Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are a fun and flavorful bite-sized treat that’s perfect for game day or any casual gathering. These little bombs pack a punch with spicy buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella cheese all wrapped up in a soft, golden dough. When you take a bite, you get a wonderful mix of spicy, smoky, and cheesy that makes it hard to stop at just one!
I love making these bombs because they’re super easy to share with friends and family, and they disappear fast every time I bring them out. One tip I’ve learned is to make sure the mozzarella is nicely melted inside – that pull-apart cheese stretch is what makes these especially fun. Also, a little ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side really cools down the heat perfectly.
My favorite way to serve these is fresh and warm straight from the oven, maybe alongside some crunchy celery sticks or a fresh salad to balance things out. They’re great for dipping, chatting, and snacking, and always bring a little extra excitement to the table. Whenever I make these, they become the star of the party and bring everyone together for a tasty, satisfying snack.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for a lean option with great texture. Rotisserie chicken works well too if you want to save time.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: This gives the bombs their spicy kick. If you prefer less heat, start with less sauce and add more as you like. Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice.
Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that pairs wonderfully with the buffalo flavor. Turkey bacon is a good lower-fat substitute, but regular bacon has the best flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella balls inside create that amazing cheese pull. If you can’t find them, use small cubes of mozzarella from a block.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These help create a light, crispy coating. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can work but the texture won’t be as crunchy.
How Do You Make Sure the Mozzarella Stays Inside and Melts Perfectly?
Sealing the mozzarella inside the buffalo chicken mixture is key to prevent leaks and ensure gooey cheese.
- Start by flattening the chicken mixture well in your palm.
- Place the mozzarella in the center and gently mold the chicken around it.
- Press firmly to seal edges completely so no gaps remain.
- Coat the balls thoroughly in flour, egg, and panko — this triple layer helps keep everything intact.
- When frying, maintain oil at steady medium heat (around 350°F) to cook evenly without burning.
These steps help keep the cheese melted inside while the outside crisps up beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or pot – perfect for frying the bombs evenly and safely.
- Mixing bowls – for combining your chicken mixture and setting up the breading station.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help you get the right amount of sauce, spices, and flour.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – makes it easy to remove the bombs from hot oil without splashing.
- Paper towels – great for draining excess oil after frying for a crisp finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for cooked ground turkey for a slightly leaner and milder taste.
- Add finely chopped green onions or jalapeños to the filling for a fresh or extra spicy note.
- Try pepper jack cheese inside instead of mozzarella for a creamier, spicier melt.
- Mix in ranch or blue cheese dressing into the chicken blend for extra creaminess and flavor depth.
Tasty Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus 8 small mozzarella balls or cheese cubes)
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
For The Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, plus 10 minutes for frying. Total time is around 30 minutes, making these bombs a quick and delicious snack or appetizer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, chopped cooked bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese, and softened cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper and mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Shape the Bombs:
Take a small handful of the buffalo chicken mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one mozzarella ball or cheese cube in the center, then carefully mold the chicken mixture around it, forming a compact ball and sealing the cheese inside. Repeat to make 8 balls.
3. Prepare Breading Station:
Set out three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the Bombs:
Roll each chicken ball first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, making sure they’re well covered.
5. Fry the Bombs:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded balls in batches and fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle extra chopped bacon and fresh parsley on top. Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, and spicy buffalo chicken bacon mozzarella bombs that melt in your mouth with every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting for quicker thawing.
How Can I Make These Buffalo Chicken Bombs Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and bread the bombs in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready, fry them directly from the fridge—just add an extra minute or two to the frying time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again, about 10 minutes.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and a bit healthier.