Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Stromboli is a savory and satisfying rolled pizza dough filled with spicy chicken, creamy ranch, and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, offering bold flavors in every bite. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to assemble, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with irresistible spicy buffalo chicken and gooey cheese.
- Uses readily available ingredients for a convenient meal.
- A fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza and bakes.
- Highly customizable to suit your family’s spice preferences.
Ingredients
Gather these essential ingredients to create your delicious Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Stromboli.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 pizza dough, defrosted in refrigerator overnight
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Flour, for dusting
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ease, or poach and shred your own chicken breasts.
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade pizza dough works perfectly. Ensure it’s fully defrosted if frozen.
- Buffalo Wing Sauce: Choose your favorite brand. The amount can be adjusted based on how mild or spicy you like it.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy, tangy dressing adds a smooth counterpoint to the spice.
- Cheeses: A blend of mozzarella and cheddar offers the best melt and flavor.
- Olive Oil: For lightly preparing the baking sheet.
- Flour: Needed to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling.
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken | 2 cups | Shredded or diced |
| Olive oil | 1 tsp | For baking sheet |
| Pizza dough | 1 (14-16 oz) | Defrosted overnight |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 8 oz | |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 8 oz | |
| Buffalo wing sauce | 1/2 cup | Divided use |
| Ranch dressing | 1/4 cup | |
| Flour | As needed | For dusting |
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Turkey breast or plant-based chicken alternatives can be used.
- Ranch Dressing: Blue cheese dressing offers a classic pairing with buffalo flavors.
- Cheeses: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend can replace mozzarella or cheddar.
- Pizza Dough: Puff pastry or crescent roll dough can be used for a different texture, though baking times may vary.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Stromboli
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken with 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the chicken is well-coated. You can add more or less sauce depending on your preferred spice level. Next, stir in the ranch dressing and the remaining 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce until everything is evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your defrosted pizza dough into a long, rectangular shape, approximately 12×16 inches. Aim for an even thickness.
Step 3: Assemble the Stromboli
Spread the prepared buffalo chicken and ranch mixture evenly across the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving about an inch border along the edges. Sprinkle both shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses generously over the chicken mixture. Ensure an even distribution for the best cheesy pull.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting from one of the long sides of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, similar to making a jelly roll. Once rolled, pinch the seams at the ends to seal them firmly, ensuring that the filling will not leak out during baking. Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the baking sheet with the stromboli into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed up. Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly. Slice the stromboli into thick portions and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own or with your favorite dipping sauces like pizza sauce, extra ranch, or crumbled blue cheese dressing.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overwork the pizza dough when rolling; gentle handling preserves its texture.
- Ensure the dough is fully defrosted for easy rolling and even baking.
- Seal the ends of the stromboli tightly to prevent any leaks.
- Allow the stromboli to rest after baking; this makes it easier to slice and prevents the filling from oozing out.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to control the heat level to your family’s liking.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in some finely chopped celery, bell peppers, or sautéed onions with the chicken.
- Herb Infusion: Stir some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley into the chicken mixture for added freshness.
- Dipping Delights: Experiment with different dipping sauces like a garlic aioli or a creamy avocado dip.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main course with a side salad and some garlic bread.
- Cut into smaller pieces for a fantastic party appetizer or game-day snack.
- Pair with extra dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a mild marinara sauce.
- Enjoy as a hearty lunch alongside some crisp potato chips or a cup of soup.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Properly cooled stromboli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is re-crisped. Microwaving is an option, but may result in a softer crust.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-made shredded chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this recipe.
Q: How do I make it less spicy?
A: Reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a mild variety. You can also add more ranch dressing to balance the heat.
Q: Can I freeze this stromboli?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled stromboli. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 40-50 minutes.
Q: What kind of pizza dough should I use?
A: Any standard refrigerated or frozen pizza dough will work well. Just ensure it is completely thawed before using.
Q: Can I make the chicken filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This can save you time on the day of baking.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Stromboli is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! It brings together comforting pizza flavors with the exciting kick of buffalo chicken in a wonderfully portable and shareable format. It’s the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, family dinners, or simply to enjoy as a special weeknight treat. Enjoy the delicious blend of spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Stromboli
A golden, rolled pizza dough stromboli filled with zesty buffalo chicken, tangy ranch, and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Easy to assemble, customizable, and loaded with bold flavors that will impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 tsp olive oil
1 (14-16 oz) pizza dough, defrosted overnight
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (divided)
1/4 cup ranch dressing
Flour, for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil
Flatten the pizza dough into a rectangle, dust with flour if needed
Spread half the buffalo sauce evenly over the dough
Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese
Spread ranch dressing over the cheese mixture
Roll the dough tightly from one side, sealing the edges
Place the stromboli in the oven and bake for 30 minutes
Brush the rolled dough with reserved buffalo sauce halfway through baking
Allow to cool slightly before slicing
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep, or poach and shred chicken breasts
Adjust buffalo sauce quantity based on spice preference
Combine cheese types for optimal melting and flavor
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days