If you’re craving something bold, gooey, and downright irresistible, Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, loaded up with a duo of melty cheeses, all wrapped up in golden, pillowy pizza dough. Every bite is a celebration of tangy heat and creamy comfort, perfect for game day feasts, family dinners, or anytime you want to wow a crowd with minimal effort. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one brings its own magic, from creamy cheeses to zippy buffalo sauce and that must-have golden crust.
- Pizza dough: Grab a pound of fresh or store-bought dough for the perfect chewy, crisp shell that holds everything together.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Two cups of cooked chicken make this dish hearty; rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for busy nights.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Half a cup delivers that signature tangy, spicy kick—feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: One and a half cups ensure ultimate meltiness and a stretchy cheese pull in every slice.
- Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional): A half-cup adds creamy sharpness or coolness, depending on your mood.
- Melted butter: One tablespoon brushed on top gives a glossy, tempting finish and helps the crust brown beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon infuses the crust with aromatic, savory flavor that pairs so well with buffalo sauce.
- Dried parsley (optional): One teaspoon is perfect for a pop of color and a hint of freshness as a final touch.
- All-purpose flour: A dusting makes rolling out the dough easy and mess-free.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep work guarantees an easy cleanup and helps your stromboli bake evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 10 by 14 inches. Take your time here—an even rectangle means your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis will bake up nice and uniform, with plenty of room for all that delicious filling.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce until every piece is coated in that fiery, tangy goodness. This step ensures every bite of your stromboli is packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Step 4: Layer the Cheesy Filling
Next, spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving a one-inch border all around. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken, then add blue cheese crumbles or drizzle with ranch if you’re going for that extra creamy touch. This is where the “cheesy” part really shines!
Step 5: Roll It Up
Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log, tucking in the ends as you go to seal all the goodness inside. This classic stromboli shape keeps the filling contained and makes slicing easy later on.
Step 6: Butter and Season
Place your stromboli, seam-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush it over the top for that perfect savory finish. Sprinkle with dried parsley if you want a burst of color and a little herby freshness.
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Bake the stromboli for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and baked through. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this little pause keeps all the cheesy goodness from oozing out too soon!
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis after baking. A final drizzle of buffalo sauce or ranch dressing right before serving adds an extra layer of flavor and makes each slice even more tempting.
Side Dishes
These strombolis shine alongside crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a big bowl of cool ranch or blue cheese dip. If you want a heartier meal, serve them with a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or even some sweet potato fries for that perfect balance of spicy and sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive and slice your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis into bite-sized rounds for party platters or game day spreads. Stack them high on a tray with toothpicks and extra sauce for easy snacking, or serve whole for a dramatic, pull-apart centerpiece at the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply store slices in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tasty for lunchboxes or quick snacks.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, assemble your strombolis and freeze them before baking, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil. You can also freeze baked, cooled slices for up to two months; just be sure to separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until hot and the crust crisps up again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven really brings back that fresh-baked magic!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese in Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for that stretchy melt, feel free to swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for an extra kick. Mix and match to suit your taste—this recipe is super flexible.
Are these strombolis spicy?
They definitely have a little heat from the buffalo sauce, but you can control it by choosing a milder sauce or adding a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese to cool things down. For serious spice lovers, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the chicken mixture!
Can I make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute cooked, shredded jackfruit or roasted cauliflower for the chicken. Toss with buffalo sauce and follow the rest of the recipe as written for a meatless, still-delicious option.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Slicing the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis into rounds and arranging them on a platter with little bowls of dipping sauces makes for an irresistible appetizer. They’re always a hit for game day or gatherings!
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Of course! Homemade pizza dough brings an extra level of freshness and flavor. Use your favorite recipe or a quick-rise version if you have extra time—either way, the strombolis will be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are pure comfort food magic—easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. If you’re looking for a guaranteed hit that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat, don’t wait to give these a try. Your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you.
Print
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is a flavorful, game-day perfect recipe combining tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and optional blue cheese or ranch dressing, all wrapped in crispy baked pizza dough. This savory main course offers a delightful balance of spicy, cheesy, and tangy flavors ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Stromboli Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- All-purpose flour for rolling
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional)
Topping
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches, which will provide enough surface to wrap your filling securely.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated, giving it a spicy and tangy flavor.
- Assemble the stromboli: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly down the center of the rolled dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to allow sealing. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, and if desired, add crumbled blue cheese or drizzle ranch dressing for extra creaminess.
- Roll and seal: Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log shape, tucking and pinching the ends and seams tightly to enclose the filling and prevent leakage during baking. Place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush topping and bake: Mix the melted butter with garlic powder and brush this mixture generously over the top of the stromboli to create a flavorful, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the filling to set slightly, making slicing easier. Garnish with dried parsley if using, and serve with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken can significantly reduce the preparation time.
- Blue cheese can be substituted with shredded cheddar for a milder flavor.
- You can freeze the strombolis either before baking or after baking for convenient make-ahead meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (¼ stromboli)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
