Buffalo Chicken Muffins Recipe

Imagine a savory snack that combines the zesty tang of buffalo chicken with the cozy comfort of a muffin. These buffalo chicken muffins are just that! A delightful fusion of flavors, that's both easy to make and deliciously satisfying.

Photos of Buffalo Chicken Muffins Recipe

There might be a few ingredients that you may not readily find in your pantry, such as dry ranch dressing mix and Franks Red Hot Sauce. These are key to achieving the authentic buffalo chicken flavor. You may find them in the salad dressing and sauces aisles at your local supermarket respectively.

Buffalo Chicken Muffins Ingredients

Chicken breast: High in protein and low in fat, chicken breasts are the star of this dish, providing a hearty base.

Dry ranch dressing mix: This ingredient adds a tangy, zesty flavor to the chicken. It can usually be found in the salad dressing aisle of your supermarket.

Cayenne pepper or Franks red hot sauce: Either of these can be used to add the spicy kick typical of buffalo chicken. The hot sauce also adds a bit of tanginess.

Cream cheese: It adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the muffin filling.

Sour cream: Sour cream gives a little tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dish.

Thin pizza crust: This will serve as the muffin 'cup' to hold our buffalo chicken filling. It bakes to a nice, crispy finish.

Cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nice, melty finish.

One reader, Anjela Page says:

These buffalo chicken muffins are a game-changer! The perfect blend of spicy and creamy, they're a hit at every gathering. The flavors are so addictive, and the muffins are incredibly easy to make. I love how they're a unique twist on classic buffalo chicken, and they always impress my guests.

Anjela Page

Techniques Required for Buffalo Chicken Muffins Recipe

How to mix the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, dry ranch dressing mix, cayenne pepper or hot sauce, cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well combined and set aside.

How to fill the muffin cups: Unroll the pizza crust into a large rectangle and cut it into 12 equal squares. Spray 12 regular-sized muffin cups with cooking spray and place one dough square into each cup. Press the dough into the bottoms and up the sides of the cups.

How to assemble the buffalo chicken muffins: Place 1 tablespoon of the prepared chicken mixture into each muffin cup. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly on top of the filling.

How to bake the buffalo chicken muffins: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the muffins for about 15 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is hot.

How to serve the buffalo chicken muffins: Serve the muffins immediately after baking for the best flavor and texture.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Creamy and savory, these chicken muffins are sure to charge up your mornings. The ranch dressing and cayenne give it a nice kick to help you start your day.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2cupschicken breast,shredded and cooked
2tbspdry ranch dressing mix
3tbspcayenne pepper,or franks red hot sauce
8ozcream cheese,whipped spread
6ozsour cream
1canthin pizza crust,refrigerated
1cupcheddar cheese,shredded

Instructions

In large bowl, mix chicken, dressing mix, hot sauce, cream cheese and sour cream. Set aside.
Unroll dough into a large rectangle and cut into 12 equal squares. Spray 12 regular-sized muffin cups with cooking spray and fill each with 1 dough square. Press into bottoms and up sides of cups.
Place 1 tablespoon of chicken mixture in each cup. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top of filling.
Bake at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until crusts are golden brown and filling is hot. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 300.88kcal
Fat: 18.53g
Saturated Fat: 8.84g
Trans Fat: 0.17g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.17g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.17g
Carbohydrates: 18.58g
Fiber: 1.24g
Sugar: 1.66g
Protein: 14.94g
Cholesterol: 65.13mg
Sodium: 370.57mg
Calcium: 139.99mg
Potassium: 200.91mg
Iron: 1.47mg
Vitamin A: 159.71µg
Vitamin C: 1.14mg

Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Muffins

When preparing the chicken mixture, ensure that the chicken is finely shredded for a more even distribution in the muffin cups. This will also help the flavors of the ranch dressing mix and hot sauce to permeate the chicken more effectively. Additionally, when cutting the pizza crust into squares, try to keep them as uniform as possible. This will ensure that all the muffins bake evenly and none are undercooked or overcooked.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Prep ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge a day before. This will save time on the day of baking.

Use rotisserie chicken: Instead of cooking and shredding chicken breasts, use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.

Pre-cut ingredients: Pre-cut the chicken, measure out the spices, and shred the cheese in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Opt for pre-made dough: Substitute the homemade dough with pre-made biscuit or crescent roll dough to cut down on prep time.

Bake in batches: Double the recipe and bake in batches to have extra muffins on hand for quick and convenient meals.

