Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bombs – Easy Family Dinner Idea
Introduction
Are you tired of the same old dinner routine and looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal? Buffalo Chicken Bombs – A Family Feast might just be the answer to your culinary woes! According to a recent survey, over 70% of families struggle to find meals that satisfy both adults and kids. What if I told you that you could create a dish that combines the beloved flavors of Buffalo chicken with a fun, interactive cooking experience? In this post, we’ll dive into the world of Buffalo Chicken Bombs, a dish that promises to spice up your family dinners and keep everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients List
To make these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Bombs, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for a time-saver.
- ½ cup (120ml) Buffalo sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch.
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese: For a gooey, cheesy center.
- 1 package (16 oz/450g) refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is the base for our bombs!
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) ranch seasoning: Adds a zesty kick to the filling.
- Green onions: Chopped, for garnish.
Optional Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use turkey or a plant-based alternative for a healthier option.
- Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for added spice.
- Buffalo sauce: Adjust the heat level by using mild or hot sauce, or even BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
Timing
Preparing these Buffalo Chicken Bombs is a breeze! Here’s a quick breakdown of the timing:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This is approximately 30% less time than average dinner recipes that take over 45 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that your Buffalo Chicken Bombs bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This flavorful filling is the heart of your bombs!
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Lay them flat on a clean surface. Each triangle will be transformed into a delicious pocket of flavor.
Step 4: Fill the Dough
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can lead to messy bombs!
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Starting from the wide end, roll the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Make sure there are no gaps to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the filled bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the bombs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and serve with additional Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (2 bombs):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
This data highlights the balance of protein and carbs, making it a satisfying meal option for families.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking to lighten up your Buffalo Chicken Bombs, consider these modifications:
- Use Whole Wheat Dough: Opt for whole wheat crescent rolls for added fiber.
- Lean Chicken: Choose skinless chicken breast to reduce fat content.
- Low-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat cheese options to cut down on calories while still enjoying that cheesy goodness.
- Veggie Additions: Incorporate diced bell peppers or spinach into the filling for extra nutrients.
These alternatives will maintain the flavor while enhancing the nutritional profile of your meal.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, consider these creative serving suggestions:
- Buffalo Chicken Bomb Platter: Serve the bombs on a large platter with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, and extra Buffalo sauce.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh garden salad or crispy vegetable sticks for a balanced meal.
- Game Day Snack: These bombs make an excellent appetizer for game day gatherings. Just double the recipe!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making Buffalo Chicken Bombs is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overfilling: Resist the urge to pack in too much filling. This can cause the bombs to burst during baking.
- Not Sealing Properly: Ensure that the edges are well-sealed to keep the filling intact.
- Skipping the Preheat: Preheating is crucial for even cooking; don’t skip this step!
By being mindful of these tips, you’ll ensure a successful cooking experience.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers (or want to prep ahead), here’s how to store your Buffalo Chicken Bombs:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked bombs. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Conclusion
In summary, Buffalo Chicken Bombs – A Family Feast are a delightful, easy-to-make recipe that can transform your family dinner into a fun and flavorful experience. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a dish that everyone will love. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious updates!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure it is fully cooked and shredded before mixing with the other ingredients.
2. How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Bombs?
The spice level can be adjusted based on the Buffalo sauce you choose. For a milder version, opt for a mild sauce or mix in some BBQ sauce.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bombs, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.
4. What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Bombs?
Consider pairing them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad to balance the meal.
5. Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian version.
Buffalo Chicken Bombs
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar chees
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tube (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: ranch or blue cheese dressing, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch circle.
Spoon 2–3 tbsp of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each.- Fold and pinch the dough around the filling to seal. Place seam side down on the baking sheet.
Brush tops with melted butter.- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with ranch or blue cheese and garnished with green onions.
Notes
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the filling.
Add cooked bacon bits for an extra indulgent twist.
These reheat well and are freezer-friendly before baking!