Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m super excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potato Cups. These little bites of heaven are crispy, cheesy, and packed with a spicy buffalo chicken flavor that will leave you craving more1. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a game-day snack, or even a fun twist on dinner1.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and savory chicken is simply irresistible1.
- Texture Heaven: Crispy smashed potatoes topped with a bubbly, cheesy buffalo chicken mixture? Yes, please!1.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip these up in no time1.
- Customizable: Want to adjust the spice level or add different cheeses? Go for it! This recipe is super flexible1.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 12 cups
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 baby red potatoes, about 1-inch in diameter1
- 3 cups (420 g) rotisserie chicken, diced1
- ½ cup (122.5 g) buffalo sauce1
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix1
- 4 ounces (½ package) cream cheese, room temperature1
- 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided1
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper1
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling1
- Extra buffalo sauce, for drizzling1
- Parsley, for garnish1
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 20-25 minutes). Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly1.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)1.
- Smash the Potatoes: Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Place one potato in each cup1. Using the bottom of a small glass, gently press down on each potato to flatten it and create a well13.
- Bake the Smashed Potatoes: Bake the smashed potatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy1.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture: While the potatoes are baking, in a large bowl, mix together the diced chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and pepper until well combined1.
- Assemble the Cups: Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven. Top each potato with an equal amount of the buffalo chicken mixture (about ¼ cup each potato). Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each potato1.
- Bake Again: Place back in the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly1.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and watch them disappear1!
Tips for Customization
- Cheese: Mozzarella is fantastic, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey jack1.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture1.
- Potatoes: Yukon golds or fingerling potatoes can be used as a substitute, ensuring they fit well in the muffin tin1.
- Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken or a shredded chicken recipe works great1.
Serving Suggestions
- Dips: Serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping1.
- Garnishes: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness1.
- Sides: These potato cups pair well with a crisp salad or some celery sticks1.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the smashed potatoes ahead of time and prepare the chicken mixture. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results1.How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through24.Can I freeze these?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the potatoes and cheese may change24.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 200-250
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 10g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
