Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites are the ultimate party starter that bring together everything we love in a snack: spicy, creamy, cheesy, and wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. This irresistible finger food combines tangy buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a hint of ranch, tucked perfectly inside puff pastry for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re hosting game night or need a fun new potluck recipe, these Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites guarantee excitement from the very first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe matters, delivering huge flavor with minimal effort. These pantry staples come together in perfect harmony to make each Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bite both craveable and easy to prepare — there’s nothing here you won’t love!
- Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base soaks up all the spicy buffalo flavor and keeps the center juicy.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Delivers that signature zing and heat that makes these bites irresistible.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds creamy texture and mellows the heat just enough for everyone to enjoy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, savory notes to the filling.
- Ranch dressing: Rounds out the flavors with a cool, herby tang — you can swap for blue cheese if you like it extra punchy!
- Chopped green onions: Brings color and gentle bite, making each pastry taste fresh and lively.
- Puff pastry (thawed): Provides the signature crisp, buttery shell that makes these bites so addictive.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushing the tops gives your pastries that drool-worthy golden finish.
- Optional crumbled blue cheese & extra green onions for garnish: Sprinkle over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Get your oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key for crisp, puffy pastries! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and your Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites come off perfectly golden and intact.
Step 2: Mix Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, cheddar, ranch dressing, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, even blend. It should look hearty and tempting — you’ll want to sneak a taste!
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unfold your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out just a little to even the thickness — you want every bite to puff up light and flaky. Then, slice it into 12 even squares. Uniform squares mean your Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites will bake up evenly and look picture-perfect.
Step 4: Fill and Shape the Bites
Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the spicy chicken mixture into the center of each puff pastry square. Gather the corners together in the middle and pinch to seal, forming adorable little bundles. Place each one seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, leaving just a bit of space in between.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of each pastry bite with the beaten egg — this is what gives them that mouthwatering golden look. Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed, gloriously golden, and maybe even oozing a bit of cheesy goodness!
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Let your Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites cool for a few minutes so the filling sets and no one burns their tongue. Then, if you’re feeling extra, dust them with crumbled blue cheese and a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a colorful, restaurant-worthy touch.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites
Garnishes
Don’t skimp on the final flourish — chopped green onions and a scatter of crumbled blue cheese take these bites from casual snack to showstopper. They not only boost the look but add a pop of flavor and color in every bite. A light drizzle of extra buffalo sauce over the top is another fun option for heat-lovers.
Side Dishes
Pair your Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites with a simple side salad, crunchy celery and carrots, or a platter of fresh veggies to contrast their rich, spicy filling. If you’re in full party mode, consider chips and classic ranch or blue cheese dip on the side for double-dipping fun.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bites high on a rustic wood board with bold dips all around, or skewer each with a toothpick for easy grabbing at gatherings. For game day, arrange them in the shape of a football or your team’s mascot — fun presentation is always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep for up to three days, perfect for snagging a snack whenever the craving hits. Just make sure they’ve cooled before storing to preserve that flaky pastry.
Freezing
You can freeze these bites before or after baking. For unbaked bites, assemble and freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time. If freezing baked bites, let them cool fully first, then wrap tightly. They’ll last up to two months and make super-convenient appetizers on demand!
Reheating
To reheat Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites, pop them back in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This restores the puff pastry’s crispy magic. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but the pastry might soften, so the oven is always best for returning that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites. Just shred and use as directed — it brings tons of flavor and saves time.
Can I make these bites spicier or milder?
Definitely. If you love extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or use a spicier buffalo sauce. For a gentler kick, cut the buffalo sauce with more ranch or cream cheese.
Can I prepare Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites ahead and bake later?
Yes! Assemble them up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the baking time if needed.
What’s the best puff pastry to use?
Any all-butter puff pastry will yield the flakiest, most delicious result. Just ensure it’s thawed but still cold when you’re ready to bake for the best puff.
Is there a vegetarian version for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute shredded cooked jackfruit or your favorite meatless chicken alternative for the shredded chicken, and follow all the same steps for tasty vegetarian Buffalo “Chicken” Pastry Bites.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a surefire way to wow your friends (or just treat yourself), you simply have to give Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites a try. They’re spicy, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you’d expect. Gather your ingredients — I can’t wait to hear how much you love them!
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Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Pastry Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring a savory and spicy chicken filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for game day or any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- Optional: crumbled blue cheese and extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and green onions until fully mixed.
- Assemble the Bites: Roll out the puff pastry, cut into squares, place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold, and seal the pastry squares. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with blue cheese and green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor.
- Best served warm but can be reheated in the oven if made ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 0.8g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 32mg
