Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Poppers are a mouthwatering, bite-sized treat that combines the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a popper. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners, these poppers are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic buffalo chicken flavor. These crispy, cheesy bites are filled with tender, flavorful chicken and smothered in a tangy buffalo sauce that gives each popper the perfect amount of heat.
The best part about these Buffalo Chicken Poppers is that they’re easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer extra heat, a mild version, or a cheesy surprise inside, these poppers are sure to satisfy. With a crispy coating and a rich, creamy filling, they make for an irresistible snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the steps to make these flavorful poppers at home!
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Poppers
- Bold, Spicy Flavors: The buffalo sauce provides the perfect balance of heat and tang, giving each popper that signature spicy kick that everyone loves.
- Creamy, Cheesy Filling: The combination of cream cheese and shredded cheese creates a rich, creamy filling that complements the spicy buffalo chicken perfectly.
- Crispy and Golden: After baking or frying, the poppers develop a crispy, golden coating, giving them a satisfying crunch with each bite.
- Perfect for Parties: Buffalo Chicken Poppers are ideal for serving at parties, sports events, or casual gatherings. They’re easy to eat with your hands and always go quickly!
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat in these poppers to suit your preferences, from mild to fiery hot, and add extra ingredients like blue cheese or ranch for more flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 poppers
- Calories per Serving: Around 150-200 calories per popper, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Fat: 9-12g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2-3g
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken Poppers:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for coating)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work best for a crispy coating)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing or drizzling)
For the Optional Garnish:
- Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing (for dipping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling
To make the filling for the poppers, start by shredding your cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook your chicken breasts. If you cook your own chicken, simply boil or bake the chicken breasts, then shred them using two forks.
Once the chicken is shredded, place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce. Stir until everything is well combined, and the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy buffalo sauce mixture. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. If you like extra tanginess, feel free to stir in a tablespoon of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy kick.
2. Form the Poppers
Once the chicken mixture is well combined, it’s time to form the poppers. To do this, take a small amount of the chicken filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball or shape it into a small oval. The size of each popper can be adjusted based on your preference, but they should be about the size of a small meatball.
Place each shaped popper on a plate or tray, and continue the process until all of the chicken mixture has been used up. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, you can lightly dampen your hands with water to make it easier to roll.
3. Prepare the Coating Station
To get that crispy golden exterior, you’ll need a breading station. Set up three shallow dishes for the breading process:
- In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. This will help the egg wash adhere to the poppers.
- In the second dish, whisk the egg until it’s smooth.
- In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you the crispiest coating, but regular breadcrumbs will work as well.
4. Coat the Poppers
Take each chicken popper and lightly dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll the popper in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the popper. Repeat the process with the rest of the poppers.
Once all the poppers are coated, you can proceed to the cooking stage.
5. Cook the Buffalo Chicken Poppers
You have two options for cooking the Buffalo Chicken Poppers: baking or frying. Both methods will yield delicious results, but baking is a healthier option, while frying will give you extra crispiness.
To Bake the Poppers:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated poppers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out to allow air circulation and even cooking. Drizzle or spray the tops of the poppers with a small amount of olive oil to promote a golden, crispy texture.
Bake the poppers for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
To Fry the Poppers:
If you prefer a crispy, golden exterior, frying is a great option. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the poppers in the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
Fry the poppers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the poppers are cooked, it’s time to serve them! You can garnish the poppers with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. For extra richness, serve with a side of blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for dipping.
These Buffalo Chicken Poppers are perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack, but they also pair well with sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Poppers
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an easy shortcut, use rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and saves time on cooking and shredding the chicken yourself.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder popper, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild buffalo sauce. For extra heat, you can add more hot sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken filling.
- Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken poppers, so don’t skip this step. It creates a perfect coating that’s golden and crispy after baking or frying.
- Make Them Ahead of Time: You can prepare the poppers ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is perfect for meal prep or making them in advance for a party.
- Experiment with the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors to the poppers.
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Poppers
- Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Poppers: Add crumbled blue cheese to the chicken filling for a tangy, creamy twist. This variation will appeal to blue cheese lovers and give the poppers a rich, bold flavor.
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Poppers: For an even crispier texture, you can double-coat the poppers. After dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs, dip them again in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra layer of crunch.
- Ranch Buffalo Chicken Poppers: If you prefer ranch over blue cheese, mix ranch dressing into the buffalo chicken filling for a creamy, tangy variation that pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Poppers with Veggies: Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the chicken filling for extra flavor and texture. This variation adds a veggie boost and makes the poppers even more flavorful.
Storage and Shelf Life
Buffalo Chicken Poppers are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if necessary. Allow the poppers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they will last for 3-4 days.
To reheat, place the poppers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but they may lose some of their crispiness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the poppers before cooking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the poppers to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake them from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
Side Dishes and Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Poppers
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: These are classic sides that pair perfectly with the heat of buffalo chicken. They provide a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the poppers.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Poppers with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The cool, creamy dressing balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- French Fries: Crispy, golden fries make an excellent pairing with these spicy poppers. You can also serve sweet potato fries for a different twist.
- Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the poppers.
Buffalo Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Description
These bite-sized chicken treats are coated in spicy buffalo sauce, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer, these poppers are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Chicken Poppers:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for coating)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work best for a crispy coating)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing or drizzling)
For the Optional Garnish:
- Blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing (for dipping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling
To make the filling for the poppers, start by shredding your cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook your chicken breasts. If you cook your own chicken, simply boil or bake the chicken breasts, then shred them using two forks.
Once the chicken is shredded, place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce. Stir until everything is well combined, and the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy buffalo sauce mixture. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. If you like extra tanginess, feel free to stir in a tablespoon of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy kick.
2. Form the Poppers
Once the chicken mixture is well combined, it’s time to form the poppers. To do this, take a small amount of the chicken filling (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball or shape it into a small oval. The size of each popper can be adjusted based on your preference, but they should be about the size of a small meatball.
Place each shaped popper on a plate or tray, and continue the process until all of the chicken mixture has been used up. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, you can lightly dampen your hands with water to make it easier to roll.
3. Prepare the Coating Station
To get that crispy golden exterior, you’ll need a breading station. Set up three shallow dishes for the breading process:
- In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. This will help the egg wash adhere to the poppers.
- In the second dish, whisk the egg until it’s smooth.
- In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will give you the crispiest coating, but regular breadcrumbs will work as well.
4. Coat the Poppers
Take each chicken popper and lightly dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll the popper in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the popper. Repeat the process with the rest of the poppers.
Once all the poppers are coated, you can proceed to the cooking stage.
5. Cook the Buffalo Chicken Poppers
You have two options for cooking the Buffalo Chicken Poppers: baking or frying. Both methods will yield delicious results, but baking is a healthier option, while frying will give you extra crispiness.
To Bake the Poppers:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated poppers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out to allow air circulation and even cooking. Drizzle or spray the tops of the poppers with a small amount of olive oil to promote a golden, crispy texture.
Bake the poppers for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
To Fry the Poppers:
If you prefer a crispy, golden exterior, frying is a great option. Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the poppers in the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
Fry the poppers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the poppers are cooked, it’s time to serve them! You can garnish the poppers with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. For extra richness, serve with a side of blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for dipping.
These Buffalo Chicken Poppers are perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack, but they also pair well with sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Fat: 9-12g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Protein: 10-12g
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Poppers are a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying snack or appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With their spicy buffalo sauce and creamy filling, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Whether baked or fried, these poppers deliver on taste and texture, offering the perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Customize them to suit your tastes and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable dish that everyone will love. Enjoy these irresistible poppers today!
