Easy & Delicious Buffalo Chicken Squares: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

When it comes to game day or planning the perfect tailgating party, the main event might be the sport, but for many of us, the true highlight is undoubtedly the food! If you’re searching for fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy appetizers to delight your guests or to bring to a potluck, look no further than these mouth-watering Buffalo Chicken Squares. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering a delightful kick that’s perfect for any gathering. Best of all, it yields a generous 20 servings, making it ideal for feeding a large group without hassle.

One of the standout features of this recipe is its adaptability, particularly for those mindful of their diet or spice preferences. I personally use my own Zero Point Ranch recipe to keep the Weight Watchers (WW) points low, making these squares a smarter choice for a delicious snack. If you’re not a fan of intense heat, you have complete control to lower the amount of Frank’s Hot Sauce. While they offer a fantastic buffalo kick as written, adjusting the spice level to suit your palate is incredibly easy. Requiring only six simple ingredients, these Buffalo Chicken Squares simplify your grocery list and save you valuable time and energy, allowing you to enjoy the festivities rather than spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how to create this irresistible appetizer!

Why Buffalo Chicken Squares Are Your Next Must-Make Appetizer!

These delectable appetizers will be the undisputed hit of game day!
Prepare to impress your friends and family with these flavor-packed Buffalo Chicken Squares. They’re savory, a little spicy, and wonderfully cheesy, creating a combination that’s incredibly “more-ish” – meaning everyone will want another bite! The vibrant buffalo flavor combined with creamy ranch and tender chicken, all wrapped in a flaky crescent dough, makes for an appetizer that consistently receives rave reviews. Make sure to prepare a large batch because they disappear quickly!

Buffalo Chicken Squares are incredibly easy to make.
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its sheer simplicity. By utilizing pre-made Pillsbury crescent dough, you bypass the need for complicated dough preparation or extensive baking skills. This saves you significant time and effort, ensuring that your kitchen stays neat and tidy. The process is straightforward, from mixing the filling to assembling the layers, making it a stress-free recipe perfect for busy schedules or when you need a quick yet impressive dish. No culinary expertise required – just a desire for delicious food!

It’s easy to customize the heat level to your preference.
Don’t let the “buffalo” in the name intimidate you if you have a milder palate! This recipe offers fantastic flexibility when it comes to spice. You can effortlessly increase or decrease the amount of Frank’s Hot Sauce to match your preferred level of heat. For a fiery kick, add a little extra; for a gentler warmth, reduce it. This adjustability ensures that everyone, from spice lovers to those who prefer a subtle tang, can enjoy these delightful chicken squares tailored precisely to their taste.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Squares:

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these incredible appetizers. You’ll be pleased to know that the list is short and sweet, featuring readily available items that combine to create a burst of flavor.

• 2 packages Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls: These form the light, flaky crust for our squares. Using the reduced-fat version helps keep the overall fat content and Weight Watchers points lower without sacrificing taste or texture.
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: This is the hearty base of our filling. You can use leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken for convenience, or chicken breasts boiled and shredded. Ensure it’s finely shredded for even distribution.
• 6 oz softened, light cream cheese: The cream cheese provides a rich, creamy texture and helps bind the filling together. Softening it beforehand ensures a smooth mixture, and the light version helps manage calorie intake.
• ½ cup ranch dressing: Ranch is the perfect cool and tangy counterpoint to the buffalo spice. For a truly lightened-up version, I highly recommend using my Zero Point Ranch recipe, but any light or regular ranch will work.
• ⅓ cup Frank’s Hot Sauce: This classic hot sauce delivers that iconic buffalo flavor. Adjust the quantity to your preferred spice level – add more for extra heat, less for a milder taste.
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese: Cheese adds another layer of creaminess and flavor. A cheddar blend, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella would work beautifully. Reduced-fat options help keep the dish lighter.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Squares: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delicious Buffalo Chicken Squares is easier than you think. Follow these straightforward steps to prepare a perfect batch every time.

1. Prepare your oven and baking sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a cookie sheet and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the crescent dough from sticking and ensure a golden-brown crust.
2. First crescent dough layer: Unroll one package of the Pillsbury crescent dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Gently press and pinch any open seams together to form a solid, even sheet of dough. This will be the base of your squares. Bake this single layer in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. It’s crucial to bake only one dough package at this stage; the second one will be added later.
3. Cool the base: Once the first crescent dough layer is lightly golden and baked through, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool completely. Cooling prevents the filling from melting too quickly when spread and ensures a stable base.
4. Prepare the buffalo chicken filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened light cream cheese, cooked shredded chicken, ranch dressing, Frank’s Hot Sauce, and reduced-fat shredded cheese. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and evenly coated.
5. Assemble and bake the squares: Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the cooled, baked crescent dough base. Then, carefully unroll the second package of crescent dough and place it directly on top of the filling, forming the top crust. Pinch all the seams of the top dough together, and also pinch the edges of the top and bottom dough layers to seal the filling inside. For an extra golden finish, you can lightly brush the top dough with a small amount of egg wash (one egg whisked with a tablespoon of water). Bake in the oven for approximately 28 minutes, or until the top dough is beautifully golden brown and fully baked.
6. Cool and cut: Remove the baked squares from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is essential for the filling to set, making it much easier to cut neat squares. Once cooled slightly, slice into 20 even squares. A common method is to cut 5 rows across and 4 rows down.

