Got a container of leftover buffalo chicken staring at you from the fridge? Don’t worry—I’ve been there too! Instead of reheating it the same boring way or (gasp!) throwing it out, let me show you how to transform those spicy leftovers into completely new and exciting meals.
Buffalo chicken is basically a gift that keeps on giving That spicy, tangy flavor works in so many different dishes that you’ll actually start looking forward to having leftovers. Whether you’ve got shredded buffalo chicken, leftover wings, or some buffalo chicken dip hanging around, I’ve got you covered with these creative ideas
Transform Buffalo Chicken Into Complete Meals
1. Buffalo Chicken Pizza
This is probably my favorite way to use leftover buffalo chicken. There’s something magical about the combination of spicy chicken, melty cheese, and crispy crust.
To make it
- Spread buffalo sauce over a prepared pizza crust
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese
- Add your leftover buffalo chicken
- Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles
- Add some chopped celery for crunch
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly
The spicy kick from the chicken combined with the cooling effect of blue cheese makes this pizza absolutely irresistible. Trust me, your family will be begging for “leftovers night” when this is on the menu!
2. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
This is comfort food with a kick! The creamy pasta perfectly balances the spiciness of the buffalo chicken.
To make it:
- Mix your leftover buffalo chicken with cooked pasta
- Add cream cheese and ranch dressing for extra creaminess
- Top with a generous layer of shredded cheese
- Bake until golden and bubbly
Every forkful gives you the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness. It’s like a hug in a casserole dish!
3. Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot more interesting! These buffalo chicken tacos are a fantastic fusion of flavors.
To make it:
- Warm some tortillas
- Fill with shredded buffalo chicken
- Add refried beans, shredded lettuce, and pico de gallo
- Top with Mexican cheese blend
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream to cool things down
The combination of spicy buffalo chicken with traditional taco fixings creates an explosion of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.
4. Buffalo Chicken Salad
Looking for something lighter? This salad doesn’t sacrifice flavor for healthiness.
To make it:
- Toss mixed greens with your leftover buffalo chicken
- Add diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado
- Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese
- Drizzle with ranch dressing
It’s crunchy, creamy, spicy, and refreshing all at once. Plus, you can totally pretend you’re being healthy while still enjoying that buffalo chicken flavor you love.
Turn Buffalo Chicken Into Appetizers
5. Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
These quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch or game day snack. They’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
To make it:
- Place tortillas on a hot skillet
- Add shredded buffalo chicken and cheese
- Top with another tortilla
- Cook until golden and crispy on both sides
Serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping. The contrast between the crispy tortilla and the spicy, cheesy filling is absolutely divine.
6. Buffalo Chicken Wontons
These little bites of heaven combine the spiciness of buffalo chicken with the creaminess of cheese, all wrapped in a crispy wonton shell.
To make it:
- Mix cream cheese, leftover buffalo chicken, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing
- Place a spoonful in the center of wonton wrappers
- Fold and seal with egg wash
- Bake until golden brown
They’re like little flavor bombs that’ll disappear from the plate in seconds!
7. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These mini sandwiches pack a serious flavor punch and are perfect for feeding a crowd.
To make it:
- Mix buffalo chicken with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions
- Spread onto mini slider buns
- Broil until the tops are toasty
- Add lettuce and pickles
Each bite-sized slider delivers a perfect balance of spicy chicken and creamy cheese. They’re seriously addictive!
8. Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
These fusion appetizers combine the best of buffalo wings and Chinese takeout in one crispy package.
To make it:
- Mix buffalo chicken with cream cheese, shredded cabbage, and chopped scallions
- Roll the mixture in egg roll wrappers
- Fry until crispy
- Serve with extra hot sauce or ranch dressing
The crunchy shell gives way to a spicy, creamy filling that’ll make your taste buds sing!
Incorporate Into Baked Dishes
9. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
These colorful stuffed peppers are as beautiful as they are delicious.
To make it:
- Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds
- Fill with a mixture of buffalo chicken, cooked rice, and shredded cheese
- Top with more cheese
- Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly
The sweet peppers provide the perfect contrast to the spicy chicken filling. Plus, they look impressive enough for company!
10. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
This isn’t your ordinary mac and cheese! The addition of buffalo chicken takes this comfort food classic to a whole new level.
To make it:
- Mix cooked macaroni with shredded buffalo chicken
- Add shredded cheddar, cream cheese, milk, and hot sauce
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with more cheese
- Bake until golden and bubbly
It’s creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. I could honestly eat this every day and not get tired of it!
11. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
These stuffed pasta shells are a creative way to use up leftover buffalo chicken.
To make it:
- Mix shredded buffalo chicken with ricotta and mozzarella cheese
- Stuff the mixture into jumbo pasta shells
- Arrange in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce
- Top with more cheese and bake until heated through
The contrast between the spicy chicken filling and the sweet marinara sauce is absolutely magical.
Create Dips and Spreads
12. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This hearty pasta salad works great as a main dish or a side. It’s packed with flavors and textures.
To make it:
- Toss cooked pasta shells with shredded buffalo chicken
- Add black beans, corn, shredded carrots, and diced tomatoes
- Mix with ranch dressing
- Chill before serving
It’s a complete meal in a bowl and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.
13. Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels
These colorful spirals are perfect for parties or potlucks. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
To make it:
- Spread tortillas with a mixture of cream cheese, buffalo chicken, and shredded cheese
- Roll up tightly
- Chill, then slice into pinwheels
- Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping
They’re bite-sized, portable, and packed with flavor. What’s not to love?
14. Buffalo Chicken Spread
This versatile spread works on crackers, in sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
To make it:
- Blend buffalo chicken with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving
- Garnish with green onions
It’s creamy, spicy, and absolutely addictive. I’ve been known to eat this straight from the bowl with a spoon (no judgment, please).
15. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Dip
This dip combines two of the best things in life: pizza and buffalo chicken!
To make it:
- Mix buffalo chicken with cream cheese, mozzarella, pizza sauce, and ranch dressing
- Bake until hot and bubbly
- Serve with tortilla chips or soft pretzels for dipping
It’s like having pizza in dip form, and who wouldn’t want that?
FAQ About Leftover Buffalo Chicken
How long will buffalo chicken last in the fridge?
According to the USDA, cooked chicken should be kept in the fridge at 40°F or below and eaten within 3-4 days. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth but doesn’t stop it completely, so don’t push your luck!
What can I do with leftover buffalo sauce?
If you’ve got extra sauce but no chicken, try tossing it with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or cauliflower before roasting. You can also mix it into hummus or other dips for a spicy kick.
What’s the best thing to eat with buffalo chicken dip?
The classics are tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies like celery and carrot sticks. But don’t stop there—try pretzels, pita chips, or even use it as a spread on sandwiches!
Final Thoughts
I hope these ideas inspire you to look at your leftover buffalo chicken in a whole new light! With a little creativity, those leftovers can become the star of an entirely new meal that your family will love.
Next time you find yourself with extra buffalo chicken, don’t just reheat it—reinvent it! Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.
What’s your favorite way to use leftover buffalo chicken? I’d love to hear your creative ideas too!
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