Craving a bite of something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible? Look no further than Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis. Imagine crispy, golden-brown dough wrapped around tender chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. Each bite is a savory, spicy, and satisfying explosion of flavor, perfect for game days, casual dinners, or whenever you’re in the mood for comfort food with a kick. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll wonder why you’ve never tried it before. It’s like all your favorite buffalo chicken flavors wrapped up in a portable, cheesy treat!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
Here’s why these strombolis are going to steal the spotlight:
Spicy and Cheesy Goodness: A blend of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken makes every bite a flavor-packed experience.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a chef to master this recipe. It’s straightforward, quick, and doesn’t require any complicated techniques—just roll, bake, and enjoy!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game night, a casual dinner, or a fun appetizer for a party, these strombolis are perfect for any gathering.
Make Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: These strombolis can be assembled ahead of time, making them an excellent option for meal prepping. You can even freeze them for later—just bake when you’re ready!
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these strombolis. With the cheesy, familiar flavor of buffalo chicken, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible buffalo chicken strombolis:
For the Stromboli Filling:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cooked, shredded, and tossed with buffalo sauce to create that signature spicy, savory flavor.
- Buffalo Sauce: A tangy, spicy sauce that’s the heart of the dish. It adds the perfect kick to the chicken.
- Cream Cheese: For creaminess and to balance out the heat from the buffalo sauce. It makes the filling rich and smooth.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a melty, gooey texture that melts perfectly inside the stromboli.
- Mozzarella Cheese: A stretchy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese that pairs beautifully with the cheddar.
- Garlic Powder: A little bit of garlic powder adds an aromatic depth of flavor to the filling.
For the Dough:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own. The dough is the perfect vehicle for all that cheesy goodness.
For the Topping:
- Butter: Melted butter brushed on the top of the stromboli adds a golden, crispy finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling parmesan on top adds a savory, cheesy crunch to the crust.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness to balance out the richness of the stromboli.
(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Cook the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked (you can pan-fry, bake, or even use a rotisserie chicken for convenience). Shred the chicken and toss it with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. - Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle shape, about 12 inches by 8 inches. - Assemble the Strombolis
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the center of the dough, leaving about an inch on each edge. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken mixture for extra cheesiness. - Roll and Seal the Dough
Carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, starting from one long side and rolling toward the other. Pinch the edges to seal the stromboli and tuck the ends underneath to prevent the filling from spilling out. - Brush with Butter and Parmesan
Place the stromboli seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy finish. - Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the stromboli is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be bubbling inside, and the crust should be perfectly cooked. - Serve & Enjoy
Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice it up, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~450
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 30g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
- With a Side of Veggies: Pair your strombolis with a fresh salad or some crunchy celery sticks to balance out the richness.
- Dip in Ranch or Blue Cheese: A cool, creamy dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these spicy, cheesy strombolis.
- Serve with French Fries: For a fun, hearty meal, serve the strombolis with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
Additional Tips
- Spice It Up: If you like extra heat, add some extra buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Add Some Veggies: Throw in some diced red onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
- Use Store-Bought Dough: If you’re short on time, using store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe a breeze.
- Freeze for Later: These strombolis freeze beautifully. Assemble them, freeze them uncooked, and then bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different protein?
A1: Yes, you can use ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The buffalo sauce and cheese will still create the perfect flavor.
Q2: Can I make these strombolis ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the strombolis, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for up to a month and bake from frozen.
Q3: Can I make these vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Use a plant-based chicken substitute or add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover strombolis in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough to make these strombolis gluten-free.
Q6: Can I use store-bought buffalo chicken dip instead of making my own filling?
A6: Yes, that’s a great shortcut! Just use your favorite buffalo chicken dip, and you’re good to go.
Q7: What other cheese can I use in these strombolis?
A7: You can use mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
Q8: How do I prevent the stromboli from getting soggy?
A8: Make sure to use enough cheese to bind the filling together, and avoid overstuffing the stromboli with too much liquid.
Q9: Can I bake these strombolis on a pizza stone?
A9: Yes! A pizza stone will give you an extra crispy crust. Just be sure to preheat it before placing the stromboli on it.
Q10: Can I serve these with something other than ranch or blue cheese dressing?
A10: Absolutely! A cool, creamy dip like sour cream or a yogurt-based sauce works wonderfully, or you can even try a spicy Sriracha mayo.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, spicy flavors paired with ooey, gooey cheese. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious homemade meal, these strombolis are sure to hit the spot!
PrintCheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory. Filled with tender buffalo chicken and melted cheese, then wrapped in a golden, crispy crust, they’re a fun and flavorful twist on traditional strombolis. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering!
Ingredients
For the 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
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Stromboli Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For Assembling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (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.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch it out.
- Assemble the Strombolis: Spread the buffalo chicken mixture down the center of the dough, leaving about 1-inch of space on each side. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the seams to seal the strombolis. Make sure the ends are tightly sealed as well.
- Brush and Season the Dough: Place the strombolis seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder and dried oregano (if using) for extra flavor.
- Bake the Strombolis: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the strombolis are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. You can check by gently pressing on the dough – it should feel firm and golden on top.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the strombolis to cool slightly. 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 on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, you can add chopped jalapeños or extra hot sauce to the chicken filling.
- To make them ahead of time, assemble the strombolis and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- You can use any cheese combination you like, but mozzarella and cheddar give the best melt and flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 stromboli
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg