Buffalo Chicken Bacon Bombs

Buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs deliver bold flavor wrapped in a crispy golden exterior with a melted, cheesy center. These crowd-pleasing bites combine spicy buffalo sauce, smoky bacon, and juicy seasoned ground chicken for an irresistible snack that shines at game nights or casual get-togethers. Whether fried or baked, they provide an exciting balance of textures and flavors that make every bite unforgettable.

I first made these for a neighborhood potluck where they vanished almost immediately. Since then my friends have been asking me to bring them to every gathering because the combination of melty mozzarella and bacon inside that crispy shell is pure magic.

• Ground chicken: one pound for juicy flavor and manageable texture pick fresh chicken without excess moisture
• Buffalo sauce: one cup for vibrant spicy tang use a favorite store-bought brand or homemade for extra punch
• Block mozzarella cheese: cut into cubes for perfect gooey melty centers avoid pre-shredded cheese for best results
• Cooked bacon: crumbled for smoky crunch make a little extra to snack on while assembling
• Breadcrumbs: use panko for extra crispiness or regular if you prefer freshly made crumbs work best
• Flour: all purpose flour helps the coating stick evenly use quality flour for best texture
• Large eggs: beaten to bind the breading use fresh eggs for better adhesion
• Garlic powder: fine for subtle savory depth be sure it is fresh and free of clumps
• Onion powder: smooth and even helps balance flavors check freshness before use
• Paprika: adds sweetness and mild smoky notes smoked paprika is nice if you want more depth
• Salt and pepper: season to taste flaky salt adds a nice finishing pop
• Oil for frying: choose neutral oils like vegetable or canola heat thoroughly for crispy results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Mozzarella Filling:

Cut the mozzarella block into even bite-size cubes for gooey centers. Wrap each cube with a small amount of crumbled cooked bacon to add smoky crispiness and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking. Set the filled cubes aside on a plate to hold their shape.

Season the Chicken:

Combine the ground chicken with garlic powder onion powder paprika salt pepper and half a cup of buffalo sauce. Mix thoroughly by hand until the mixture feels sticky and the seasoning is well distributed to ensure every bomb is flavorful.

Form the Bombs:

Take a golf ball sized portion of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one bacon-wrapped mozzarella cube in the center. Carefully enclose the cheese by pinching the edges tightly, then roll gently to shape a smooth ball. Keeping the filling centered is key for even cooking and no cheese leakage.

Coat the Bombs:

Lightly coat each chicken ball with flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into beaten egg until fully covered then roll in breadcrumbs pressing gently so the coating adheres evenly. Arrange the coated bombs on a baking sheet ready to cook.

Cook by Frying or Baking:

For frying heat oil to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep fryer or heavy skillet. Fry the bombs in batches carefully lowering them into the hot oil. Cook each batch for about five to six minutes turning as needed until golden and chicken is cooked through. For baking place bombs on a greased baking tray and lightly spray the tops with oil. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for eighteen to twenty minutes turning once halfway through for even browning.

Sauce and Serve:

After cooking toss the bombs in the remaining buffalo sauce for full flavor or simply drizzle to taste for a milder heat. Garnish with extra bacon bits if desired and serve immediately for the best gooey cheese pull and crisp texture.

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Mozzarella is the star of the show for me because of its epic stretchiness. Our family even has a playful tradition where everyone competes to see who can get the longest cheese pull and the winner claims the last bomb on the plate.

Storage Tips

Keep cooked bombs in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days. For long-term storage freeze them on a baking sheet until firm then transfer to a resealable bag. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness while warming the filling evenly. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or lean beef can easily replace ground chicken giving slight variations in flavor. For a milder version swap buffalo sauce with honey barbecue sauce. To make the recipe gluten free use almond flour and gluten free breadcrumbs to maintain a crispy coating without gluten.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs are fantastic with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dip on the side. For a festive touch set up a toppings bar with crumbled blue cheese diced green onions and extra hot sauce. You can also stuff them in a toasted sub roll with tangy coleslaw for a hearty sandwich treat.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Buffalo-style chicken originated in Buffalo New York where classic chicken wings were coated in a tangy spicy sauce that became an American favorite. This recipe takes that iconic flavor and combines it with bacon and mozzarella to elevate a sports bar staple into bite-sized savory bombs perfect for sharing and celebrations.

These bites bring the perfect mix of melty cheese and spicy bacon chicken every time. Sharing them with friends is always a win, and they never last long at the party table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you prevent mozzarella from leaking during cooking?

Wrap each mozzarella cube tightly with bacon and enclose fully in the seasoned chicken, sealing all edges to keep cheese from escaping while cooking.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the bombs up to 24 hours before cooking. Coat with breadcrumbs just before frying or baking for best results.

→ What’s the best way to achieve a crispy coating?

Using panko breadcrumbs and frying in hot oil at 350°F creates a crunchy crust. Baking with a light oil spray also works well for a crisp exterior.

→ How can the spiciness be toned down?

Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or substitute it with a milder sauce. Serving with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese helps balance heat.

→ Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to maintain texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

→ What are some good serving suggestions?

Serve hot with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dip, and garnish with green onions, blue cheese crumbles, or additional bacon bits for extra flavor.