Name: Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 package puff pastry ((17.3-oz), defrosted); 1 cup cooked chopped chicken; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 3 Tbsp buffalo wing sauce; 1/2 cup bottled ranch dressing; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day gatherings, dinner parties, or just a cozy night in. They combine the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the creamy richness of ranch dressing, all wrapped up in flaky, golden puff pastry. These delightful bites are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that everyone will rave about!

Why This Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs Stands Out

These puffs stand out because they marry two beloved comfort foods: buffalo chicken and pastry puffs. The crunch of the pastry, paired with the zesty chicken salad filling, creates a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. Each bite is packed with savory ingredients that tantalize the taste buds, making them a perfect appetizer or snack. Plus, they are easy to make ahead of time, allowing for stress-free entertaining!

What Goes Into Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs

To whip up these Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, defrosted
1 cup cooked chopped chicken
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 Tbsp buffalo wing sauce
1/2 cup bottled ranch dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making these puffs an irresistible treat.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen gear handy:

Baking sheet: For baking the pastry puffs.
Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Mixing bowl: For combining the chicken salad ingredients.
Rolling pin: To roll out the puff pastry, if needed.
Cookie cutter or knife: To cut out pastry squares.
Pastry brush: For egg wash or butter application, if desired.

Having these tools ready will streamline your cooking process and make assembling your Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs a breeze.

How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs:

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the defrosted puff pastry and roll it out on a lightly floured surface, if necessary. Cut the pastry into squares, approximately 3×3 inches.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, chopped celery, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the sauces.

Step 3: Assemble the Puffs

Place a tablespoon of the buffalo chicken filling in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastry to burst while baking. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle, sealing the edges by pressing them together with a fork or your fingers.

Step 4: Bake the Puffs

Transfer the filled pastry puffs to a parchment-lined baking sheet. For a golden finish, brush the tops with melted butter or an egg wash (1 beaten egg with a splash of water). Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the puffs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion!

What to Use Instead

If you’re looking to substitute any ingredient in your Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs, consider these alternatives:

Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even diced turkey for a different flavor.
Buffalo wing sauce: Try a homemade hot sauce or a milder sauce if you prefer less heat.
Ranch dressing: Swap for blue cheese dressing for a more robust flavor.
Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative that still adds creaminess.
Cheddar cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.

These substitutes can help you customize the puffs to your taste preferences or to use what you already have on hand.

Common Errors (and Fixes)

While making Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs is straightforward, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Overfilling the pastry: This can lead to bursting during baking. Stick to a tablespoon of filling per puff.
Not sealing the edges properly: Be sure to seal the edges well to prevent leaks. A fork works great for this.
Using puff pastry that is too warm: If the pastry is too warm, it may not puff up properly. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to bake.
Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash gives the puffs a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step!

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid potential pitfalls and enjoy perfectly baked puffs every time.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the puffs ahead of time, here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them:

Storing: Keep any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Unbaked puffs can be frozen. Assemble them and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To reheat baked puffs, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain their crispiness.

Proper storage and reheating will ensure you enjoy these tasty bites for days to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the puffs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake, or freeze them for later use.

What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs?

These puffs are amazing on their own, but they can also be served with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, alongside fresh vegetables, or a light salad.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor to your puffs.

Are these puffs spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by changing the amount of buffalo wing sauce used. For a milder version, reduce the sauce or use a milder hot sauce.

That’s a Wrap

Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will elevate your snacking game. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them to your liking with various ingredients. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a comforting snack at home, these puffs are sure to impress. With easy preparation and a short baking time, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the pastry paired with the creamy, spicy filling that makes each bite a delicious experience. Get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible Buffalo Chicken Salad Pastry Puffs!