Recipe Swap: Buffalo Chicken Bites

With football season, and therefore tailgate season, in full swing, Taste of Home Cooking decided to make our recipe swap game-day-food-themed. I have to confess, I'm not a football fan, on either a college or professional level (my college's football team was so bad, they ended the program). I'm a hockey fan, and this year, there is no hockey.

However, my lack of football appreciation doesn't prevent me from enjoying game day or tailgate food. My favorites are pulled pork sliders, nachos piled high with ground beef and melted cheese, and buffalo wings. So, I was really excited when my assigned recipe turned out to be Buffalo Chicken Bites from Jaida at Sweet Beginnings.

These chicken bites are a bit laborious, especially if you're cooking and shredding your own chicken. But they are delicious and well-worth the effort. Spicy, cheesy chicken is surrounded by a coating of crunchy panko crumbs, and served alongside a cool ranch dipping sauce (substitute bleu cheese if you prefer). Make sure you use either low-fat or full-fat cream cheese and dressing rather than fat-free — the fat helps cut the spiciness.