Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
If you’re a fan of bold, tangy flavors but want something a little fancier than your usual wing night fare, this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe is exactly what you need. They’re bite-sized bursts of spicy, creamy goodness wrapped in a flaky, crispy little phyllo cup — absolutely addictive. I love how they bring that great buffalo chicken taste, but in a neat, party-friendly form that everyone can grab and enjoy.
What makes this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe stand out for me is just how easy it is to throw together, especially when you want to impress guests without fussing over complicated cooking. Plus, these cups hold up beautifully, so they’re perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or even a casual weeknight snack when you want something a little special. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here work in harmony to deliver that classic buffalo kick with creamy, cheesy balance, all held in those irresistibly crisp phyllo cups. Each element is simple but crucial — you want fresh cream cheese for smoothness and the right buffalo sauce that matches your heat preference.
- Phyllo Cups: Using pre-baked cups saves you a ton of time and guarantees crunchiness without extra prep.
- Shredded Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken or even shredded turkey work perfectly here.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty component that pairs beautifully with buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Sauce: Pick your favorite brand or homemade version — it defines the flavor’s spice and tang.
- Minced Green Onion: Adds a fresh bite and gentle crunch that lightens up the richness.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe to match whatever mood I’m in or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to experiment — that’s part of the fun!
- Mild Version: Swap buffalo sauce with a milder wing sauce or mix in some ranch dressing — I’ve done this for family gatherings where not everyone loves heat.
- Blue Cheese Twist: Add crumbled blue cheese on top or stirred into the filling for an extra tangy, creamy punch — perfect if you’re a traditionalist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or cauliflower florets spiced with buffalo sauce to keep the flavor without meat.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some finely chopped celery or walnuts to add texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling Just Right
Start by combining the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, buffalo sauce, and minced green onion in a medium bowl. I usually use a fork or a small spatula to gently mix everything until well combined but still a little chunky — you don’t want a paste, just a creamy filling that showcases each ingredient. If your cream cheese is still a bit cold, warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds to avoid lumps.
Step 2: Fill the Phyllo Cups
Carefully spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken filling into each phyllo cup. I find using a small cookie scoop or even a teaspoon helps keep portions neat and consistent. Don’t overfill — too much can make the cups soggy or messy when you pick them up. These cups are delicate but sturdy, so gentle handling goes a long way.
Step 3: Bake Until Warm and Melty
Place the filled phyllo cups on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This warms the filling and melts the cheese lightly without compromising the phyllo’s crispness. Keep an eye on them — you want them hot through but not burnt.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping these with a little extra green onion or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side — it cools down the heat nicely and adds a creamy tang.
Side Dishes
When I serve Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe for gatherings, I like pairing them with crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks — classic buffalo accompaniments. A simple green salad or coleslaw can round out the meal without competing with those bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging the phyllo cups on a large platter, alternating colors by adding small edible flowers or fresh herbs between them. It turns a casual snack into an eye-catching appetizer spread that guests always comment on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the unbaked filled phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the filling fresh and the cups crisp before baking. They’ll last for up to 24 hours refrigerated before you want to bake and serve.
Freezing
I’ve frozen filled but unbaked phyllo cups by wrapping them gently in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When I’m ready to use them, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. The phyllo stays surprisingly crisp!
Reheating
Leftover baked Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups are best reheated in the oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to keep that flaky texture. Microwaving can make the phyllo soggy, so I avoid it whenever I can.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe super quick to prepare without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure to shred it finely for easier filling.
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What if I can’t find pre-baked phyllo cups?
Not a problem — you can use sheets of phyllo dough brushed with butter and baked in mini muffin tins until crisp. This takes a bit longer but gives you the same crispy, flaky base for your filling.
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How spicy will these Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups be?
The heat level primarily depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. I recommend starting with mild or medium sauce and adjusting to your taste, especially if you’re serving a crowd with varying spice tolerance.
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Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! You can mix the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before filling the phyllo cups for the best texture.
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Are there any dairy-free versions of this recipe?
If you’re looking for dairy-free options, consider using plant-based cream cheese and cheddar substitutes. The buffalo sauce is usually dairy-free, but always check labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe has become one of my go-to easy appetizers, especially when I want something with tons of flavor but minimal stress. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and that crisp phyllo shell really hits the spot every time. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing these—so go ahead, give it a try, and trust me, your friends will be asking for the recipe!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 30 phyllo cups (serves about 10–15 people as an appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups are a perfect appetizer combining crispy phyllo pastry filled with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken mixture. They’re easy to prepare, flavorful, and ideal for parties or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 30 pre-baked phyllo cups (2 packs, 1.9 ounces each)
Filling
- 1 cup shredded cooked 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 bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, and minced green onion. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated and creamy.
- Fill the phyllo cups: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly into each pre-baked phyllo cup, filling them generously but without overflowing.
- Bake the phyllo cups: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled phyllo cups on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is warmed through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm: Carefully remove the phyllo cups from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it to save time before baking.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a mild sauce.
- For added texture, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese on top before baking.
- These appetizers are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, phyllo cups, appetizer, party food, finger food, easy recipe
