Buffalo Chicken Crispy Rice Bites
Buffalo Chicken Crispy Rice Bites combine spicy buffalo chicken, crispy rice, and a creamy drizzle into a crave-worthy, bite-sized snack or dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, these bites are perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or game day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked white rice (about 350g; jasmine or basmati recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 225g; rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (80ml)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (30g)
- 1 tablespoon ranch or blue cheese dressing (15ml, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (50g)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Extra buffalo sauce and ranch/blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Once hot, add cooked rice and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Press rice into an even layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes.
- Flip and stir gently, cooking another 2-4 minutes until rice is golden and crisp in spots.
- Transfer crispy rice to a bowl and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch/blue cheese dressing, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Mix until creamy and evenly coated. Adjust spice level as desired.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Press tablespoon-sized mounds of crispy rice onto the sheet, flattening slightly to make round bases (about 12 bites).
- Spray lightly with cooking oil for extra crunch.
- Top each rice base with a heaping tablespoon of buffalo chicken mixture and gently press down.
- Sprinkle each bite with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1 minute for extra crisp if desired.
- Remove from oven and cool for 1 minute.
- Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley on top.
- Serve hot.
Notes
For gluten-free, double-check buffalo sauce and dressings. Dairy-free cheese and ranch can be substituted. Day-old rice crisps best. For vegetarian, use chickpeas or jackfruit instead of chicken. Bites can be made ahead and baked before serving. For extra crunch, broil briefly after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 7
Keywords: buffalo chicken, crispy rice, appetizer, snack, game day, easy dinner, party food, protein, quick recipe