Buffalo Chicken Bites

Is everybody ready for 2013? I am!  Bring it on!

Before we get used to writing a 3 instead of a 2 you should whip up some of these Buffalo Chicken Bites for whatever New Years Eve party you might be attending, or hosting!  

I made these recently for some friends that came over for diner and they were yummy.  I'm pretty sure everyone liked them since I only had about 6 left, which I ate for breakfast the next day. I'm healthy like that. 

The dough is homemade but you could certainly buy a pre-made dough if you're short on time. The homemade version is very light and compliments the filling nicely, if you have time. 

Roll the dough out, as you can see a perfect rectangle is not necessary.

Spread the filling down the bottom portion of the dough.

Roll it up tightly.

Cut into 12 even sized pieces.

Dipped in some creamy blue cheese dressing and you've got yourself a home run!

Have a wonderful, safe and Happy New Year!

Buffalo Chicken Bites
Recipe from Tracey's Culinary Adventures

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken 
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup hot sauce 
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110 F, I used 1%))
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Make the buffalo chicken mixture by combining the chicken, cheese, hot sauce and butter in a bowl. Mix well to combine.  
2. Prepare the dough by combining the warm milk and brown sugar in a measuring cup and stir until the sugar dissolves. 
3. Add the flour, yeast and salt to the bowl of your stand mixer.  Use the paddle attachment and beat on low just to combine. Gradually pour the milk/sugar mixture into the bowl with the flour mixture and mix until a rough dough forms. 
4. Switch the paddle attachment to the dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. The dough should be clearing the sides of the bowl, if it's not, add a Tbsp of flour until it does. 
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball.  Spray a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray and turn to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size.  This should take about 90 minutes. 
6. You can tell the dough is done if you can press a finger into it and the imprint remains. 
7. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. 
8. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal pieces.  Work with one piece at a time and roll into a 12 inch rope.  Flatten the rope into a 12x4 inch rectangle using a rolling pin.  Add 1/4 of the buffalo mixture to the lower third of the dough and then roll into a tight rope.  Cut the rope into 12 even pieces and place on the sheet pan. 
9. Repeat with the remaining dough and buffalo chicken mixture until all have been completed. 
10. Let the bites rise for about 20-30 minutes more. 
11. Bake the bites for about 15 minutes or until they are lightly browned.  Transfer to a wire cooling rack.  If desired, brush with melted butter. 

**If you would like to make them a couple of hours ahead of time.  Reheat in a 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes. **