This recipe makes 20 delicious squares, perfect for sharing.

Nutrition info for 1 square: Calories 151, Fat 8 g, Saturated fat 2.77 g, Carbs 12 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugars 3.25 g, Sodium 525 mg, Protein 8 g.

WW Points Breakdown for Buffalo Chicken Squares

For those following the Weight Watchers program, these Buffalo Chicken Squares can be a fantastic and points-friendly appetizer. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the points per ingredient, demonstrating how to keep your snack delicious and on track.

• Pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls: 55 points (for both packages)
• Cooked shredded chicken: 0 points (as it’s a lean protein)
• Softened light cream cheese: 16 points (for 6 oz)
• Zero Point Ranch dressing: 0 points OR regular ranch dressing: 19 points (for ½ cup)
• Frank’s hot sauce: 0 points
• Reduced fat shredded cheese: 14 points (for 1 cup)

Based on the WW app recipe creator, these Buffalo Chicken Squares come out to 5 points per serving if you opt for regular ranch dressing. However, if you choose to use my homemade Zero Point Ranch, you can significantly reduce the points to just 4 points per serving! This small swap can make a big difference if you’re trying to manage your daily point allowance.

If you’re using an older version of WW or are curious about previous point systems, here’s a quick reference:

• Points (Classic WW): 4
• Personal Points: 4 (using WW recipe builder)
• Smart Points (Blue, Green & Purple): 4 (using WW recipe builder)
• Points Plus: 4 (using PP calculator)

Serving Suggestions for Your Buffalo Chicken Squares

These Buffalo Chicken Squares are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them even further for any occasion.

• Dipping Sauces: Enhance the experience with extra dipping sauces! You can make a fresh batch of my Zero Point Ranch, or for blue cheese enthusiasts, consider a healthier, Greek yogurt-based blue cheese dressing like this Greek yogurt-based blue cheese dressing.
• Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions on top adds a burst of color and a subtle oniony flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and taste.
• Complementary Sides: Serve alongside a crisp celery and carrot stick platter. These classic pairings not only offer a refreshing crunch but also perfectly complement the spicy and creamy flavors of the buffalo chicken.
• Themed Spread: If you’re hosting a game day party, include these squares as part of a larger buffalo-themed spread with other easy appetizers like mini hot dogs, sliders, or even a healthier vegetable platter.

Creative Variations to Customize Your Buffalo Chicken Squares:

While the classic Buffalo Chicken Squares are a triumph on their own, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Pepperoni Pizza Squares: For a fun twist, swap the shredded chicken for finely sliced pepperoni. You can also add a tablespoon or two of pizza sauce to the cream cheese mixture for an authentic pizza flavor. This makes a great kid-friendly option too!
• Ground Meat Alternative: Instead of shredded chicken, consider using extra lean ground beef or ground turkey. Cook and season the meat thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients. This provides a different texture and flavor profile while still keeping the dish relatively lean.
• Veggie Boost: Finely diced celery or carrots can be mixed into the filling for an added crunch and a subtle vegetable boost. Ensure they are very finely chopped so they blend well with the creamy texture.
• Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add a bit more shredded cheese to the filling, or even sprinkle a little on top of the second crescent dough layer before baking for an extra golden, crispy cheese crust.

Tips and Tricks for Making and Storing Buffalo Chicken Squares:

To ensure your Buffalo Chicken Squares are always perfect and to make the most of any leftovers, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have any squares left over (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 3-4 days, making them perfect for a quick snack or lunch.
• Freezing for Later: These squares freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap individual squares or small batches tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months, offering a convenient make-ahead option for future gatherings or quick meals.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. An air fryer also works wonderfully, making them extra crispy in just a few minutes (around 5-7 minutes at 350°F). Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy texture of the crescent dough.
• Ranch Dressing Choice: While using a Zero Point Ranch saves you one point per serving, don’t stress if you’re in a pinch! Store-bought light or even regular ranch dressing is perfectly fine and won’t significantly impact the overall health benefits or deliciousness. You could also look for a fat-free version at the store to help minimize points.
• Even Shredding: Ensure your chicken is shredded uniformly. This allows the filling to spread evenly and ensures every bite has a consistent texture and flavor.
• Pinching Seams: Don’t skip the step of pinching the crescent roll seams closed! This prevents the filling from oozing out during baking, ensuring neat and tidy squares.

Similar Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

If you loved these Buffalo Chicken Squares, be sure to check out these other easy and delicious recipes:

• 15 Weight Watchers Weeknight Meals Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
• Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
• Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up