Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs
Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are little pockets of joy packed with spicy buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese. These bombs are crispy on the outside and…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are little pockets of joy packed with spicy buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese. These bombs are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside, making them the perfect snack or appetizer for any casual get-together.
I love making these because they combine all my favorite flavors into one bite—buffalo heat, smoky bacon, and melty cheese. They’re super fun to eat and pretty easy to put together, which means I usually make a big batch to share with friends and family. Plus, they always disappear fast, which is a great sign!
My favorite way to serve these bombs is with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They’re great for game day, parties, or even just a cozy night in when you want something warm and satisfying. Honestly, once you try these, you’ll find yourself coming up with all kinds of reasons to make them again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken breast is the base here for protein and texture. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap for shredded turkey if you prefer.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great smoky flavor and crunch. Feel free to use turkey bacon for a leaner option or omit it if you want a simpler bite.
Mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully inside the bombs, giving that gooey center. You can substitute with provolone or Monterey Jack if needed.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Key for that spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your heat tolerance, or swap with a milder hot sauce if you like less spice.
Breadcrumbs & Parmesan: Panko breadcrumbs are perfect for a crispy coating. Mixing in Parmesan boosts flavor and crunch. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
How Do You Get the Bombs Crispy and Gooey Without Falling Apart?
Creating these bombs means balancing a sturdy crust and a melty inside. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix the filling well: Combine chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressings fully so the mix binds well.
- Seal the cheese inside: Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the chicken mix tightly around it to prevent leaking while frying.
- Double breading: Dip in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeat the egg and breadcrumb step. This double coating creates a crispy shell that holds together.
- Fry at proper temperature: Keep your oil at about 350°F (175°C) to ensure even browning without soggy or greasy bombs.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches so the temperature stays steady and the bombs cook evenly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all your filling ingredients easily.
- Small bowls – great for setting up your breading station without mess.
- Deep skillet or fryer – heats oil evenly for frying the bombs to crispy perfection.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps you safely remove bombs from hot oil without splashes.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil and keeping bombs crisp.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredient amounts just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a mild spicy kick inside the bombs.
- Mix in finely diced green onions or jalapeños for fresh heat and crunch.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with BBQ sauce as a tasty alternative to buffalo sauce.
- Add a handful of shredded cheddar or smoked gouda for deeper cheesy flavor.
Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
For The Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying and Garnish:
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for frying, totaling roughly 35 minutes. It’s quick enough for a tasty snack and perfect for sharing during a party or game day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, salt, and pepper together. Stir well until everything is fully combined and creamy.
2. Form The Bombs:
Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center. Shape it into a ball, making sure the cheese is completely enclosed by the chicken mixture. Repeat until all mixture is used.
3. Set Up Breading Station:
Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bread the Bombs:
Roll each bomb first in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
5. Fry the Bombs:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place bombs into the hot oil in batches, frying until they turn golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve with Cheese Topping:
While still hot, drizzle melted mozzarella cheese or cheese sauce over the bombs. Sprinkle with extra crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley for a stylish finish.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these delicious buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs immediately with extra buffalo sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before shredding to avoid excess moisture. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Bombs?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bombs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare and bread the bombs ahead of time, then refrigerate them on a tray covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.