If you’re on the hunt for a snack that packs a punch, look no further than Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs! These delightful bites combine tender shredded chicken with the zesty kick of buffalo sauce and the cool creaminess of ranch dressing, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pizza dough. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in, these pizza bombs are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
The popularity of Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs stems from their irresistible flavor profile. The fiery heat from the buffalo sauce melds beautifully with the rich ranch dressing, creating a taste sensation that appeals to both spice lovers and those looking for comfort food. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to eat—what’s not to love?
Ingredients Overview
Let’s dive into the star players of this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded: The base of our pizza bombs. Shredded chicken adds protein and a hearty texture.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: This is where the heat comes from! Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: This creamy dressing balances the spice of the buffalo sauce and adds a delicious richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and gooey, mozzarella is a must for that cheesy goodness.
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz): This saves time and ensures a perfect, flaky crust.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This will give your pizza bombs that beautiful golden finish.
- Cooking spray: To ensure your pizza bombs don’t stick to the baking sheet.
Now, while these ingredients are perfect for the classic version, feel free to get creative! If you’re looking for a healthier twist, consider using baked chicken or even turkey. You can also switch out the ranch dressing for a yogurt-based alternative for a lighter option. The buffalo sauce can be adjusted to your spice preference, too—mild or wild, the choice is yours!
As for nutritional benefits, chicken is a great source of protein, while the ranch dressing can provide calcium from the dairy. Just remember to enjoy these delicious bites in moderation!
Preparation Steps Explained
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your pizza bombs bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Mix Chicken & Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the chopped green onions. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce. This mixture is the heart of your pizza bombs, so make sure it’s well combined!
Prepare Dough
Next, roll out your refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch. Once rolled out, use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into 8 equal squares. This is where your pizza bombs will start to take shape!
Fill & Fold
Now comes the fun part! Take one square of dough and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese on top for that cheesy goodness. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, then pinch the edges together firmly to seal it. Make sure there are no gaps, or the filling might ooze out during baking!
Brush & Bake
Place the sealed pizza bombs on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg—this will give them a lovely golden color as they bake. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine during this time!
Serve
Once baked, let the pizza bombs cool slightly before serving. They can be quite hot inside! Serve them with extra ranch dressing and the remaining chopped green onions for garnish. Trust us, you’ll want to dive right in!
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Bombs
To ensure your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs turn out spectacularly, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid overfilling: While it’s tempting to pack in lots of filling, overfilling can lead to messy explosions in the oven. Stick to a spoonful!
- Seal tightly: Make sure to pinch the edges well so the filling stays contained during baking.
- Experiment with spices: If you like it hot, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken mixture for an extra kick!
- Let them rest: After baking, allow the pizza bombs to cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to eat.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs are delicious on their own, but why not elevate your snack game with some fantastic pairings? Here are a few ideas:
- Dips: Serve with additional ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for those who love a tangy contrast.
- Complementary sides: Pair them with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
- Perfect for gatherings: These pizza bombs make fantastic appetizers for parties or game day. They’re finger food at its best!
Variations and Customizations
Looking to mix things up? Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs are incredibly versatile. Here are some variations to consider:
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Bombs: Swap out the buffalo sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce and add some sliced red onion for a sweet twist.
- Pepperoni and Cheese: For a classic pizza flavor, fill the dough with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian option: Use a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, combined with cheese and ranch dressing for a veggie-packed delight.
- Seasonal ingredients: Incorporate seasonal veggies or herbs to keep things fresh and exciting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 1. Can I make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs ahead of time and reheat them?
– Yes, you can make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs ahead of time and reheat them. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. - 2. Can I freeze Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs?
– Yes, you can freeze Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs. Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen bombs to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. - 3. Can I use a different type of meat in Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs?
– Yes, you can customize Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs with different types of meat. Try substituting the chicken with cooked ground beef, sausage, or even pepperoni for a different flavor combination. - 4. How can I make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs healthier?
– To make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs healthier, you can use whole wheat pizza dough, leaner cuts of chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and light ranch dressing. You can also add in extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for added nutrition.
Related Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs, you might also love these delicious recipes:
- Garlic Butter Bacon Cheese Pull Apart Loaf
- Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Breadsticks
- Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Conclusion
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack—crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning game-day treats, or simply craving something savory and satisfying, these bites deliver every time. Easy to customize and fun to eat, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza Bombs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 pizza bombs 1x
Description
Delicious bites of tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch dressing wrapped in flaky pizza dough, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded: The base of our pizza bombs. Shredded chicken adds protein and a hearty texture.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: This is where the heat comes from! Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized touch.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: This creamy dressing balances the spice of the buffalo sauce and adds a delicious richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and gooey, mozzarella is a must for that cheesy goodness.
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz): This saves time and ensures a perfect, flaky crust.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): This will give your pizza bombs that beautiful golden finish.
- Cooking spray: To ensure your pizza bombs don’t stick to the baking sheet.
Instructions
Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your pizza bombs bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Mix Chicken & Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the chopped green onions. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce. This mixture is the heart of your pizza bombs, so make sure it’s well combined!
Prepare Dough
Next, roll out your refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch. Once rolled out, use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the dough into 8 equal squares. This is where your pizza bombs will start to take shape!
Fill & Fold
Now comes the fun part! Take one square of dough and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese on top for that cheesy goodness. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, then pinch the edges together firmly to seal it. Make sure there are no gaps, or the filling might ooze out during baking!
Brush & Bake
Place the sealed pizza bombs on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg—this will give them a lovely golden color as they bake. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine during this time!
Serve
Once baked, let the pizza bombs cool slightly before serving. They can be quite hot inside! Serve them with extra ranch dressing and the remaining chopped green onions for garnish. Trust us, you’ll want to dive right in!
Notes
- Avoid overfilling: While it’s tempting to pack in lots of filling, overfilling can lead to messy explosions in the oven. Stick to a spoonful!
- Seal tightly: Make sure to pinch the edges well so the filling stays contained during baking.
- Experiment with spices: If you like it hot, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken mixture for an extra kick!
- Let them rest: After baking, allow the pizza bombs to cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza bomb
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, pizza bombs, appetizer, game day snacks