created in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar. The story goes that the bar’s owners, Teressa and Frank Bellissimo, created the dish as a way to use up some chicken wings. They had accidentally received instead of the chicken necks they had ordered. They deep-fried the wings. So, they coated them in a spicy hot sauce and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing. Then, it has since become a classic accompaniment to the dish.
Over time, the popularity of buffalo chicken wings spread beyond Buffalo and became a staple of American sports bars and casual dining restaurants. As the dish became more popular, it also evolved to include variations such as boneless buffalo chicken bites. It is easier to eat and less messy than traditional wings.
Today, the bites are enjoyed by many Americans as a snack or appetizer, particularly during sporting events or other social gatherings. They are also sometimes served as a main course. It can be incorporated into a variety of dishes such as salads, wraps, and sandwiches. While they may not have a deep cultural significance, buffalo chicken bites have become a beloved and iconic part of American cuisine, particularly in the realm of casual dining and social gatherings.
Buffalo Chicken Bites Nutrition
To make buffalo chicken bites more nutritious, you can try making them at home using lean chicken breast and baking them instead of frying. You can also make a healthier version of the buffalo sauce using lower-fat ingredients, such as reduced-fat butter or yogurt.
Buffalo chicken bites can be a good source of protein. It is an essential nutrient that is important for building and repairing tissues in the body. Chicken is a particularly good source of high-quality protein. It contains all of the essential amino acids that the body needs.
It’s also important to eat them in moderation, as consuming too much sodium or saturated fat can increase your risk of health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. If you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet, you may want to limit your consumption of buffalo chicken bites or consider enjoying them as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
Tips for Preparing The Perfect Buffalo Chicken Bites
Choose the right cut of chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for buffalo chicken bites. They are lean and easy to work with. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful bite.
Bake the chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter and hot sauce together. Then toss the cooked chicken in the buffalo sauce to coat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of hot sauce should I use for the buffalo sauce?
There are many different brands and types of hot sauce available, but the most commonly used hot sauce for buffalo sauce is Frank’s RedHot. It has a tangy, spicy flavor that works well in buffalo sauce. However, you can also use other hot sauces if you prefer a different level of heat or flavor. Keep in mind that the hotter the sauce, the spicier the buffalo chicken bites will be.
Can I make buffalo chicken bites in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time by coating them in the breadcrumb mixture and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, it’s best to wait until just before serving to toss them in the buffalo sauce so that they stay crispy.
Can I make a healthier version of buffalo chicken bites?
Yes, there are a few ways to make buffalo chicken bites healthier. One way is to bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the amount of fat and calories. You can also use a lower-fat version of the buffalo sauce by using reduced-fat butter and low-sodium hot sauce. Finally, you can serve the chicken with a side of fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks or cucumber slices, instead of high-calorie dips like blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken bites can be a delicious and satisfying snack. It is the combination of the flavors of spicy buffalo sauce with crispy and tender chicken. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as a main dish. It is perfect for sharing with friends and family. One reason why more people should try buffalo chicken bites is that they are easy to prepare at home. Also, it can be customized to suit individual tastes. You can adjust the level of spice in the buffalo sauce. Add your own seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, and choose your favorite dip to serve them with.
Another reason to try buffalo chicken bites is that they can be a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken wings. By baking the chicken instead of frying it, you can reduce the amount of fat and calories in the dish. You can also use a lower-fat version of the buffalo sauce and serve the chicken with fresh vegetables to make it even more nutritious. Overall, buffalo chicken bites can be a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for game day parties, movie nights, or even as a quick and easy dinner option. So why not give them a try and see for yourself how tasty and satisfying they can be!
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