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Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe

If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s as irresistible as it is easy, I’ve got you covered with this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe. Trust me, these little bites pack all the creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness you want from buffalo chicken, wrapped up in light, crispy phyllo shells. I discovered this recipe one afternoon when I needed a quick party snack and ended up making way more than intended because my family couldn’t stop sneaking them. Stick around—I’m going to share all my tips so you nail it perfectly on your first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Quick and Easy: You can have these ready in about 20 minutes—I love them for last-minute gatherings.
  • Perfect Bite-Sized Appetizer: The phyllo cups give you just the right crunch to balance the creamy filling.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combo of buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar is a crowd-pleaser every single time.
  • Versatile and Customizable: Easy to tweak with different cheeses or spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in the Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe plays a part to make that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures. When shopping, grab pre-baked phyllo cups to save time, and make sure your cream cheese is softened for smooth mixing.

Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe - Ingredients
  • Pre-baked phyllo cups: Using pre-baked saves you the hassle of making cups from scratch, and they’ll toast beautifully in the oven.
  • Shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for that tender, juicy meat without extra cooking.
  • Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature so it blends effortlessly into the mix; cold cream cheese can cause lumps.
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds just the right cheesy kick to complement the buffalo sauce.
  • Buffalo sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade version for that signature spicy flavor.
  • Green onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color—chop finely for even distribution.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that the Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe is a canvas for your creativity. Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, you can make it your own. I’ve tried plenty of spins over the years and am excited to share my favorites.

  • Make it milder: If you’re not big on heat, swap out half the buffalo sauce for ranch dressing—I promise it still delivers amazing flavor!
  • Swap the chicken: Use cooked shredded turkey or even pulled pork to switch things up while keeping the creamy buffalo vibe.
  • Cheese mix-up: Try mixing mozzarella with cheddar for a stretchy, gooey texture that melts like a dream.
  • Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or cooked mushrooms for a satisfying meatless option.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Phyllo Cups

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is such a straightforward temperature that ensures the cheese melts nicely without burning the delicate phyllo cups. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, this keeps cleanup a breeze and stops the cups from sticking. Then, arrange your pre-baked phyllo cups evenly on the sheet with a bit of space between them.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, and minced green onions. I like using a spoon or a spatula to fold everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy. The key here is to make sure there aren’t any large lumps of cream cheese—smooth filling melts better in the oven. This mixture is where you can taste-test and adjust the buffalo sauce if you want more or less heat.

Step 3: Fill the Cups

Using a small spoon or even a piping bag, fill each phyllo cup generously with the chicken mixture. I find spooning works just fine and feels a bit indulgent—go ahead and be generous, every bite should be bursting with flavor. Try not to overfill too much, or it might spill over while baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the filled cups for about 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the cheese on top begins to melt and look slightly golden. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes so your phyllo doesn’t get too dark—phyllo can burn quickly! Once done, let them cool on the tray for a few minutes so that the filling sets up nicely and you don’t burn your mouth (speaking from experience!).

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Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe

  • Use Pre-shredded or Rotisserie Chicken: Saves so much time and adds great flavor; plus, it stays moist in the filling.
  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This trick avoids lumps and helps the filling blend evenly for a smooth texture.
  • Don’t Overfill the Cups: It keeps the phyllo crispy and prevents spillovers while baking—less mess and happier guests!
  • Serve Warm, Not Scalding: Giving the cups a few minutes after baking makes them easier to eat and lets flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I almost always sprinkle extra chopped green onions or freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving—they add a fresh pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side is another winning touch that cools down the heat and adds creaminess. If you like an extra kick, a few crumbled blue cheese bits make these cups taste restaurant-quality!

Side Dishes

These phyllo cups pair really nicely with crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks for dipping—classic buffalo accompaniments that balance the richness. For a fuller spread, I love serving them alongside a crisp green salad or even some baked sweet potato fries. Your guests will think you went all out!

Creative Ways to Present

I once arranged these Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of ranch and blue cheese dips, some celery sticks, and crispy bacon bits sprinkled over the top. It’s amazing how a thoughtful display can make simple bites feel so special at parties. For holidays, try adding red pepper flakes or a swirl of sour cream with a dash of smoked paprika for a festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though I’ve never had much!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for 2-3 days, though I’d recommend reheating just what you plan to eat to maintain crispness in the phyllo.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the filling mixture separately when prepping ahead for gatherings, and it freezes beautifully. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and fill your phyllo cups fresh before baking. Freezing the assembled cups isn’t ideal because the phyllo tends to get soggy after thawing.

Reheating

To keep that gorgeous phyllo crisp, I reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving because it makes the cups soggy, and none of us want that!

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh phyllo sheets instead of pre-baked phyllo cups?

    Absolutely! If you want to make your own phyllo cups, you’ll need to carefully shape the sheets into mini muffin tins and bake them until crisp before adding the filling. It takes more time but the flavor and freshness are excellent. Just be sure to brush the layers with butter or oil to get that golden crunch.

  2. How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe?

    The level of heat depends on how much buffalo sauce you use and the brand—it can range from mild to medium-hot. I recommend starting with the amount listed, tasting the filling before mixing fully, and adding a little more if you want extra kick!

  3. Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

    You can definitely prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. On party day, just fill the phyllo cups and bake. This makes last-minute prep much easier and stress-free.

  4. What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups for a fuller meal?

    They’re wonderful with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or even some roasted veggies. The phyllo cups are hearty enough to be a main appetizer but also pair beautifully with lighter sides for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I whip up this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe, it brings back memories of family game nights and casual get-togethers where everyone ends up asking for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). It’s one of those recipes that’s deceptively simple but full of flavor and texture contrasts that keep guests coming back. If you want a snack that feels special without hours in the kitchen, give this a try—you’ll absolutely love how it turns out!

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Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Yield: 30 appetizers
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups are a quick and delicious appetizer that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy buffalo sauce and cheeses, all nestled in crispy pre-baked phyllo cups. Perfect for parties or game day, they bake until bubbly and golden, offering a spicy, savory bite-size treat that’s sure to please.


Ingredients

Buffalo Chicken Filling

  • 1 cup shredded chicken
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons green onion, minced

Phyllo Cups

  • 30 pre-baked phyllo cups (2 packets, 1.9 ounces each)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the filled phyllo cups.
  2. Prepare Phyllo Cups: Lay out the pre-baked phyllo cups evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Make Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, and minced green onions until fully combined and smooth, with no large clumps of cream cheese remaining.
  4. Fill Cups: Carefully spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each phyllo cup, filling them generously but not overflowing.
  5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the filled cups for 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbling.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the cups to cool on the tray for 3-4 minutes before serving to ensure they hold their shape and are safe to eat.

Notes

  • Use pre-baked phyllo cups to save time and ensure crispiness.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce amount to control spiciness level.
  • For a milder flavor, substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce.
  • Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add a couple extra minutes to baking if chilled.
  • Garnish with extra green onions or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 phyllo cup
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg

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