If you’re looking for the ultimate party appetizer that combines all the best flavors—spicy buffalo chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted mozzarella—these Quick Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are exactly what you need. Seasoned ground chicken mixed with buffalo sauce is wrapped around a cube of mozzarella cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried (or baked) until golden brown and irresistible. Each bite delivers that perfect combination of crispy exterior, tender spicy chicken, and a molten cheese center that stretches with every bite. These bombs are perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want an appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
The beauty of these bombs is that they look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make, and you can prepare them ahead of time and fry or bake them right before serving.
Complete Ingredient List (Makes 16-20 bombs)
This version is easy to scale up for larger parties.
For the Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce, plus more for serving
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
For the Filling
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 16-20 cubes)
For the Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Extra buffalo sauce for drizzling
- Celery sticks
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 20 minutes chilling)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 16-20 bombs
Make the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, buffalo sauce, crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
Form the Bombs
Take about 1½-2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center. Carefully wrap the chicken mixture around the cheese, rolling it into a tight ball and making sure the cheese is completely enclosed with no gaps or cracks. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This chilling step helps them hold together better during breading and cooking.
Set Up the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon water, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Bombs
Remove the chilled balls from the refrigerator. Roll each ball first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. Place the breaded bombs back on the baking sheet.
Fry or Bake
For frying: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bombs in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded bombs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray generously with cooking spray, and bake for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve
Transfer the hot bombs to a serving platter. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs
Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the bombs hold together during breading and cooking. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed or it will leak out during cooking. Use cold mozzarella cubes straight from the fridge for easier handling. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each ball to ensure they stick well. Keep the oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly crispy, golden bombs. You can freeze the breaded (uncooked) bombs for up to 3 months—fry straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. For easier cleanup, use a deep fryer or air fryer instead of a pot.
Variations and Customizations
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken for a different texture. Add ranch seasoning to the chicken mixture for extra flavor. Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for extra heat. Make them spicier with extra buffalo sauce or cayenne pepper. Add blue cheese crumbles to the chicken mixture for authentic buffalo chicken flavor. Use different cheeses like cheddar or a cheese blend. For a lighter version, bake instead of frying and use ground chicken breast. Make mini bombs using smaller amounts of mixture for bite-sized appetizers.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, 2 bombs)
These bombs are packed with protein from the chicken, bacon, and cheese (about 15-18 grams per serving), along with calcium from the mozzarella. They’re more indulgent when fried, but baking significantly reduces the fat and calorie content while still delivering great flavor and texture. The buffalo sauce adds minimal calories while providing that signature spicy kick.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
Quick Buffalo Chicken Bacon Mozzarella Bombs are incredibly photogenic with their golden-brown crispy exterior and that dramatic cheese pull when you bite or cut into one. The moment when the molten mozzarella stretches out makes for highly satisfying video content, and the “perfect party appetizer” hook resonates with anyone planning gatherings or game day parties. For Pinterest, focus on close-up shots showing the cheese pull, overhead shots of a platter piled high with golden bombs, or styled shots with dipping sauces and garnishes. The combination of popular flavors—buffalo chicken, bacon, and cheese—makes this recipe highly shareable.
Serve these amazing bombs at your next party, game day gathering, or as a fun dinner appetizer. Once you try them, you’ll understand why these crispy, cheesy, spicy bites have become such a favorite party food that disappears in minutes every single time.
