Spicy & Satisfying: Buffalo Chicken Bites Wrapped in Deliciousness!
Buffalo chicken bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s perfect for game day, parties, or a casual get-together. They offer a delicious combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that are hard to resist. This recipe takes the classic buffalo chicken bites and elevates them by wrapping them in various tasty options, adding texture and enhancing the overall experience. Get ready to ditch the boring snacks and embrace these flavorful buffalo chicken bites!
Why You’ll Love These Wrapped Buffalo Chicken Bites
* Flavor Explosion: The classic buffalo sauce tang combined with juicy chicken is a guaranteed winner.
* Customizable: This recipe provides several wrapping options, so you can tailor them to your taste and dietary preferences.
* Easy to Make: Despite the impressive appearance, these bites are relatively easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
* Crowd-Pleasing: Buffalo chicken is a universally loved flavor, ensuring these bites will disappear quickly at any gathering.
* Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
### For the Buffalo Chicken:
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice)
* 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing, if preferred)
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
### For the Wrappers (Choose one or more):
* Crescent Roll Dough: 1 (8-ounce) can of crescent roll dough
* Wonton Wrappers: 1 package of wonton wrappers
* Puff Pastry: 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
* Jalapeño slices (optional): Thinly sliced jalapeños for added heat inside some of the wraps.
* Bacon strips (optional): Cooked and crumbled bacon for incorporating into the chicken mixture.
* Celery sticks (optional): Serve alongside for dipping and a cool, crisp contrast.
### For Serving:
* Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, for dipping
* Celery sticks, for serving
* Carrot sticks, for serving
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, for lining the baking sheet)
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife (for cutting dough)
* Fork (for crimping wonton wrappers)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
1. Cube the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Ensure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the buffalo wing sauce, blue cheese dressing (or ranch), melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the sauce mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Ensure each piece is well covered with the sauce. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Longer marinating times (up to a few hours) will result in more flavorful chicken.
### 2. Choose Your Wrappers and Prepare Them
Depending on which wrapper you choose, follow the specific instructions below:
**Option 1: Crescent Roll Wraps**
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Unroll the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, lightly floured surface.
3. Separate Triangles: Separate the dough into individual triangles along the perforations.
4. Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture at the wide end of each triangle. If desired, add a small piece of jalapeño or crumbled bacon. Roll the dough from the wide end to the point, creating a crescent shape. Pinch the edges to seal.
5. Bake: Place the wrapped bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
**Option 2: Wonton Wrappers**
1. Prepare a Work Surface: Lay out the wonton wrappers on a clean, dry surface. Keep a damp paper towel nearby to prevent them from drying out.
2. Fill the Wrappers: Place a small spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Be careful not to overfill them.
3. Seal the Wrappers: Moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, removing any air pockets. Alternatively, you can bring all four corners to the center and pinch to seal, forming a small purse shape.
4. Bake or Fry:
* Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the wonton-wrapped bites on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
* Frying: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the wonton-wrapped bites into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
**Option 3: Puff Pastry Wraps**
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the pastry into small squares (about 2×2 inches).
3. Fill the Squares: Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each square. If desired, add a small piece of jalapeño or crumbled bacon.
4. Fold and Seal: Fold the puff pastry square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal. (Alternative: place a second square of puff pastry on top of the filling. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal).
5. Bake: Place the wrapped bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
### 3. Bake or Fry the Bites
Follow the baking or frying instructions specific to your chosen wrapper above.
### 4. Serve and Enjoy
1. Let Cool Slightly: Allow the baked or fried buffalo chicken bites to cool slightly before serving. This will prevent burning your mouth.
2. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the bites with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for dipping. Celery and carrot sticks are also great additions for a refreshing crunch.
3. Enjoy: Watch your guests devour these spicy and delicious buffalo chicken bites!
## Tips and Variations
* Adjust the Spice Level: Control the heat by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo wing sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
* Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, for added flavor.
* Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely diced celery, carrots, or green onions into the buffalo chicken mixture for added texture and nutrition.
* Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets or firm tofu. Coat them in the buffalo sauce mixture and follow the remaining instructions.
* Air Fryer Option: For a healthier option, you can air fry the wrapped buffalo chicken bites. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
* Make Ahead: Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake or fry the bites just before serving.
* Freezing Instructions: Assemble the wrapped buffalo chicken bites and freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
* Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or crescent roll dough (if available) to make this recipe gluten-free.
* Add cream cheese: Mix a couple of tablespoons of softened cream cheese into the buffalo chicken mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.
* Make mini skewers: Instead of wrapping, thread the marinated chicken onto small skewers along with celery and blue cheese cubes. Grill or bake until cooked through.
* Buffalo Chicken Salad Wraps: Cook the chicken as per the recipe, then chop it and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, and a bit of buffalo sauce. Serve in lettuce wraps for a lighter, healthier option.
* Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker prep time, use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of cooking the chicken breasts. Just mix the rotisserie chicken with the buffalo sauce mixture and proceed with the wrapping instructions.
* Make Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over a sheet of puff pastry or crescent roll dough. Roll it up tightly like a log, then slice into pinwheels and bake until golden brown.
## Serving Suggestions
These wrapped buffalo chicken bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
* Game Day Appetizer: A classic choice for watching sports with friends and family.
* Party Snack: Perfect for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or any casual get-together.
* Lunchbox Treat: A fun and flavorful addition to adult or older child lunchboxes (ensure proper refrigeration).
* Light Meal: Serve with a side salad or soup for a satisfying light meal.
* Taco Filling: Use the buffalo chicken mixture as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps.
## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving, using crescent roll wrapper)
* Calories: Approximately 250-350 (depending on the wrapper and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 10-20g
**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
## Conclusion
These wrapped buffalo chicken bites are a surefire way to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. With their spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, they are the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. The customizable wrapper options allow you to tailor them to your preferences, and the easy-to-follow instructions make them a breeze to prepare. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven (or fryer), and get ready to enjoy these irresistible buffalo chicken bites! Don’t forget the blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping – and maybe a few extra napkins!