Substitute Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Muffins Recipe

chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast, providing a similar texture and taste in the recipe.
dry ranch dressing mix - Substitute with homemade ranch seasoning: Making your own ranch seasoning allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your preference.
cayenne pepper or Franks Red Hot sauce - Substitute with chipotle hot sauce: Chipotle hot sauce can provide a smoky and spicy flavor similar to cayenne or Franks Red Hot sauce, adding depth to the dish.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can offer a tangy and creamy texture similar to cream cheese, while also adding a boost of protein to the recipe.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative to sour cream, providing a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
thin pizza crust - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can be used to create a flaky and buttery base for the muffins, adding a different texture to the dish.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese can provide a spicy kick and meltability similar to cheddar cheese, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.

Best Way to Present Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Buffalo Chicken Muffins, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and minimalistic plating to allow the flavors to take center stage.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant elements such as fresh herbs or microgreens to add a pop of color to the dish. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Utilize geometric shapes: Consider incorporating geometric shapes in the plating to add a modern and artistic touch. This can be achieved by arranging the muffins in a visually appealing pattern, such as a triangle or a circular formation.
Highlight the buffalo sauce: Use a small brush to delicately apply a streak of buffalo sauce on the plate, creating an artistic and flavorful element that complements the dish.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch by garnishing the muffins with finely chopped chives or scallions. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle hint of freshness to the dish.
Emphasize the cheese: Sprinkle a light dusting of finely grated cheddar cheese around the muffins, creating an elegant and sophisticated presentation that showcases the key ingredients.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a pristine white plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out, creating a visually striking presentation that is sure to impress.

Essential Tools for Making Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to make dough, grind nuts, and prepare various sauces and dips.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients, marinating meats, and preparing batters and doughs. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, and ceramic.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet, also known as a sheet pan, is a flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods. It can also be used for roasting vegetables and meats.
Muffin tin: A muffin tin, or muffin pan, is a specialized baking pan with individual cup-shaped depressions used to bake muffins, cupcakes, and other single-serving baked goods.
Cooking spray: Cooking spray is a non-stick spray used to coat baking pans and cooking surfaces to prevent food from sticking. It is a convenient alternative to greasing pans with butter or oil.
Cheese grater: A cheese grater is a kitchen tool used to grate or shred cheese into fine pieces. It comes in various styles, including box graters, handheld graters, and rotary graters.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food. It provides a controlled cooking environment with adjustable temperature settings.
Knife: A knife is a versatile kitchen tool used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients. Different types of knives, such as chef's knives, paring knives, and serrated knives, serve various culinary purposes.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential tools for accurately measuring dry and liquid ingredients in cooking and baking recipes. They come in various sizes and are used to ensure precise measurements.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients. It is commonly used for flipping pancakes, lifting cookies, and icing cakes.
Wire rack: A wire rack, also known as a cooling rack, is used to elevate baked goods, allowing air to circulate around them for even cooling. It is also used for draining fried foods and glazing pastries.

How To Store and Freeze Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Let the buffalo chicken muffins cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the muffins, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
Frozen buffalo chicken muffins can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat the muffins, you have two options:
1. From the refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffins on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
2. From the freezer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the muffins from the freezer and unwrap them. Place the frozen muffins on a baking sheet and heat for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
For best results, consume the reheated buffalo chicken muffins immediately, as the crust may become soggy if left to sit for too long.

How To Reheat Leftover Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover buffalo chicken muffins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help restore the crispiness of the pizza crust while ensuring the filling is hot and delicious.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use a microwave. Place the buffalo chicken muffins on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. Be aware that the microwave may cause the pizza crust to become slightly soggy, but the filling will still be tasty and satisfying.
For a crispy exterior and a hot, melty interior, consider using an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover buffalo chicken muffins in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the muffins are heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will result in a crispy pizza crust and a perfectly heated filling.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your buffalo chicken muffins. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the muffins on the wire rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the muffins are warmed through and the cheese is melted. This method will provide a nice balance between a crispy exterior and a hot, flavorful filling.

Random Fact About Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Buffalo chicken muffins are a delicious and convenient appetizer or snack option for gatherings and parties. They can be easily customized to suit different tastes by adjusting the level of spiciness or adding additional toppings. These muffins are a great way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo chicken in a portable and easy-to-eat form.

Is Making Buffalo Chicken Muffins at Home Economical?

