Deliciously Easy Buffalo Chicken Pie: Your Go-To Recipe for Busy Weeknights!
If you’re familiar with my recipes, you know my philosophy: keep it simple, flavorful, and quick. As a busy mom and wife, just like many of you, I simply don’t have hours to spend crafting elaborate dinners. However, that doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or presentation! My goal is always to create quick and easy meals that look and feel incredibly fancy without the fuss. And if you’re a devoted buffalo chicken lover with a penchant for a little heat, then this straightforward Buffalo Chicken Pie recipe is absolutely perfect for you!
Imagine this: a dish that bursts with the bold, spicy flavors of buffalo chicken, all encased in a flaky, golden crescent roll crust. It’s comforting, satisfying, and shockingly easy to prepare. For instance, I often cook my chicken in the crock pot during the day, letting it shred effortlessly. Then, when dinner time rolls around, this entire pie can be whipped up and ready for the oven in as little as 10 minutes. Yes, you read that right – 10 minutes of active prep time for a meal that tastes like you spent hours! I promise you, it’s not only incredibly easy but also wonderfully delicious. This recipe generously makes 6 servings, with each serving coming in at a smart 5 freestyle smart points, making it a fantastic option for those mindful of their diet.
This Buffalo Chicken Pie isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for those hectic evenings. It combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the cool creaminess of ranch and cream cheese, all balanced by savory shredded chicken and crisp vegetables, then baked into a golden, irresistible pie. It’s comfort food redefined – quick, healthy-ish, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
Buffalo Chicken Pie
Ingredients
- 1 package Pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls – These form the quick and easy, flaky crust for our pie. The reduced-fat version helps keep those smart points low without sacrificing texture.
- 16 oz (about 3 cups) cooked shredded chicken – I highly recommend cooking chicken breasts in the crock pot with a little broth on low for about 4 hours until easily shreddable. This method yields tender, juicy chicken perfect for absorbing all those buffalo flavors. Alternatively, use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep!
- 1 cup diced peppers – A mix of red, green, or yellow bell peppers adds a lovely crunch and a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- 3/4 cup diced onions – White or yellow onions work best here, providing a foundational savory flavor to the filling.
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Hot Sauce – The classic choice for authentic buffalo flavor! Adjust to your preferred spice level; you can add a little more if you like it extra hot.
- 1/4 cup fat-free ranch dressing – This provides a creamy, cool counterpoint to the hot sauce and helps bind the mixture together. Remember to reserve 1 Tbsp for drizzling later!
- 1/4 cup softened fat-free or light cream cheese – Ensures a rich and creamy texture throughout the filling. Softening it beforehand makes mixing much easier.
- 1/3 cup light grated cheese – A light cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonderfully. It adds a delicious cheesy depth to the filling.
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take an 8-inch pie dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures a clean release for your delicious pie slices.
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Carefully open your package of crescent rolls. Unroll the dough and lay the triangles out in your prepared pie dish. You’ll need to gently press and seal the perforations, trimming any excess dough, and moving pieces around to create a seamless, even pie crust shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; the beauty of crescent roll crust is its forgiving nature!
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all of your filling ingredients: the shredded chicken, diced peppers, diced onions, Frank’s hot sauce, softened fat-free or light cream cheese, and the light grated cheese. Remember to only add 3 tablespoons of the fat-free ranch dressing at this stage; reserve the remaining 1 tablespoon for drizzling after baking. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy, spicy mixture.
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Once your filling is mixed, scoop the chicken mixture into your crescent roll pie crust in the dish. Spread it out evenly to form a consistent layer. Place the pie dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the crescent roll crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through. Keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn’t get too dark.
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Once baked to perfection, remove the pie from the oven. Immediately drizzle the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fat-free ranch dressing. This adds a final touch of creamy coolness. Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing it into 6 generous portions. Each delicious slice offers a satisfying meal, weighing in at 5-7 PointsPlus, 5 SmartPoints on the blue/purple plans, and 7 SmartPoints on the green plan, or 6 points plus.
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The nutrition information provided below is per serving and does not include additional vegetables you might add for serving. These calculations are designed to help you track your intake accurately for a balanced diet. Calories: 239… Fat: 9.1g… Saturated fat: 4.3g… Carbs: 20.5g… Fiber: 0.5g… Sugars: 5.2g… Protein: 19.2g…
Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pie
Achieving the perfect buffalo chicken pie is simpler than you think! Here are a few tips to ensure your pie is always a crowd-pleaser:
- Chicken Prep is Key: While the crock pot method is my go-to for super tender shredded chicken, you can also boil chicken breasts on the stovetop and shred them, or for the ultimate time-saver, pick up a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Just make sure it’s plain or lightly seasoned to complement the buffalo flavors.
- Crust Care: When forming your crescent roll crust, don’t be afraid to gently stretch the dough. Press firmly at the seams to create a sealed base, preventing any filling from seeping through. If you have any small gaps, you can always patch them with tiny pieces of dough.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Frank’s RedHot is the classic, but if you prefer a milder or hotter kick, feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce. You can even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for extra heat, or reduce the hot sauce and add a touch more ranch for a milder version.
- Even Baking: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pie, especially towards the end of the baking time. The crescent roll crust should be a beautiful golden brown. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pie with foil.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
This Buffalo Chicken Pie is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a complete meal:
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness of the pie.
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: For that classic buffalo experience, serve with crisp celery and carrot sticks, offering a refreshing crunch.
- Blue Cheese Dip: If you’re not counting points as strictly, a dollop of creamy blue cheese dip on the side can elevate the flavors even further.
- Loaded with Veggies: Feel free to toss in other diced vegetables into your filling mixture, such as finely chopped carrots, corn, or even a handful of spinach for added nutrients and color.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! While light grated cheese is recommended for smart points, a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles in the filling, can add another layer of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free puff pastry or a homemade almond flour crust instead of crescent rolls.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble with the crescent rolls and pop it in the oven.
This Buffalo Chicken Pie isn’t just about convenience; it’s about bringing joy and bold flavors to your dinner table without the stress. It’s a testament that healthy eating can still be utterly delicious and satisfying for the whole family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers a simple path to a fantastic meal.
Additional Info
There you have it – a truly easy and utterly delicious Buffalo Chicken Pie that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It perfectly balances spice, creaminess, and a satisfying crunch, all while being kind to your busy schedule and your smart points. Enjoy the hearty flavors of this simple yet impressive dish, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us!