Buffalo Chicken Balls Recipe

Picture this: the irresistible aroma of warm, buttery biscuit dough mingling with the spicy tang of buffalo sauce fills your kitchen, teasing your senses and making your mouth water before you even take a bite. As you break open one of these golden, perfectly baked buffalo chicken balls, the gooey cheese stretches invitingly with every pull, and the spicy, creamy filling bursts with flavor, setting your taste buds alive. This recipe is quick, easy, and downright impressive — perfect for a cozy night in or showing off your appetizer game at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Balls Recipe

• Ready in 33 minutes: From prep to plate, this recipe gets you crispy, cheesy, buffalo goodness fast—no long waits necessary.
• Uses simple ingredients: You only need pantry staples and common fridge finds to whip up a snack that tastes like a gourmet treat.
• Perfect for beginners: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, even novice cooks will ace this crowd-pleaser.
• Impressive presentation: These bite-sized golden pockets look stunning on any party platter or dinner table.
• Customizable: Whether you like extra cheese, milder heat, or different dipping sauces, this recipe adapts beautifully to your taste.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Balls Recipe Works

The secret to these delicious buffalo chicken balls lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Mixing shredded chicken with tangy buffalo sauce infuses each bite with the right amount of heat and zest. Adding cream cheese and shredded cheddar or mozzarella melts into a luscious filling that contrasts the crispy biscuit crust perfectly. Using refrigerated biscuit dough keeps the prep time low without sacrificing that soft, flaky exterior that cradles the spicy filling. Finally, brushing the tops with melted butter or an egg wash ensures a golden, irresistible finish that invites you to dive right in.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple pantry and fridge staples that come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting the perfect buffalo chicken balls experience.

• Shredded cooked chicken: The star protein that soaks up all the buffalo flavors wonderfully.
• Buffalo sauce: Delivers that iconic tangy, spicy kick that’s essential to the recipe.
• Cream cheese (optional): Adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the heat.
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for extra gooeyness inside.
• Refrigerated biscuit dough: The convenient base that crisps and rises to cradle the filling.
• Melted butter or beaten egg: Used to brush on top for a golden finish.
• Chopped parsley or chives: Fresh herbs to add a pop of color and brightness.
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for drizzling or dipping to cool the spicy heat.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Shredded cooked chicken: Swap in shredded turkey or even cooked pulled pork for a different meat option.
• Buffalo sauce: Use your favorite brand or make homemade buffalo sauce with hot sauce and melted butter for personal flair.
• Cream cheese: If you prefer a dairy-free option, try mashed avocado or leave it out entirely to keep it lighter.
• Refrigerated biscuit dough: Puff pastry or crescent roll dough are great alternatives, offering varied textures.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce until every shred is juicy and coated. Add softened cream cheese and shredded cheese, stirring thoroughly to create a creamy, spicy mixture.

💡 Pro Tip: Warm the cream cheese slightly in the microwave for easier mixing and a silkier filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Separate each biscuit from the dough canister and gently flatten into circles using your hands or a rolling pin, making sure they’re large enough to hold the filling without tearing.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t roll the dough too thin; leaving it a little thick ensures a sturdy shell to hold the filling tight.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Balls

Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a ball, pinching the edges tightly and sealing completely to trap the gooey inside.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a little water to moisten edges if the dough isn’t sticking well.

Step 4: Arrange and Brush

Place each sealed ball seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased muffin tin for even baking. Brush the tops with melted butter or egg wash to promote that golden, shiny finish.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to beautiful color and crisp texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15–18 minutes until the biscuit dough is puffed and golden brown all over. The filling will be hot and bubbly inside, promising an explosion of flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even coloring and crispiness.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Allow the buffalo chicken balls to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, then sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for fresh flavor and color contrast.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve with extra dressing on the side to satisfy all dipping desires.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Under-sealing the dough: Leads to filling leaking and messy baking trays.
• Overfilling the balls: Makes it tricky to seal and causes bursting during baking.
• Skipping butter/egg wash: Results in pale, less appealing crust without that golden crunch.
• Using cold chicken: Makes mixing harder and causes uneven flavor distribution.
• Not letting cool before serving: Risk of burning your tongue with hot cheese and sauce.
• Baking at too high a temperature: Can burn the crust before filling heats through.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Buffalo Chicken Balls Recipe, why not shake things up?

Cheesy Jalapeño Kick

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for extra heat and crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

BBQ Buffalo Fusion

Mix half buffalo sauce and half smoky BBQ sauce for a sweet-and-spicy twist everyone will rave about.

Ranch Infusion

Stir ranch dressing into the filling for a milder, tangy flavor that cools the buffalo heat but keeps it tasty.

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Skip the biscuit dough and shape the filling into meatballs, baked or air-fried until crispy and served with blue cheese dip.

Veggie-Packed Buffalo Balls

Fold finely chopped celery and carrots into the filling to add freshness, crunch, and color.

Gluten-Free Delight

Use gluten-free biscuit or pizza dough alternatives to make this recipe accessible for everyone in the family.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Balls Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a lovely bright note and stunning color contrast. Drizzle with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for creamy balance.

Side Dishes

Pair these buffalo chicken balls with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a tangy coleslaw to complement the spicy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment for parties, or stack them in a muffin tin to keep them warm and easy to grab. Add small bowls of dipping sauces scattered around for inviting communal snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover buffalo chicken balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor and texture beautifully when reheated.

Freezing

Before baking, freeze assembled buffalo chicken balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. For a quick fix, microwaving works, but crust may soften.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?

It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to avoid undercooked filling. You can poach, roast, or grill fresh chicken ahead of time and shred it before mixing.

Is cream cheese necessary?

Cream cheese adds creaminess and tames the heat but is optional. You can leave it out or substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangier texture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the biscuit dough for a gluten-free biscuit or pastry dough and proceed as usual.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. Start with a milder sauce and adjust to taste, or add extra for serious spice lovers.

Can I prepare these ahead and freeze before baking?

Yes! Assemble the balls, freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to baking time.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Ranch and blue cheese dressings work beautifully to cool down the spice and complement the buffalo flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Definitely! Finely chopped celery, carrots, or green onions add crunch and freshness to the mix.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The biscuit dough should be golden brown and crispy on top, and the filling inside will be hot and bubbly. Usually, 15-18 minutes at 375°F is perfect.

Final Thoughts

This Buffalo Chicken Balls Recipe is truly a magical blend of flaky, gooey, spicy, and savory that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these little pockets deliver big on flavor and fun. The best part? They’re simple enough to make on a whim but impressive enough to become an all-time favorite.

Have you tried this Buffalo Chicken Balls Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍽️

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