Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, black beans, or even cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce. The cream cheese and mozzarella still provide plenty of protein and flavor.

How can I make these spicier or milder?

To increase the heat, add cayenne pepper to the filling mixture or use a hotter buffalo sauce. For a milder version, dilute the buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter or even use a mild wing sauce instead.

Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby ones?

Yes, you can use regular-sized potatoes and cut them in half after boiling. Just be aware that you'll need to adjust the cooking time for the initial boiling (they'll need longer) and possibly for the baking stages as well.

What if I don't have a muffin tin?

No problem! You can arrange the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They won't have the "cup" shape but will still be delicious with the buffalo chicken mixture piled on top.

Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potato Cups Recipe

These Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potato Cups transform simple ingredients into an irresistible appetizer that combines crispy potatoes with spicy buffalo chicken filling. The perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and zesty flavors makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Ready in just over an hour, these potato cups deliver all the beloved buffalo chicken flavors in a fun, bite-sized package!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Party Food: These potato cups are ideal for game days, potlucks, or any gathering where you need a finger food that won’t disappoint.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the buffalo sauce to make these as mild or spicy as you prefer without losing any flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components ahead of time and assemble right before serving, making entertaining stress-free.
Crowd Pleaser: The combination of crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce appeals to almost everyone. Even picky eaters love these!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baby Red Potatoes: These create the perfect crispy cup base while maintaining a creamy interior. Choose potatoes about 1-inch in diameter for the ideal size.
Rotisserie Chicken: Saves tremendous time and adds pre-seasoned flavor. The moist texture works perfectly in this recipe.
Buffalo Sauce: Provides that signature tangy, spicy kick. Different brands offer varying heat levels, so choose according to your preference.
Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds a wonderful herb-filled flavor that perfectly complements the buffalo sauce. The dried version works better than liquid here.
Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, rich texture that balances the spice and helps bind everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that essential stretchy, melty quality we all love. The mild flavor allows the buffalo sauce to shine.
Black Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Ranch Dressing: The classic cooling complement to buffalo sauce that creates a perfect flavor balance when drizzled on top.
Parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herb flavor to finish the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Potato Options

Try using Yukon gold potatoes for a buttery flavor, or sweet potatoes for a sweet-spicy contrast that works surprisingly well with buffalo sauce.

Cheese Swaps

Substitute pepper jack for some of the mozzarella to add extra spice, or use blue cheese crumbles for a more traditional buffalo chicken experience.

Meat Alternatives

Make it with shredded pork, ground turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each brings its own delicious twist to the recipe.

Flavor Adaptations

Try BBQ sauce instead of buffalo for a sweeter version, or use teriyaki sauce and add some pineapple tidbits for a Hawaiian-inspired variation.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potato Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Boil the baby red potatoes in salted water for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender. Drain them and allow to cool slightly so you can handle them without burning your fingers.

Step 2: Smash and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Place one potato in each cup, then gently press down with the bottom of a glass to create a little well. Bake these smashed potatoes for 25-30 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture

While the potatoes are crisping up, combine the diced rotisserie chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, room temperature cream cheese, half the mozzarella, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Fill and Finish

Once your potato cups are crispy, fill each with about ¼ cup of the buffalo chicken mixture. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese gets beautifully melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve while still warm for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Uniform Potato Size: Try to select potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly and create consistent cups.
Don’t Over-Smash: Press just enough to create a well without completely flattening the potato. You want it to hold the filling.
Season Your Boiling Water: Adding salt to the potato boiling water seasons them from the inside out.
Crisp Them Up: Make sure to bake the smashed potatoes until they’re truly crispy before adding the filling. This contrasting texture makes the dish special.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This mixes much more smoothly than cold cream cheese and prevents lumps in your filling.

How to Serve

These Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potato Cups are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

As an Appetizer

Arrange on a platter with extra dipping sauces on the side. They’re perfect for game day spreads or cocktail parties.

Side Dish

Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal. The crisp vegetables balance the richness of the potato cups.

Main Course

Serve 3-4 cups per person alongside some steamed vegetables for a satisfying dinner.

Buffet Option

These hold up well on a buffet table and can be enjoyed at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover potato cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together nicely as they sit.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked cups for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but won’t maintain the crispy texture of the potatoes.

FAQs

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas, black beans, or even cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce. The cream cheese and mozzarella still provide plenty of protein and flavor.
How can I make these spicier or milder?

To increase the heat, add cayenne pepper to the filling mixture or use a hotter buffalo sauce. For a milder version, dilute the buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter or even use a mild wing sauce instead.
Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby ones?

Yes, you can use regular-sized potatoes and cut them in half after boiling. Just be aware that you’ll need to adjust the cooking time for the initial boiling (they’ll need longer) and possibly for the baking stages as well.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?

No problem! You can arrange the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. They won’t have the “cup” shape but will still be delicious with the buffalo chicken mixture piled on top.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potato Cups bring together the comforting goodness of crispy potatoes with the bold flavors of buffalo chicken in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a fun weekend appetizer, these potato cups deliver big on flavor without requiring complicated techniques. The combination of textures and flavors – from the crispy potato base to the creamy, spicy filling – creates the perfect balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Give them a try at your next get-together – I promise they’ll disappear fast!