If you are craving a deliciously spicy and cheesy meal that hits all the right comfort food notes, then you absolutely have to try this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, mingling with creamy ranch and two types of melty cheese, all wrapped up in golden, flaky pizza dough. This dish bursts with flavor in every bite and is perfect for game day, casual dinners, or even an impressive snack to share with friends. Once you make these strombolis, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from the punch of buffalo sauce to the gooey mix of mozzarella and cheddar that creates perfect cheesy pockets inside the stromboli. Having these ingredients ready ensures your strombolis will be packed with flavor, texture, and that irresistible spicy kick.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and tenderness.
- Buffalo sauce (1/4 cup): The star of the dish, providing a devilishly spicy tang; adjust for heat preference.
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup): Adds cool creaminess that balances the buffalo heat perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Mild and melty, it creates that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves.
- Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds sharpness and depth to the cheesy mixture.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): For a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the final dish.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): The foundation—choose store-bought or homemade for that perfect chewy crust.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to brush the crust for a beautiful golden finish and added flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides subtle savory notes to the crust.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds an herbal hint that complements the buffalo chicken filling.
- Extra buffalo sauce (optional): For drizzling over the baked strombolis to amp up the heat and flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease prevents sticking and ensures even baking. A hot oven helps get that crust wonderfully crisp while melting the cheese inside to bubbling perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated and the cheeses are well distributed throughout. This mixture is what fills your stromboli with that unforgettable spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavor.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, roughly 1/4-inch thick. This shape provides a nice base to fold up and seal your filling inside. You can use a rolling pin or gently stretch the dough with your hands if you prefer—either way, aim for an even thickness to ensure thorough cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Strombolis
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture down the center of the dough, leaving about an inch of space on each side. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling—pinch firmly to seal all seams and ends tightly. This step is key to trapping all the cheesy, saucy goodness inside, so nothing leaks out during baking.
Step 5: Brush and Season the Dough
Turn the stromboli seam-side down on your baking sheet to keep it closed during cooking. Brush the top generously with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder and oregano if using. This seasoning combo not only enhances flavor but also browns the crust to a gorgeous golden color.
Step 6: Bake the Strombolis
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese inside melts into a bubbly, molten filling. You’ll know it’s ready when the stromboli feels firm on top and carries that delicious roasted aroma. Keep an eye near the end to avoid overbaking—it should be crisp but not burnt.
Step 7: Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the stromboli to cool just a bit for easier slicing. Cut into 1-inch pieces, drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if you like, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh pop. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, and watch these disappear fast!
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions not only gives a fresh crunch but also a lovely burst of color that makes your strombolis look as amazing as they taste. A drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese can elevate the dish further, making it even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
These strombolis pair beautifully with crisp celery sticks or a crunchy garden salad to cut through the richness and spice. For a heartier meal, consider creamy coleslaw or roasted vegetables, which complement the bold flavors with contrasting textures and subtle sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, arrange the sliced strombolis on a large serving platter surrounded by small bowls of ranch, blue cheese dressing, and extra buffalo sauce for dipping. You can also serve individual stromboli slices with a side of pickled jalapeños or a quick cucumber salad to add a refreshing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days and make an excellent next-day snack or meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze leftover strombolis. Wrap each stromboli or sliced pieces individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen strombolis keep well for up to 2 months — perfect for preparing in advance for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the strombolis in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crusty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain that crisp texture and keep the cheese deliciously melted.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar create a lovely melt and flavor combo, you can experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or provolone for a smokier taste. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust it?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the buffalo sauce, but you can easily make it milder by using less buffalo sauce or a milder brand. For more heat, add extra buffalo sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the pizza dough with your favorite gluten-free dough. Many stores carry gluten-free pizza dough options that work perfectly here without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is it possible to prepare these strombolis ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the strombolis and store them wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for busy days or entertaining guests without stress.
What can I serve with these strombolis to make it a full meal?
Besides side salads and veggie sticks, consider pairing the strombolis with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted broccoli, or even a light pasta salad. These sides complement the bold flavors and round out a satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both spicy and cheesy, easy to make, and packed with flavor, the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe is a winner every time. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, these strombolis deliver big on comfort and satisfaction. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy buffalo chicken!
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis combine shredded buffalo chicken with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. This flavorful, spicy snack or meal is quick to prepare, perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying dinner craving. The strombolis are brushed with olive oil and seasoned with garlic and oregano for an extra burst of flavor, then served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
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
Stromboli Dough and Seasoning
- 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
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 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, mix together shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese until the mixture is evenly combined and the chicken is well coated.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 1/4-inch thick rectangle using a rolling pin or your hands, making sure the dough is even in thickness.
- Assemble the Strombolis: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture along 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 and ends tightly to seal the strombolis completely.
- Brush and Season the Dough: Place the 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 enhance flavor.
- Bake the Strombolis: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and firm, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. Check doneness by gently pressing the dough to feel for firmness and color.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the strombolis to cool slightly. Slice into 1-inch pieces, optionally drizzle with extra buffalo sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to save time.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to control the spiciness of the filling.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce.
- To ensure a crispy crust, brush olive oil evenly and seal the dough edges well to prevent leakage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- These strombolis can be frozen unbaked; thaw and bake as directed when needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
