Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
Whenever I’m looking for a snack that’s both impressive and easy to whip up, my Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe always steals the show. These little bites pack so much flavor with that spicy buffalo kick balanced by creamy cheeses, all nestled in delicate, crunchy phyllo cups. What I love most is how perfect they are for game days, parties, or even a casual get-together with friends.
This Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe has become my go-to when I want something customizable and quick without sacrificing taste. Plus, the crispy phyllo shells keep everything mess-free, making serving and eating a breeze. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll want to make them your own staple appetizer too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully to create that classic buffalo flavor with a creamy twist, all wrapped up in crispy bite-sized cups. Here are some tips on what to look for when you shop and how each component adds to the recipe’s success.
- Phyllo cups: Using pre-baked phyllo cups saves tons of time and delivers that perfect crunch every time—no need to fuss with delicate dough yourself.
- Shredded chicken: I usually grab rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover chicken works just as well here.
- Cream cheese: Be sure to soften it to room temperature to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang that complements the buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo sauce: Pick your favorite brand or spice level; this is where you control how fiery these bites get.
- Green onion: Freshly minced green onion adds a mild oniony crunch and brightens up the filling.
Variations
I like to change up this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the crowd I’m serving. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.
- Variation: Swap the chicken for shredded turkey or even cooked cauliflower for a vegetarian twist—I’ve done both and they’re surprisingly delicious!
- Variation: Add some blue cheese crumbles on top if you love that classic Buffalo wing flavor; it takes these cups over the top.
- Variation: For less spice, reduce the buffalo sauce or mix it with a touch of ranch dressing to mellow the heat based on personal preferences.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling Until Perfectly Creamy
Start by combining your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, buffalo sauce, and minced green onions in a bowl. Use a fork or spoon to mix everything until it’s smooth and well incorporated—no big lumps of cream cheese here! This step is key because a creamy, evenly mixed filling makes each bite balanced and tasty. If you find your mixture a bit thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it up slightly.
Step 2: Fill the Phyllo Cups Gently
Grab your pre-baked phyllo cups and spoon in just enough filling to mound it slightly without overflowing. I usually use a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon—whatever helps keep things neat. Overstuffing can make the cups soggy or messy to eat, so err on the side of moderation. Plus, you’ll have leftovers to enjoy later!
Step 3: Quick Bake to Melt and Warm
Pop the filled cups on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes. This melts the cheddar just enough and heats the filling through. Keep a close eye so the phyllo stays crisp and doesn’t brown too much. The aroma while they’re baking? Pure heaven.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe

Garnishes
I like topping mine with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions and sometimes a tiny drizzle of ranch dressing for a cool contrast. Crumbled blue cheese works wonders too if you’re feeling fancy. It’s these little touches that make the presentation pop and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
When I serve these, I usually pair them with crunchy celery sticks or a big bowl of mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette. The crisp veggies really help balance out the spicy, cheesy richness of the phyllo cups.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I love arranging these Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe bites on a wooden platter surrounded by small bowls of ranch, blue cheese dressing, and extra buffalo sauce. It lets everyone customize their bites, making it interactive and fun. Another favorite idea is serving them inside a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or squash for a festive fall touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I’d recommend reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave to keep the phyllo cups crisp instead of soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the filling separately with good results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before spooning it into fresh phyllo cups and baking as usual. Freezing the filled cups isn’t ideal because the phyllo tends to lose its crunch after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, I place the cups on a baking sheet and warm them in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crispness and gently remelts the cheese without drying everything out. It’s way better than zapping them in the microwave.
FAQs
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Can I make the Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, just fill and bake the phyllo cups right before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
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Can I use fresh phyllo dough instead of pre-baked cups?
You can, but it takes more time and care to shape and bake the delicate layers without tearing. For ease and consistency, I recommend the pre-baked cups, especially if you’re making these for a crowd.
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How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. I suggest starting with a medium-spicy version if you’re unsure, then adjusting up or down for future batches based on your guests’ taste buds.
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Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely! Shredded turkey or even cooked, seasoned tofu can work well. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to keep that buffalo flavor alive.
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What’s the best way to keep the phyllo cups from getting soggy?
Fill just before baking and serve immediately after warming. Also, avoid overfilling the cups—this prevents moisture from seeping into the phyllo and keeps each bite delightfully crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe has definitely earned a special place in my recipe collection because it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. I love sharing it with friends who always ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). It’s the kind of recipe you can feel confident serving at any gathering, knowing everyone will enjoy them. Give it a try—you’ll see why it quickly becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.
PrintBuffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups are a savory and spicy appetizer featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and tangy buffalo sauce, all nestled in crispy pre-baked phyllo cups. Perfect for game day or parties, these bite-sized treats combine crunchy phyllo shells with a rich, flavorful filling topped off with fresh green onions for a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 30 appetizer cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 30 pre-baked phyllo cups (2 packs, 1.9 ounces each)
Filling
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced green onion
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the filling is creamy and well blended.
- Fill the phyllo cups: Using a spoon, carefully scoop the buffalo chicken mixture into each pre-baked phyllo cup, filling them generously but without overstuffing to maintain their structural integrity.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the minced green onion evenly over the filled phyllo cups for a fresh and mildly pungent finish. Serve immediately or chill for a short while before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling texture.
- If you prefer, substitute shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- These phyllo cups can be prepared ahead of time and kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.
- To make these gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free phyllo cups or substitute with gluten-free pastry shells.
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, phyllo cups, appetizer, party food, game day snack, buffalo sauce, creamy filling
