Wild Buffalo Chicken Clusters

Name: Wild Buffalo Chicken Clusters
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch); Ranch or Blue cheese dressing; Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Wild Buffalo Chicken Clusters for gatherings and game days. The spicy kick from the buffalo sauce combined with tender chicken creates an explosion of flavor that everyone raves about. In just under an hour, I can whip up these bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing. Each cluster oozes with cheesy goodness and satisfies even the most ravenous of appetites. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them every chance you get!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:10:28.472Z

When I first experimented with creating these Wild Buffalo Chicken Clusters, I knew I wanted something that packed a punch without being overly complicated. The blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce binds together beautifully and makes each bite a burst of flavor. I found that using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese really enhances the cheesy goodness, balancing out the heat from the buffalo sauce.

One of my favorite tips is to bake the clusters on parchment paper. This not only helps with clean-up but ensures that they don't stick to the tray, keeping their beautiful shape. I also recommend drizzling some extra buffalo sauce on top just before serving for an added kick!

Why You'll Love These Clusters
Spicy yet creamy flavor that hits the spot
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion
Perfectly bite-sized clusters that are great for sharing

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in Wild Buffalo Chicken Clusters plays a vital role in creating the perfect blend of flavors. The shredded chicken provides a solid protein base, while cream cheese adds creaminess that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. If you're looking for a spicy kick without overwhelming heat, opt for a mild buffalo sauce and adjust the quantity to taste. The mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses not only contributes to the gooey texture but also complements the buffalo flavor beautifully.

Green onions add a fresh, crisp element to the clusters, enhancing their depth of flavor. For a more intense onion taste, consider substituting with finely chopped red onions. Keep in mind that ingredient quality matters; using fresh chicken and high-quality cheeses will elevate your dish significantly. If you're in a pinch, rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saver without compromising flavor.

Techniques for Success

When forming your clusters, make sure not to overwork the mixture; you want to keep a light, fluffy texture. Roughly handle or scoop the mixture to form clusters that maintain their structure when baked. If you find the mixture too wet, consider adding a bit more breadcrumbs or chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up before forming clusters. As you bake, keep an eye out for golden edges and a bubbly top, which indicate that they're ready to come out of the oven.

If you prefer a crunchier exterior, baking the clusters longer can help achieve that, but be careful not to dry them out. Check for doneness at the 25-minute mark but be ready to leave them in for an additional 5 minutes if needed. Trust your instincts; each oven can vary. Also, remember to let them cool slightly after baking to avoid burning your mouth on that deliciously hot buffalo sauce.

Ingredients

For the Clusters

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)

For Serving

Ranch or Blue cheese dressing
Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form Clusters

Using your hands or a spoon, form small clusters of the chicken mixture, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. If desired, roll them in the breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Bake

Place the clusters on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Serve

Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to add some shredded carrots or celery to the mixture to enhance the crunch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Wild Buffalo Chicken Clusters can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to two days before baking. Just prepare the clusters and place them in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time as they will go into the oven cold. Additionally, these clusters freeze nicely; layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before baking straight from the freezer.

For leftovers, store any uneaten clusters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through to retain their original texture and flavor. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the clusters soggy.

Serving Variations

While ranch and blue cheese dressings are traditional accompaniments, try experimenting with other dips to elevate your serving options. A tangy Greek yogurt dip mixed with garlic powder, dill, and lemon juice can provide a refreshing alternative that complements the heat of the clusters. You could also consider a cilantro-lime dressing for a zesty twist. For a fun presentation, stack clusters in a tiered serving dish, drizzling sauces between layers for a visually appealing dish that encourages sharing.

For different flavor profiles, try adding smoked paprika or chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a smoky or extra spicy version. You can even swap out traditional buffalo sauce for a barbecue or teriyaki sauce to create unique clusters that cater to different palates. The versatility of this recipe allows for plenty of creativity while maintaining that deliciously comforting essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these clusters ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form the clusters a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake when you're ready to serve.

→ What kind of chicken is best to use?

You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken. Just make sure it's well-drained and shredded.

→ Can I freeze the clusters?

Absolutely! You can freeze the formed clusters before baking. Just make sure to freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ How can I make these less spicy?

You can use a mild buffalo sauce or mix in some sour cream to balance out the heat while keeping the flavor.