These Buffalo Chicken Bacon Bombs combine crispy bacon, spicy buffalo chicken, and melty cheese into irresistible bite-sized appetizers.
Quick Answer: Buffalo Chicken Bacon Bombs are made by wrapping seasoned buffalo chicken and cheese mixture in bacon strips, then baking at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy. These savory bites pack the perfect punch of heat and smoky flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Fusion
Yield: 12 bombs (4 servings)
Dietary: Low-carb
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and smoky bacon
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Great for game day or party appetizers
- Can be prepped ahead of time
- Crowd-pleasing finger food
Quick Benefits
Buffalo Chicken Bacon Bombs deliver an explosion of flavors in every bite. These protein-packed appetizers are naturally low-carb, perfect for meal prep, and can be customized to your preferred spice level.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken with buffalo sauce until the mixture is evenly coated.
- Scoop a portion of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube and a small amount of crumbled bacon in the center. Encase the filling with chicken, forming a compact ball.
- Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs each in separate shallow bowls. Dredge each chicken ball lightly in flour, coat it in egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs to cover completely.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of approximately 2 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Working in batches, gently lower breaded balls into the hot oil. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, turning as needed, until uniformly golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove fried bombs with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels. Serve immediately with additional buffalo sauce for dipping.
You Must Know
- Don’t overstuff the bombs or they may burst while cooking
- Use center-cut bacon for best wrapping results
- Pat chicken very dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture
- Let cream cheese soften completely for smooth mixing
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Serving Suggestions
- Celery and carrot sticks with ranch dip
- Fresh green salad
- Cold beer or citrus-based cocktails
- Potato wedges or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw or potato salad
Creative Variations
- BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for milder flavor
- Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat
- Add diced jalapeños to the filling
- Try turkey bacon for a lighter option
Cultural Notes
Buffalo chicken originated in Buffalo, NY in 1964 at the Anchor Bar. This recipe combines the classic buffalo wing flavors with bacon-wrapped appetizers popular in American game day culture.
Pro Tips
- Partially freeze bacon for easier wrapping
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
- Mix filling ingredients at room temperature
- Broil for 1-2 minutes at end for extra crispiness
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Buffalo Chicken Bacon Bombs ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare and assemble up to 4 hours ahead, then bake just before serving.
Q: How spicy are these?
A: Medium spicy, but adjustable by using more or less buffalo sauce.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked for up to 1 month. Thaw before baking.
Q: What’s the best bacon to use?
A: Center-cut bacon works best as it’s more uniform in size.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway.
Health Benefits
While indulgent, these bombs are high in protein and can fit into a low-carb diet. Using lean chicken and moderating portion size makes them a better choice than traditional deep-fried buffalo wings.
Nutrition
(Per serving, 3 bombs) Calories: 485 • Carbs: 3g • Protein: 32g • Fat: 38g • Sodium: 1250mg
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warm.
Buffalo Chicken Bacon Bombs
These Buffalo Chicken Bacon Bombs combine crispy bacon, spicy buffalo chicken, and melty cheese into irresistible bite-sized appetizers.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until warm.