If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavor and a cozy, flaky bite, you’re going to adore this Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of spicy buffalo chicken salad wrapped in delicate, golden puff pastry that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a fun appetizer to impress friends, these puffs deliver layers of creamy, tangy, and cheesy goodness that everyone will rave about. Imagine tender chicken mixed with crisp celery and zesty buffalo sauce nestled inside buttery pastry—pure comfort in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet pack a punch, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Recipe. From the buttery puff pastry to the creamy, spicy filling, each component works together beautifully.
- 1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, defrosted: The flaky, golden shell that holds all the delicious filling and bakes up beautifully crisp.
- 1½ cups cooked chopped chicken: Tender and hearty, this protein is the star of the filling.
- ½ cup chopped celery: Adds a fresh crunch and subtle brightness to cut through the richness.
- 3 Tbsp buffalo wing sauce: Brings that signature spicy kick that makes buffalo chicken irresistible.
- ¼ cup bottled ranch dressing: Balances the heat with its cool, creamy flavor and herbaceous notes.
- â…“ cup mayonnaise: Keeps the filling rich and moist, binding all ingredients smoothly.
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness that elevate every bite.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your work station and preheat the oven
Set your oven to a toasty 400ºF to get it ready for baking those beautiful puffs. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything prepped means your process will flow effortlessly.
Step 2: Cut the puff pastry sheets
Carefully unfold your defrosted puff pastry sheets and slice each into 9 equal squares, giving you a total of 18 squares to work with. This step defines the size of your puffs—perfect bite-sized treats that are easy to enjoy.
Step 3: Make the buffalo chicken salad filling
In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken, finely chopped celery, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed, ensuring every bite is flavorful and packed with the right texture contrasts.
Step 4: Assemble the pastry puffs
On each square of pastry, place a line of the buffalo chicken salad filling running diagonally down the center. Then take two opposite corners of the pastry square and fold them over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal in all the deliciousness. This sealing step is crucial for keeping your puffs intact while baking.
Step 5: Bake until golden and puffed
Arrange your sealed puffs on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color and puff up beautifully. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly—they’re best served warm or at room temperature for max flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of your pastry puffs for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing alongside can elevate the dish even further, inviting your guests to customize each bite.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal or appetizer setup, pair these puffs with crisp celery sticks, carrot rounds, or a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These light sides complement the rich, spicy flavors and keep the overall meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or festive gathering, serve your Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Recipe on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, surrounded by small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and ranch. You can also thread them onto skewers for an eye-catching presentation that’s easy to grab and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pastry puffs in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick snack or meal later without sacrificing too much texture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these puffs anytime, freeze them before baking. Arrange the assembled but uncooked puffs on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the pastry puffs in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Recipe because it’s already cooked and flavorful, saving you prep time.
What can I substitute for buffalo wing sauce?
If you want something milder, try using a hot sauce mixed with a little melted butter. For a less spicy version, a smoky BBQ sauce can add a different but delicious twist.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Traditional puff pastry contains gluten, but you can find gluten-free puff pastry alternatives at specialty stores to keep these treats inclusive for those avoiding gluten.
How spicy are these pastry puffs?
The level of heat depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. For a mild kick, opt for a milder sauce, or choose a hotter variety for guests who love bold spice.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! The buffalo chicken salad filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just assemble the pastry puffs right before baking for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about biting into these Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Recipe. The blend of spicy, creamy filling coupled with flaky, buttery pastry is downright irresistible. Whether you’re making them for friends or enjoying them as a personal treat, they deliver a satisfying experience every time. Give these puffs a try soon—they might just become one of your new favorite go-to appetizers or snack!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 18 puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry filled with a spicy buffalo chicken salad, celery, ranch, and cheese mixture. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun snack, these puffs are baked to golden perfection and offer a wonderful mix of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, defrosted
Filling
- 1½ cups cooked chopped chicken
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 3 Tbsp buffalo wing sauce
- ¼ cup bottled ranch dressing
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cut Puff Pastry: Unfold the defrosted puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 equal squares, yielding a total of 18 squares.
- Make the Buffalo Chicken Mix: In a bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, chopped celery, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all flavors.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Place a diagonal line of the chicken salad mixture down the center of each pastry square.
- Seal the Puffs: Fold two opposite corners of each square over the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal the pastry around the filling. Arrange the sealed puffs on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Allow the puffs to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious and satisfying appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before cutting to prevent cracking.
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the buffalo wing sauce amount to control the spiciness level to your preference.
- To make assembly easier, keep the puff pastry and filling cold before filling.
- These puffs can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute ranch dressing and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives and omit cheddar cheese.
