Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted a bite-sized appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, the Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe is where it’s at. These little cups are the perfect mix of crunchy, creamy, and spicy all rolled into one, making them ideal for game day snacks, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser. I remember bringing these to a party once, and they pretty much disappeared in minutes—everyone kept asking for the recipe.
What makes this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe so special is how effortlessly the spicy buffalo sauce melds with creamy cheese and tender shredded chicken, all nestled in a delicate phyllo shell. Plus, they come together quickly since those pre-baked phyllo cups do most of the heavy lifting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of heat and creaminess. The key is using pre-baked phyllo cups for convenience, and choosing good quality buffalo sauce that nails that tangy kick you want in every bite.
- Phyllo Cups: Look for pre-baked mini phyllo shells in the frozen section—they save so much time and add great crunch.
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great here for ease, or you can shred leftover roasted chicken.
- Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly into the filling, making it extra creamy and rich.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar adds that nice tang and meltiness to the filling.
- Buffalo Sauce: I use a medium-spicy sauce to keep the heat just right—feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Minced Green Onion: Adds a fresh, mild bite that perfectly complements the bold buffalo flavor.
Variations
I love tweaking this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe depending on the occasion. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—switching up ingredients can make it fit any mood or dietary need.
- Variation: I’ve swapped in blue cheese crumbles instead of cheddar, which gives it a classic buffalo wing vibe that my family adores.
- Variation: For a lighter version, I sometimes use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese—it keeps things creamy but less rich.
- Variation: Adding diced celery for crunch inside the filling gives it an awesome texture contrast and makes the cups look really vibrant.
- Variation: If you want to make it vegetarian-friendly, shredded jackfruit with the buffalo sauce imitates that chicken texture surprisingly well.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Start by combining your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, buffalo sauce, and minced green onions in a medium bowl. Use a fork or a spatula to mix everything until it’s well blended and creamy. If the cream cheese isn’t soft enough, give it a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—this makes mixing a breeze and keeps the filling smooth.
Step 2: Fill the Phyllo Cups
Grab your pre-baked phyllo cups and carefully spoon about a tablespoon of the chicken filling into each one. Try not to overfill, so the cups hold their shape and stay crisp. I find using a small cookie scoop or even a piping bag helps make this step neater, especially when you’re prepping for a party.
Step 3: Warm and Serve
Place the filled phyllo cups onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This melts the cheese and heats everything through while keeping the phyllo crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn or get soggy. Once done, let them cool just a minute before serving.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a bit more minced green onion or drizzle a touch of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top for a creamy finish. If you like it extra zesty, a tiny celery stick on the side adds crunch and looks adorable.
Side Dishes
These phyllo cups pair perfectly with crisp veggie sticks—carrots and celery are classic choices—or even a simple mixed greens salad to balance out the richness. For game day, I like serving them alongside some crispy sweet potato fries for a real crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for a holiday gathering, I arranged the cups on a platter lined with leafy lettuce and used colorful mini flags to label the flavor. It made the display festive and easy for guests to grab. You can also experiment with serving these in small shot glasses sitting in a shallow dish of buffalo sauce for dipping—super fun and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I recommend storing leftover filled phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge, but be aware the phyllo will lose some of its crispness overnight. To combat sogginess, I usually reheat them in the oven to help revive that crunch.
Freezing
Personally, I don’t freeze the filled phyllo cups because the texture of the phyllo shell doesn’t hold up well after thawing. However, you can freeze the buffalo chicken filling separately in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before filling fresh phyllo cups.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the phyllo cups in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it makes the phyllo soggy and chewy, which totally kills the experience.
FAQs
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Can I make Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap out the cream cheese and cheddar for your favorite dairy-free alternatives, like vegan cream cheese and plant-based shredded cheese. Just make sure your buffalo sauce doesn’t contain dairy, as some brands add butter.
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What can I substitute for the buffalo sauce?
If you’re not a fan of buffalo-style heat, try swapping in BBQ sauce or a spicy honey mustard for a different twist that still packs flavor.
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Can I prepare these phyllo cups in advance for a party?
You can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Fill and bake the phyllo cups right before serving to ensure the crispiness stays intact.
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What if I can’t find pre-baked phyllo cups?
No worries! You can make your own by brushing phyllo sheets with melted butter and baking them in mini muffin tins until golden and crispy. Just be gentle to avoid tearing the delicate sheets.
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Is this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe gluten-free?
Traditional phyllo dough contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free phyllo or use small gluten-free pastry shells as an alternative.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe enough for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy finger foods. It has become my secret weapon whenever I want to wow guests without all the fuss. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how big an impact these little bites make. Plus, they’re just plain fun to eat!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 30 phyllo cups (serves about 6–8 as an appetizer) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups are a delightful appetizer combining the crispy, flaky texture of pre-baked phyllo cups with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken filling. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they offer a flavorful bite-sized treat that balances the heat of buffalo sauce with smooth cream cheese and sharp cheddar.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 30 pre-baked phyllo cups (2 packs, 1.9 ounces each)
Filling
- 1 cup shredded 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 mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, and minced green onion. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy and evenly spicy.
- Fill the phyllo cups: Using a spoon, carefully fill each pre-baked phyllo cup with the buffalo chicken mixture, ensuring an even distribution of filling in every cup.
- Bake the filled cups: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the filled phyllo cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake them in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the filling is warmed through and the cheddar cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Pre-baked phyllo cups save time and ensure a crisp texture; if you only have raw phyllo dough, bake according to package instructions before filling.
- The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for desired spiciness.
- Can be served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast.
- To make shredding chicken easier, use cooked rotisserie chicken or boil chicken breasts and shred once cooled.
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, phyllo cups, appetizer, spicy chicken, finger food, party snacks