This buffalo chicken muffins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken breast, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, are reasonably priced and readily available. The use of cayenne pepper or hot sauce adds a delightful kick without breaking the bank. With an approximate cost of $15, this recipe can easily feed a family of four. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8 out of 10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delicious taste.

Are Buffalo Chicken Muffins Healthy or Unhealthy?

The buffalo chicken muffins recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Excessive saturated fat intake can lead to increased risk of heart disease and other health issues.
The use of ranch dressing mix and hot sauce adds a significant amount of sodium to the dish, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems when consumed in excess.
The recipe relies on processed ingredients like canned pizza crust, which often contains added preservatives and unhealthy fats.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the cream cheese and sour cream for low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt. This will significantly reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining a creamy texture and adding a boost of protein.
Use a whole wheat or cauliflower-based pizza crust instead of the canned variety. This will increase the fiber content and reduce the amount of processed ingredients in the recipe.
Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese used, or opt for a low-fat or reduced-fat variety. You can also experiment with using a smaller amount of a stronger-flavored cheese, like sharp cheddar or parmesan, to maintain the cheesy flavor without adding as much fat.
Make your own ranch seasoning mix using dried herbs and spices, such as dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will allow you to control the sodium content and avoid any unwanted additives.
Incorporate more vegetables into the recipe, such as diced bell peppers or onions, to increase the nutrient density and add more flavor and texture to the muffins.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Buffalo Chicken Muffin Recipe

This buffalo chicken muffins recipe is a delightful twist on classic buffalo chicken flavors. The combination of tender chicken, zesty ranch dressing, and spicy hot sauce creates a mouthwatering filling, while the cheddar cheese adds a rich and gooey finish. The use of a pizza crust as the base adds a unique and satisfying texture to the muffins. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

Enhance Your Buffalo Chicken Muffins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a savory garlic parmesan topping.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: Spicy jalapeno peppers stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon for the perfect combination of heat and savory flavors.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha glaze for a deliciously addictive side dish.

Caramelized Onion and Bacon Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with caramelized onions and crispy bacon for a rich and indulgent side dish.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to perfection for a sweet and tangy accompaniment to the spicy buffalo chicken muffins.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Spicy Shrimp Tacos: Create a flavorful marinade for the shrimp by combining a mix of spices and citrus juices. Grill the shrimp and serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Mango Chicken Salad: Combine grilled chicken, fresh mango, and a variety of colorful vegetables to create a refreshing and satisfying salad. Toss with a tangy vinaigrette for a burst of flavor.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy dairy for a comforting and classic soup. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Berry Cobbler: Use a mix of seasonal berries to create a sweet and juicy filling, then top with a buttery biscuit topping. Bake until golden brown and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Buffalo Chicken Muffins

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: For a light and flavorful main course, consider grilling salmon with a zesty lemon and herb marinade. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and the bright citrus flavors creates a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. Serve the grilled salmon with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Indulge in a rich and creamy beef stroganoff, featuring tender strips of beef in a savory mushroom and onion sauce. The dish is traditionally served over a bed of buttery egg noodles, but you can also opt for a healthier twist by pairing it with fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice. The comforting flavors of this classic main course are sure to please the whole family.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce. A decadent treat for any occasion!

Why trust this Buffalo Chicken Muffins Recipe:

This recipe is a must-try for all buffalo chicken lovers. The combination of tender chicken breast, zesty ranch dressing mix, and fiery cayenne pepper creates a mouthwatering filling. The addition of creamy cream cheese and sour cream adds a rich and luscious texture. Encased in a golden-brown pizza crust and topped with gooey cheddar cheese, these buffalo chicken muffins are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Trust in the deliciousness of this recipe and indulge in a delightful culinary experience.

Have you tried making these Buffalo Chicken Muffins? Let us know how they turned out and share your experience in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of hot sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of hot sauce if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauce to achieve the flavor you desire.

Can I prepare the chicken mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it in the recipe. This can be a time-saving option for busy days.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Certainly! You can substitute the chicken with cooked and crumbled turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning and flavors to complement the alternative protein.

Can I freeze the buffalo chicken muffins?

Yes, you can freeze the buffalo chicken muffins. Once baked, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven until heated through.

Can I make these muffins in mini size for appetizers?

Absolutely! You can make mini buffalo chicken muffins by using a mini muffin tin and cutting the dough into smaller squares. This is a great option for serving as appetizers at parties or gatherings.