Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These Buffalo Chicken Cups are the perfect answer – a fun twist on classic buffalo chicken dip, perfect for a weeknight meal or a game-day snack. They're packed with flavor, require minimal cleanup, and are surprisingly healthy too! This recipe is a testament to homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 12 large muffin tin cups (paper or silicone liners work great)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your muffin tin. This simple step ensures easy removal of your delicious chicken cups later.
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Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
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Buffalo Sauce Magic: Stir in the buffalo wing sauce and cook for another minute, allowing the chicken to absorb the delicious flavors. This is where the real magic happens!
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Mix it Up: Remove the chicken from the heat and stir in the ranch dressing. The creamy ranch perfectly balances the spicy buffalo sauce.
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Assemble the Cups: Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the muffin tin cups. Sprinkle each cup generously with cheddar and blue cheese (if using). A little extra cheese never hurts!
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
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Garnish & Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. These are fantastic hot, but also taste great at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Cups:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your preferred spice level. For a milder flavor, use less sauce or opt for a milder buffalo sauce variety.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would all be delicious.
- Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Chopped celery, bacon bits, or even some cooked crumbled sausage would be fantastic additions.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the cups right before baking.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Mild: Use a milder buffalo sauce or omit the blue cheese for a less intense flavor.
- BBQ: Substitute BBQ sauce for the buffalo wing sauce for a completely different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per cup, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
These Buffalo Chicken Cups are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. They're perfect for a quick dinner, a game-day snack, or even a fun appetizer. Enjoy!