Name: Buffalo Chicken Puff Pastry Bites with Blue Cheese and Veggie Relish Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large carrot, peeled, grated (optional); 1 large stalk celery, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; Kosher salt, to taste; 6 oz cream cheese, softened; 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup hot sauce; 1 1/2 tsp store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning; 2 1/4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (about 12 oz); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles, plus more for serving; 4 tbsp sliced chives, divided; All-purpose flour, for dusting surface; 1 (8 1/2-oz.) sheet puff pastry; Cooking spray; Ranch dressing, for serving

Ingredients

1 large carrot, peeled and grated (optional)

1 large stalk celery, thinly sliced

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Kosher salt

6 oz cream cheese, softened

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup hot sauce

1 1/2 tsp store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning

2 1/4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (about 12 oz)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles, plus more for serving

4 tbsp sliced chives, divided

All-purpose flour, for surface

1 (8 1/2-oz) sheet puff pastry

Cooking spray

Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a small bowl, toss the grated carrot, sliced celery, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt together. Set this mixture aside to marinate until serving.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Fold in the chopped rotisserie chicken, shredded cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, and 3 tablespoons of sliced chives until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to a rectangle approximately 12 by 10 inches. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 equal squares.

Step 4: Spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press one pastry square into each muffin cup, forming a small cup shape. Fill each pastry cup with the prepared chicken mixture.

Step 5: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow them to cool in the muffin tin for 5 to 10 minutes after baking.

Step 6: Carefully transfer the bites to a serving platter. Top each bite with the reserved carrot and celery mixture and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chives. Serve warm with ranch dressing on the side.

Tips & Variations

For an extra spicy kick, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.

Use homemade Cajun seasoning to control the salt and heat intensity.

Swap blue cheese crumbles for feta or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

If puff pastry is frozen, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before rolling to prevent tearing.

Serve with celery sticks alongside for a traditional buffalo wing experience.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites a few hours before baking. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best puff and crisp texture.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs, then let them cool before mixing with the other ingredients. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds great flavor, but fresh chicken works well too.