Buffalo Chicken High-Protein Bagels
Highlighted under: Simple Healthy Recipes
I absolutely love creating meals that are not only delicious but also packed with protein. These Buffalo Chicken High-Protein Bagels are a perfect example of that. They combine the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the satisfying chewiness of a bagel, making for a heavenly meal. I’m always on the lookout for ways to amp up my protein intake while enjoying comfort food favorites, and these bagels offer just that. They’re fantastic for lunch or a quick post-workout snack, and you can make them in just minutes!
When I first experimented with combining buffalo chicken and bagels, I was surprised at how well the flavors melded together. The spicy chicken contrasts beautifully with the chewy, soft bagel, making each bite an explosion of flavor. I particularly love adding a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top to enhance that classic buffalo taste.
One tip I learned is to mix the buffalo sauce with some Greek yogurt for creaminess and extra protein. It’s a simple step that takes the bagels to a whole new level. Plus, they make a great meal prep option since they store well in the fridge!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Spicy, tangy buffalo flavor that excites the palate
- High protein content for muscle recovery and satiety
- Customizable toppings for a personalized touch
The Importance of Ingredients
In this recipe, the choice of whole wheat flour plays a crucial role. Unlike all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour not only adds a nutty flavor but also increases the fiber and protein content of your bagels. This gives them a heartier texture and a greater nutritional profile, which is particularly beneficial when you're looking to pack some extra protein into your meals. If whole wheat is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mix of all-purpose flour and vital wheat gluten to maintain structure and protein levels.
Greek yogurt is another star ingredient in this recipe. It not only hydrates the dough, giving the bagels their chewy texture but also enriches them with protein. To keep the protein content high, it’s best to use non-fat Greek yogurt. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can experiment with unsweetened almond or coconut yogurt, though this may slightly alter the texture of the dough and the final product.
Shaping and Baking Tips
When shaping your bagels, ensure that the holes in the center are large enough; they tend to close up as they bake. A good rule of thumb is to use your thumb to create the hole, and then expand it gently with your fingers to avoid a dense middle. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfectly round; rustic shapes add charm! Additionally, allow your bagels to rest for about 10 minutes after shaping. This period allows the dough to relax, which can yield a lighter texture after baking.
Baking these bagels at 375°F (190°C) is essential for achieving the ideal texture. You want them to bake until they are golden brown, which should take about 15-20 minutes. To get an even better crust, consider placing a pan of water in the oven to create steam. This technique helps to develop a nice chewy exterior, reminiscent of traditional bagels. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Buffalo Chicken High-Protein Bagels:
For the Bagels
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water
For the Buffalo Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Once you have your ingredients ready, you can move on to the next steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to make your Buffalo Chicken High-Protein Bagels:
Make the Bagel Dough
In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well, then add Greek yogurt and water. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface until smooth.
Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Bake the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bagels for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Assemble the Bagels
Once the bagels are baked, top them with the buffalo chicken mixture and sprinkle blue cheese if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Your Buffalo Chicken High-Protein Bagels are now ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips
- For an extra protein boost, you can sprinkle additional seeds or nuts on top of the bagels before baking. Experiment with different flavors of buffalo sauce for a unique twist!
Serving Suggestions
These Buffalo Chicken High-Protein Bagels serve wonderfully as a filling lunch option or a hearty post-workout snack. You can pair them with a simple garden salad or some crunchy veggie sticks for a complete meal. If you want a more substantial treat, consider adding layers of sliced avocado or a dollop of creamy ranch dressing to balance the spice of the buffalo chicken.
For added flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or even sliced jalapeños can complement the buffalo chicken mixture beautifully. If you're looking for a cheesy twist, try adding mozzarella or cheddar cheese before baking the bagels, and then broiling them for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
Storage and Reheating
These bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To preserve their texture, consider freezing them. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their integrity.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bagels, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they've warmed through. This method will help retain that delightful chewiness that makes these bagels so appealing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought bagels for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought bagels if you're short on time, but the homemade version is more nutritious and customizable.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Leftover bagels can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
→ What if I don’t like buffalo sauce?
Feel free to replace buffalo sauce with your favorite hot sauce or even barbecue sauce for a different flavor.
→ Can I make these bagels gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free flour blend, and the recipe should work just fine.
Buffalo Chicken High-Protein Bagels
I absolutely love creating meals that are not only delicious but also packed with protein. These Buffalo Chicken High-Protein Bagels are a perfect example of that. They combine the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the satisfying chewiness of a bagel, making for a heavenly meal. I’m always on the lookout for ways to amp up my protein intake while enjoying comfort food favorites, and these bagels offer just that. They’re fantastic for lunch or a quick post-workout snack, and you can make them in just minutes!
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Simple Healthy Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 bagels
What You'll Need
For the Bagels
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water
For the Buffalo Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well, then add Greek yogurt and water. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface until smooth.
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a separate bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bagels for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Once the bagels are baked, top them with the buffalo chicken mixture and sprinkle blue cheese if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra protein boost, you can sprinkle additional seeds or nuts on top of the bagels before baking. Experiment with different flavors of buffalo sauce for a unique twist!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 34g