Recipes

Buffalo Chicken Poppers

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Flour, for dredging
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
  2. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the buffalo chicken mixture and roll it into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the buffalo chicken balls are firm.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
  6. Remove the buffalo chicken balls from the freezer. Roll each ball in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the ball in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Place the coated ball onto the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Repeat the breading process with the remaining buffalo chicken balls, spacing them evenly on the baking sheet.
  8. Lightly spray the buffalo chicken poppers with cooking spray. This will help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the buffalo chicken poppers are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve the buffalo chicken poppers with additional ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and enjoy!

Note: You can also fry the buffalo chicken poppers in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, if preferred. Simply heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the poppers in batches for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Buffalo Chicken Poppers even more delightful:

  1. Adjust Buffalo Sauce Heat: Depending on your preference for spiciness, you can adjust the amount of Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce used in the recipe. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce, or for an extra kick, increase it.
  2. Add Heat with Hot Sauce: If you prefer an even spicier kick, consider adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the buffalo chicken mixture. This will intensify the heat and add depth of flavor.
  3. Incorporate Blue Cheese: For a classic Buffalo chicken flavor, consider mixing crumbled blue cheese into the buffalo chicken mixture. The tangy flavor of blue cheese pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo sauce.
  4. Experiment with Cheese: While the recipe calls for mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends or varieties. Pepper jack cheese, for example, adds a spicy kick, while smoked gouda adds a rich, smoky flavor.
  5. Add Crispy Bacon: Enhance the flavor and texture of the Buffalo Chicken Poppers by adding crispy cooked bacon to the chicken mixture. Simply crumble cooked bacon and mix it into the buffalo chicken mixture before forming the balls.
  6. Include Fresh Herbs: For added freshness and flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives to the buffalo chicken mixture. This adds a pop of color and brightness to the poppers.
  7. Try Different Coatings: While the recipe suggests using seasoned panko breadcrumbs, you can experiment with different coatings for variety. Crushed cornflakes, crushed pretzels, or even crushed tortilla chips can add unique textures and flavors to the poppers.
  8. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces alongside the Buffalo Chicken Poppers to enhance the flavor experience. Classic choices include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
  9. Make Ahead and Freeze: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Poppers in advance and freeze them before breading. This allows you to have a convenient snack or appetizer ready to bake whenever needed. Simply bread the frozen poppers just before baking.
  10. Garnish for Presentation: Garnish the Buffalo Chicken Poppers with additional chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese before serving. This adds visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.

By incorporating these tips, you can take your Buffalo Chicken Poppers to the next level and create a deliciously delightful appetizer or snack for any occasion!

Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Buffalo Chicken Poppers:

  1. Moisture Control: Ensure the cooked chicken is not too wet. Excess moisture can make the poppers soggy. Pat the cooked chicken dry with paper towels before mixing it with other ingredients.
  2. Balanced Flavors: Taste the buffalo chicken mixture before forming the poppers to ensure it has the perfect balance of flavors. Adjust the seasoning, hot sauce, or ranch dressing to suit your taste preferences.
  3. Uniform Size: Make sure to portion the buffalo chicken mixture into uniform-sized balls. This ensures that they cook evenly and are all done at the same time.
  4. Firming Up: Letting the formed buffalo chicken balls firm up in the freezer for a few hours helps them hold their shape during the breading process. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly shaped poppers.
  5. Proper Breading Technique: When breading the poppers, ensure you have a station set up with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Use one hand for dry ingredients (flour and breadcrumbs) and the other for wet ingredients (eggs) to prevent clumping and messiness.
  6. Even Coating: Ensure the buffalo chicken balls are evenly coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. This helps create a crispy outer layer that stays intact during baking or frying.
  7. Chilling After Breading: After coating the buffalo chicken balls with breadcrumbs, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
  8. Proper Cooking Temperature: Whether baking or frying the poppers, make sure the cooking oil or oven temperature is at the right level. Too low heat can result in soggy poppers, while too high heat can burn the breading before the chicken cooks through.
  9. Doneness Check: Always check for doneness before serving. The internal temperature of the poppers should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Cut one open to check, if necessary.
  10. Resting Time: Allow the cooked Buffalo Chicken Poppers to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them retain their moisture and allows the flavors to meld together.

By following these secrets, you’ll be able to achieve Buffalo Chicken Poppers that are perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with delicious buffalo chicken flavor!

Here are some of the most popular questions and their answers related to Buffalo Chicken Poppers:

  1. Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken breast? Yes, you can use canned chicken as a convenient alternative to fresh chicken breast. Drain the canned chicken well before using it in the recipe.
  2. How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Poppers? The level of spiciness depends on the amount of hot sauce used in the recipe. Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your preference for heat. You can also use a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper for a less spicy version.
  3. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Poppers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Buffalo Chicken Poppers ahead of time and refrigerate them before cooking. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of breading the poppers, then cover and refrigerate them until ready to cook. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly if baking from chilled.
  4. Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Poppers? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked Buffalo Chicken Poppers for future use. After forming the poppers and breading them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  5. Can I air fry Buffalo Chicken Poppers? Yes, you can air fry Buffalo Chicken Poppers for a healthier cooking option. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then place the breaded poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. What dipping sauces go well with Buffalo Chicken Poppers? Buffalo Chicken Poppers pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, including ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. Choose your favorite dipping sauce or offer a selection for guests to enjoy.
  7. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through before serving.
  8. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Poppers gluten-free? Yes, you can make gluten-free Buffalo Chicken Poppers by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the breading. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as hot sauce and seasonings, are also gluten-free.
  9. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Poppers vegetarian? Yes, you can make vegetarian Buffalo Chicken Poppers by using a plant-based alternative to chicken, such as shredded jackfruit or chickpeas. Follow the recipe as instructed, substituting the chicken with the plant-based alternative.
  10. How can I make Buffalo Chicken Poppers crispier? To make Buffalo Chicken Poppers crispier, ensure the oil or air fryer is at the correct temperature before cooking. Fry or air fry the poppers in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to soggy results. Additionally, consider using seasoned breadcrumbs or adding a sprinkle of cornstarch to the breading mixture for extra crispiness.

These are some of the common questions and answers related to Buffalo Chicken Poppers that can help you prepare and customize this delicious snack.