If you love the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and comforting flavors, you are in for a real treat with this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe. Imagine tender buffalo chicken wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough, oozing with melted mozzarella and cheddar, then finished with a drizzle of buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. This dish has quickly become one of my personal favorites for game day, weeknight dinners, or whenever you crave something bold yet utterly satisfying. It’s a delightful snack that brings all your favorite buffalo chicken flavors to a handheld stromboli that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender shredded chicken that carries the bold buffalo flavor, to the cheeses that provide creamy melt and tangy bite. Let’s look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken works wonders here, saving time and adding juiciness.
- Buffalo sauce (1/4 cup): Adjust this to match your spice preference, it’s the soul of the filling.
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup): Or blue cheese dressing, to add cool creaminess that balances the heat.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully, giving that irresistible stretch and mild flavor.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds sharpness and color contrast inside the stromboli.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): Optional, but a great fresh garnish for crunch and vivid green color.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): Store-bought or homemade, it’s your golden, flaky crust that holds everything together.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For brushing the dough to achieve that gorgeous shine and slight crispness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth to the crust’s flavor.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A lovely herbal note that complements the buffalo spices.
- Extra buffalo sauce: Optional for drizzling and bringing an extra punch on serving.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the strombolis bake evenly to golden perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until everything is thoroughly combined. This mixture is luscious, tangy, spicy, and cheesy all at once — the very heart of your stromboli flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a roughly 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Whether you use a rolling pin or your hands, the goal is an even shape that’s large enough to hold the filling while allowing room for folding.
Step 4: Assemble the Strombolis
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture down the center of the dough rectangle, leaving about an inch of space on each side. Carefully fold the dough edges over to enclose the filling completely, pinching the seams and ends tightly to avoid any leaks of the delicious cheese filling during baking.
Step 5: Brush and Season the Dough
Place your strombolis seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder and dried oregano for added aroma and flavor that makes each bite even better.
Step 6: Bake the Strombolis
Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese inside is melted, gooey, and bubbly. A slight golden crust with a firm feel when pressed means you’re perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, allow the strombolis to cool for a few minutes to let the cheese settle, then slice into one-inch pieces. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce for a fiery kick and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for fresh brightness and a lovely color contrast.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like crisp celery and carrot sticks, maybe with a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. A fresh garden salad or even some crunchy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the sliced strombolis on a large wooden board, surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces and fresh veggies. You can also cut the strombolis into bite-size pinwheels for easy finger food. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover strombolis tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the dough from drying out and the filling deliciously fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked strombolis before baking by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time as needed until golden and bubbly inside.
Reheating
Reheat leftover strombolis in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to bring back the crispy crust and melty filling, or microwave slices for a quicker option, though the dough won’t stay as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar provide great melt and flavor balance, feel free to try pepper jack for extra spice or provolone for a smoky touch. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the shredded chicken with cooked and seasoned cauliflower or mushrooms, and use the same buffalo sauce mix for a tasty vegetarian twist on the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe.
How spicy is this recipe?
The level of heat depends on the buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust the amount or choose a milder sauce to suit your taste. The ranch dressing also helps mellow the spice perfectly.
Can I prepare the strombolis ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just remember to let them come to room temperature a bit before baking for even cooking.
What should I use if I don’t have ranch dressing?
If ranch isn’t on hand, blue cheese dressing is a fabulous alternative, especially if you love the classic buffalo chicken pairing. You can also simply use mayonnaise mixed with a little milk and herbs to create a creamy substitute.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe is like discovering a new favorite treat that is both satisfying and fun to make. With its luscious buffalo chicken filling wrapped in a golden, crispy crust, this recipe hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers. I encourage you to give it a whirl, share it with friends or family, and watch it quickly become a go-to dish in your kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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
Delicious Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis featuring shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all wrapped in golden baked pizza dough. A perfect appetizer or meal for buffalo wing lovers looking for a cheesy, savory twist.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken 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 & Topping
- 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 & Serving (Optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Extra buffalo sauce (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed and the chicken is coated thoroughly with the sauce and cheeses.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick, ensuring it is evenly stretched out to a manageable size for folding.
- Assemble the Strombolis: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving roughly 1 inch of space on each side. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling carefully, pinching all the seams securely to seal the strombolis, including the ends to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Brush and Season the Dough: Place the assembled strombolis seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and dried oregano if using, to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Bake the Strombolis: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the strombolis turn a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted and bubbly. Test by pressing gently on the dough to ensure it feels firm and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the strombolis to cool slightly after baking. Slice into approximately 1-inch pieces. Drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to match your preferred spice level.
- For a milder flavor, substitute buffalo sauce with a milder wing sauce or omit entirely.
- To ensure a crispy crust, brush with olive oil before baking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
