If you’re craving a fiery, melty, and utterly comforting dish that brings together all your favorite bold flavors, then this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, blended with creamy ranch and a luscious mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy crust. It’s a party in every bite, perfect for impressing friends at game day, family dinners, or whenever you want to cozy up with something deliciously satisfying. Let me take you through this irresistible recipe that hits every note of spicy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each one contributes something special, from the spicy buffalo sauce that wakes up your palate to the gooey cheese that makes every bite irresistible. The pizza dough forms the perfect crispy-but-soft crust to hold all these flavors together.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce: Adjust this to your preferred spice level for that signature tangy heat.
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing): Adds creaminess and balances the spice beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers melty stretch and mild richness.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Gives a sharp, bold flavor that complements mozzarella perfectly.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, subtle crunch and a pop of color for garnish.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s the perfect vessel to encase all that goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For brushing the crust to achieve that irresistible golden finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and savory notes to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional): Brings a touch of herbal aroma and complexity.
- Extra buffalo sauce (optional): For drizzling on top or serving alongside for an extra kick.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This even, moderate heat makes sure your strombolis bake to a perfect golden crisp outside while melting all the cheese inside. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease to prevent sticking, so your strombolis slide off effortlessly when cooked.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures each bite has that iconic balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors that make this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe unforgettable.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface then roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. This shape makes wrapping the filling easier and ensures an even bake. You can also gently stretch the dough by hand if you prefer a more rustic look. The dough’s elasticity is key for sealing in the filling without leaks.
Step 4: Fill and Seal Your Strombolis
Spread the chicken mixture down the center of the dough, leaving about an inch of space on all sides. This margin is essential to fold and seal the dough properly. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching edges and ends securely to trap all the goodness inside where it belongs.
Step 5: Season and Prep for Baking
Place the strombolis seam-side down on your prepared sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil which helps develop that beautiful, golden crust. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano over the top to add layers of flavor and aroma that will make everyone’s mouth water.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Melty
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling with deliciousness. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough feels firm to the touch and the steamy aroma of buffalo chicken fills your kitchen—signaling a perfect bake for this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe.
Step 7: Cool, Slice, and Garnish
After baking, let the strombolis rest for a few minutes so the filling sets slightly. Slice into 1-inch pieces for easy sharing and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce or sprinkle on chopped green onions to give a fresh, colorful finish. Serve it with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, and get ready to watch these disappear in record time.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
Garnishes
For a final pop of flavor and presentation, garnish your strombolis with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley. A drizzle of additional buffalo sauce gives extra zing and vibrant color that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe with crisp celery sticks or carrot sticks to lighten and freshen each bite. A simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the strombolis with bright, crisp vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get fancy? Turn your strombolis into a party platter by slicing into bite-sized pinwheels perfect for dipping. Or serve alongside a trio of dipping sauces—ranch, blue cheese, and extra buffalo sauce—for guests to customize their flavor experience. Presentation really brings out the fun in this dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strombolis in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches or snacks that deliver the same cheesy, spicy punch with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked strombolis by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe whenever cravings strike. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover strombolis on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use homemade buffalo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and melted butter adds a personalized touch and can be customized to your desired spice level, making your strombolis even more special.
What if I don’t have pizza dough on hand?
You can substitute store-bought crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a different texture, but pizza dough gives the best balance of chewiness and crispness for this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While traditional strombolis use chicken, you could swap in roasted vegetables or a plant-based chicken substitute combined with buffalo sauce and cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Is it possible to make the strombolis ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the strombolis and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just cover well with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and bake when ready.
How spicy is this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe?
The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce choice and quantity used—you can easily adjust it to mild or extra spicy to suit your taste buds. The ranch dressing also helps mellow out the heat for a balanced flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm slice of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe, where spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors come together so perfectly. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual night or impressing a crowd, this dish is pure joy from start to finish. I promise once you try it, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to make again and again.
Print
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis combine tender shredded chicken with spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfect for a flavorful appetizer, game day snack, or satisfying meal, they are baked until bubbly, golden, and irresistible.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dough and Toppings
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Extra buffalo sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese is distributed throughout.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4-inch thick using a rolling pin or your hands for an even, smooth layer.
- Assemble Strombolis: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space on each side. Fold the dough edges over the filling and pinch the seams tightly to seal, making sure the ends are securely closed to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the strombolis seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish and sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano evenly over the top for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the strombolis are golden brown on the outside and the cheese inside has melted and is bubbly. The dough should feel firm and golden when gently pressed.
- Serve: After baking, allow the strombolis to cool slightly for easier slicing. Slice into 1-inch pieces, drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if desired, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to modify spice level according to your preference.
- For a crispier crust, you can bake the stromboli on a preheated pizza stone if available.
- If you prefer blue cheese dressing, it makes a tangier alternative to ranch for both the filling and dipping.
- These strombolis can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Ensure the dough seams are tightly sealed to prevent leaking of filling during baking.
