Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Muffins

Featured in: Breakfast Classics

Buffalo chicken cheddar muffins combine shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory spices in a soft, fluffy snack. Simple ingredients such as buttermilk, butter, and green onions create a rich, tasty batter easily scooped into muffin tins and baked until golden. The option to finish with crumbled blue cheese adds extra depth, while the mild heat makes these muffins suitable for gatherings or quick savory breakfasts. Serve warm and enjoy the blend of spicy buffalo, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese in every bite.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:16:00 GMT
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Drop Muffins fresh from the oven, golden and cheesy.  Save
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Drop Muffins fresh from the oven, golden and cheesy. | butterhearth.com

Spicy, cheesy muffins packed with tender chicken and bold buffalo flavor are perfect for game day, snacks, or a savory breakfast. These muffins offer a satisfying combination of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.

I made these Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Drop Muffins for our annual game day party, and everyone raved about the spicy kick paired with gooey cheddar. They quickly became a requested snack whenever the weekend rolls around.

Ingredients

  • Chicken & Buffalo Sauce: 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g. Franks RedHot)
  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk
  • Cheese & Add-Ins: 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
Mix Chicken and Buffalo Sauce:
Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika together in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
Whisk melted butter, eggs, and buttermilk in a medium bowl until smooth.
Mix Batter:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Add Mix-Ins:
Fold in buffalo chicken, cheddar cheese, and green onions until evenly distributed.
Fill Muffin Tin:
Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full. Optionally, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
Bake:
Bake 20–22 minutes until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Cool in pan for 5 minutes, transfer to wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.
Cheesy muffins bursting with bold buffalo chicken flavors, ideal for game day snacking.  Save
Cheesy muffins bursting with bold buffalo chicken flavors, ideal for game day snacking. | butterhearth.com

My family loves grabbing these muffins for a quick savory bite before heading out to after-school activities. We often enjoy them together on lazy Sundays for breakfast.

Required Tools

You will need a 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, spoon or scoop, and a wire cooling rack.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat, milk, eggs, and may contain soy as well as blue cheese; always check labels before serving to those with allergies.

Nutritional Information

Each muffin contains about 240 calories, 14 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, and 11 g protein.

Savory Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Drop Muffins topped with green onions and blue cheese. Save
Savory Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Drop Muffins topped with green onions and blue cheese. | butterhearth.com

Try these muffins fresh and warm for the best cheesy flavor, and don&t forget a dip of ranch on the side.

Recipe Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken can be substituted for convenience and adds great flavor to the muffins.

Is blue cheese necessary or can I skip it?

Blue cheese is optional; you can omit it or serve muffins with ranch dressing for a milder taste.

What’s the best way to ensure muffins stay moist?

Avoid overmixing the batter and use full-fat buttermilk and butter to keep muffins tender.

How spicy are these muffins?

The heat is moderate from buffalo sauce; spice can be increased with cayenne or extra hot sauce.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Yes, muffins can be made a day in advance and warmed briefly before serving for best texture.

What should I serve with buffalo chicken cheddar muffins?

Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing, fresh veggies, or a hearty soup for a complete meal.

Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Muffins

Spicy, cheesy muffins with chicken and buffalo sauce—great as a snack, appetizer, or savory breakfast.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
22 min
Complete duration
42 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Chicken & Buffalo Sauce

01 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 1/4 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 2 large eggs
03 1 cup buttermilk

Cheese & Add-Ins

01 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
02 2 green onions, thinly sliced
03 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for topping)

Directions

Stage 01

Prepare Baking Equipment: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place paper liners in a 12-cup muffin tin or lightly grease each cup.

Stage 02

Coat Chicken with Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo hot sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.

Stage 03

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Stage 04

Blend Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, and buttermilk until the mixture is fully blended and smooth.

Stage 05

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until a batter forms; avoid overmixing.

Stage 06

Fold Chicken and Cheese: Gently fold in the buffalo chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions, ensuring the add-ins are evenly distributed.

Stage 07

Portion Batter: Using a spoon or scoop, evenly fill the prepared muffin cups to about three-quarters full with the batter.

Stage 08

Add Blue Cheese Topping: If desired, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top of each portion.

Stage 09

Bake Muffins: Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until muffins have a golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

Stage 10

Cool and Serve: Allow muffins to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then move them onto a wire rack. Serve warm.

Necessary tools

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or scoop
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (cheese, butter, buttermilk), eggs
  • May contain soy (check buffalo sauce and cheese labels)
  • Blue cheese (optional, contains dairy)

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 240
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Protein Content: 11 g