Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs
Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are a perfect mix of spicy, cheesy, and crispy all rolled into one bite-sized treat! Imagine juicy chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, crispy bacon…
Tip: save now, cook later.Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are a perfect mix of spicy, cheesy, and crispy all rolled into one bite-sized treat! Imagine juicy chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, crispy bacon pieces, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese wrapped in warm, flaky dough. These little bombs pack a punch of flavor that makes them a real crowd-pleaser.
I love making these for game day or any casual get-together because they’re easy to pop in your mouth and share with friends. One tip I always follow is to make sure the buffalo sauce has a good kick but not too much heat, so everyone can enjoy them. The melted mozzarella inside is my favorite part—it stretches and pulls apart in the best way imaginable.
Serving these with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing makes them even better, balancing out the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly. I like to prepare a big batch, and they usually disappear fast, which makes me happy because then I know I nailed the recipe. These bombs are a fun, tasty way to spice up any snack time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using shredded cooked chicken gives these bombs great texture and flavor. Rotisserie chicken works well for quick prep. For a lighter option, try shredded turkey or even cooked tofu.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This adds the classic spicy kick. If you want less heat, swap it for a mild buffalo sauce or a smoky barbecue sauce. Homemade hot sauce blends work great too.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds texture and smoky taste. If you prefer, use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for a lighter or meat-free option.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully inside, creating that gooey stretch. You can use low-moisture mozzarella or even provolone for a different taste.
Breading Ingredients: The flour, egg, and panko breading create a crunchy shell. Feel free to use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if needed; crushed cornflakes can be a fun alternative to panko.
How Do You Wrap and Fry Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Without Them Falling Apart?
Wrapping these bombs takes a bit of care to keep them intact during frying. Here’s how I do it:
- Make sure the chicken mixture is moist but not too wet; the cream cheese and dressing help bind it well.
- Form small cheese balls first, then flatten the chicken mixture in your palm before wrapping the cheese completely. Seal edges tightly by pinching the chicken around the cheese.
- Chill the formed balls in the fridge for 10-15 minutes if they are too soft. This firms them up, making breading and frying easier.
- Coat each ball evenly in flour, egg, then panko. These three layers create a strong barrier to hold everything together while frying.
- Heat oil to the right temperature (350°F/175°C). Too hot, and they brown too fast without cooking through; too cool, and they soak up oil and fall apart.
- Fry in small batches and don’t overcrowd the pan. Use tongs carefully to turn them gently for even cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining the chicken, sauces, and cheese easily.
- Baking sheet or plate – to hold the formed balls before breading and frying.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs to make breading simple.
- Deep fryer or heavy deep pan – helps keep oil at the right temperature for crispy frying.
- Tongs – lets you turn the bomb balls gently without breaking them.
- Paper towels – to drain excess oil after frying and keep the bombs crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a different, leaner protein option.
- Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture for extra heat if you like it spicy.
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a little smoky spice inside.
- Mix in finely chopped green onions or celery for a bit of crunch and fresh flavor.
Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (plus extra for serving)
For The Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, including frying time. You’ll spend some time mixing the filling, forming and breading the balls, then frying until golden and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Filling:
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the crumbled bacon into the mixture and blend evenly.
2. Form The Mozzarella Centers:
On a clean work surface, shape the remaining mozzarella cheese into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. These will go inside the bombs for that gooey cheese pull.
3. Make The Bombs:
Take a handful of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one mozzarella ball in the center, then carefully wrap the chicken mixture all around it, shaping it into a smooth ball. Repeat until all filling and cheese balls are used.
4. Bread The Bombs:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko bread crumbs. Roll each ball first in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Fry Until Golden:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bombs in batches for about 3-4 minutes each, turning gently to brown all sides evenly. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
Arrange the bombs on a plate, drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Sprinkle with the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley for a tasty finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Can I Make These Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bombs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. Just keep them covered tightly to prevent drying out. Fry when ready for best texture and flavor.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. Turn halfway through for even browning.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
You can substitute buffalo sauce with a mix of hot sauce and melted butter, or use your favorite spicy barbecue sauce for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunch.