Buffalo Chicken Egg and Cheese Cups
Highlighted under: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes
I love experimenting with quick breakfast ideas, and these Buffalo Chicken Egg and Cheese Cups have become a favorite in my kitchen. Combining proteins from the chicken and eggs with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce makes for a deliciously satisfying start to the day. It's also a great way to use leftover chicken! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can whip these up in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or even as a fun snack option for parties.
When I first made these Buffalo Chicken Egg and Cheese Cups, I was amazed at how well the flavors worked together. I started by mixing shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, and as I filled the muffin tins, I could already imagine the delicious aroma wafting through my kitchen. Baking them not only cooked the eggs perfectly, but also allowed the cheese to melt beautifully, creating just the right texture and flavor combination.
One key tip I discovered is to keep an eye on the baking time; overcooking can lead to dry eggs. I like to err on the side of caution and check them a few minutes before the recommended time. Once they start to puff up and become golden, I know they’re ready to come out of the oven!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Spicy and tangy flavor that excites your taste buds
- Great use of leftover chicken for a quick meal
- Easy to make and perfect for meal prep
Ingredient Insights
The star of these Buffalo Chicken Egg and Cheese Cups is the combination of cooked shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. While rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver, any leftover cooked chicken works beautifully here. The spices in the buffalo sauce not only add heat but also help keep the chicken moist during baking, creating a satisfying bite that melds well with the egg mixture.
Cheddar cheese contributes a rich, creamy texture and complements the spicy flavor of the buffalo sauce. If you’re looking for a twist, consider using pepper jack cheese for an added kick, or a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor. Remember to mix in the cheese just before baking for that perfectly melted topping.
Baking Techniques
When filling the muffin tin, make sure not to overfill each cup. Leaving a bit of room ensures that the egg mixture can rise without overflowing, leading to a neatly contained cup. A good rule of thumb is to fill each about ¾ full for optimal baking and to maintain a perfect shape.
Timing is crucial; check the cups around the 18-minute mark for doneness. The eggs should appear puffed and set in the center. If they're still jiggly, put them back in for a couple more minutes. Once they're a golden brown, let them sit for a few minutes before extracting, as this helps them firm up further and reduces the chance of sticking.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to get started:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Once you have everything, you’re ready to get cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Buffalo Chicken Egg and Cheese Cups:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin generously to prevent sticking.
Mix Chicken and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Prepare Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Cups
Divide the buffalo chicken mixture among the muffin tins, filling each about halfway. Then pour the egg mixture on top, filling each cup to the top. Sprinkle cheese over each cup.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tops are golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin.
Enjoy these flavorful breakfast cups hot or warm!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These egg and cheese cups are fantastic meal prep options. You can prepare them in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Allow the cups to cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until warm. You can also bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes if you prefer a crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun breakfast platter, serve these Buffalo Chicken Egg and Cheese Cups with fresh veggies and dip, or alongside a light salad. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, paired with mimosas or Bloody Marys for a spicy kick that complements the dish well.
Consider adding toppings for extra flair. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles enhances the flavor profile, while fresh chives or additional green onions add a pop of color and freshness.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and works great in this recipe.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Let the cups cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze these cups?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
→ What can I substitute for buffalo sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use barbecue sauce or even a sweet and sour sauce to coat the chicken.
Buffalo Chicken Egg and Cheese Cups
I love experimenting with quick breakfast ideas, and these Buffalo Chicken Egg and Cheese Cups have become a favorite in my kitchen. Combining proteins from the chicken and eggs with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce makes for a deliciously satisfying start to the day. It's also a great way to use leftover chicken! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can whip these up in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or even as a fun snack option for parties.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Cozy Home-Cooked Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 cups
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin generously to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Divide the buffalo chicken mixture among the muffin tins, filling each about halfway. Then pour the egg mixture on top, filling each cup to the top. Sprinkle cheese over each cup.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the tops are golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the muffin tin.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 340mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 22g