Buffalo Chicken Smashed Potato Cups Recipe

A Little Story About My Grandson

My grandson Leo visited last week. He is a very hungry boy. I wanted a snack that was fun to eat with his hands. These potato cups were the perfect answer.

He helped me smash the potatoes. He thought it was the best part. His smile was so big when he saw the final cheesy cups. I still laugh at that.

Why We Smash the Potatoes

You might wonder why we don’t just slice them. Smashing creates little bowls. Those nooks hold all the yummy chicken and cheese. It makes every bite complete.

This matters because food should be an adventure. A simple smash turns a potato into something special. It is a small step with a big reward. What is your favorite way to eat potatoes?

The Magic of the Buffalo Sauce

That buffalo sauce does two things. It gives a little spicy kick. And it makes the chicken so juicy and tender. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it mixes with the ranch?

Fun fact: The first buffalo wings were made in Buffalo, New York. That is how they got their name! I love that a whole city named a food.

Making Food With People You Love

I learned to cook beside my mother. We talked and shared stories. The kitchen was our happy place. That is why cooking with others feels so good.

This matters because food is about more than eating. It is about connection. It is about making memories together. Have you ever cooked something with your family?

Putting It All Together

First, you make your little potato cups. Get them nice and crispy. Then, you mix the chicken filling. The cream cheese makes it so creamy.

Pile that filling high on each potato. Do not be shy with the cheese! The final bake makes everything melt together. It is pure happiness in a muffin tin.

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now it is your turn. This recipe is hard to mess up. If you like more spice, add more buffalo sauce. If you love cheese, add a little extra.

Cooking is about making food your own. What topping would you add to these potato cups? I would love to hear your ideas. Share them with me next time.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
baby red potatoes	12	about 1-inch in diameter
rotisserie chicken	3 cups (420 g)	diced
buffalo sauce	½ cup (122.5 g)	plus extra for drizzling
dry ranch seasoning mix	3 tablespoons
cream cheese	4 ounces (½ package)	room temperature
mozzarella cheese	1 cup (113 g)	shredded, divided
ground black pepper	½ teaspoon
ranch dressing		for drizzling
parsley		for garnish

My Crispy Buffalo Chicken Potato Cups

Hello, my dear! Come sit with me in the kitchen. I want to share a recipe my grandson adores. These little potato cups are crispy, cheesy, and have a little kick. They are perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun snack with friends. I love how you can eat them with your hands. It makes dinner feel like a party.

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Let’s get our hands busy. First, we need to cook our baby potatoes. Put them in a big pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil and let them cook until they are soft. You should be able to poke them easily with a fork. Then, drain all the water out and let them cool. I always do this first. It gives the potatoes time to rest.

Step 2: Shape the Potato Cups

Now for the fun part. Heat your oven to 400°F. Spray your muffin tin well so nothing sticks. Place one potato into each little cup. Now, take a small glass and gently press down on each one. You want to flatten them and make a little well. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t press too hard or they might fall apart! Just a gentle smash.)

Step 3: Bake the Potato Cups

Time to make them crispy. Pop the whole tray into the hot oven. Bake them for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look golden and crisp. Doesn’t that smell amazing? While they bake, we can make the filling. It’s my favorite step.

Step 4: Make the Filling

Let’s mix up the good stuff. In a big bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and dry ranch seasoning. Add the soft cream cheese, half the mozzarella, and a little pepper. Stir it all together until it’s creamy and pink. I still laugh at the time I used a full block of cold cream cheese. It was so lumpy!

Step 5: Assemble and Melt the Cheese

The grand finale is here. Take the crispy potato cups out of the oven. Spoon the chicken mixture right on top of each one. Sprinkle the rest of that lovely mozzarella cheese over everything. Put the tray back in the oven for just a few minutes. Wait until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. What’s your favorite type of cheese to melt on top? Share below!

Finally, take them out and let them cool for a minute. Drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce and some ranch dressing over the top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes them look so pretty. Then, serve them up hot and watch them disappear. I promise, they will be a new favorite in your house, too.

Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 potato cups
Category: Appetizer, Snack

Three Tasty Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s wonderful just as it is, but it’s also happy to change. You can make it new every time. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried and loved. They are all so simple and fun.

Pizza Party Twist: Swap the buffalo sauce for pizza sauce. Use pepperoni and Italian cheese blend instead. It’s like a mini pizza with a potato crust.

Veggie-Lover’s Dream: Skip the chicken. Mix in finely chopped cauliflower and carrots with the sauce. It’s just as creamy and delicious.

BBQ Swap: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of buffalo. Add some cooked corn and black beans to the mix. It gives a sweet and smoky flavor.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Potato Cups

These little cups are a meal all by themselves. But I love making a whole spread. It feels so special. For a simple dinner, I serve them with a big, green salad. The cool lettuce is perfect with the spicy chicken. Some crisp carrot and celery sticks on the side are also wonderful.

For drinks, I have two favorites. A tall glass of icy cold lemonade is so refreshing. It cuts right through the spice. For the grown-ups, a light and crisp lager beer pairs beautifully. It just seems to belong with the buffalo flavor. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Potato Cups Tasty Later

Let’s talk about storing these little cups of joy. They are best eaten right away. But you can keep them for later.

Let them cool completely first. Then put them in a sealed container. They will stay good in your fridge for about three days. You can also freeze them on a baking sheet. Then pop them into a freezer bag.

I once reheated them straight from the freezer. The middle was still cold! Now I thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then I warm them in the oven until hot. This keeps them crispy.

Batch cooking saves you time on a busy night. It means a warm meal is always close by. That is a wonderful feeling for a tired family. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Little Kitchen Hiccups

Sometimes our cooking has little problems. Do not worry. They are easy to fix. Your potatoes might not smash well. Make sure they are cooked until a fork slides in easily.

I remember when my first batch was too hard. I did not boil them long enough. Getting them tender first makes smashing simple. Your potato cups might also stick to the pan. Just give that muffin tin a good spray with oil first.

Your chicken mixture could be too thick. A splash of milk will make it creamier. Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the food taste just right. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just check your ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce labels. Many brands are safe.

Q: Can I make the potatoes ahead?
A: You can boil and smash them a day early. Keep them covered in the fridge.

Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
A: Plain Greek yogurt works well. It gives a nice little tang.

Q: Can I make a smaller batch?
A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. It is that simple.

Q: Is the parsley important?
A: It is optional. But it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. Fun fact: A little green on top makes any dish look more fancy to your eyes. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making these potato cups. I love sharing these recipes with you. It feels like we are cooking together.

Seeing your creations would make my whole week. Please share a picture of your finished dish. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I would love to see your kitchen magic.

Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.