Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread is a delightful fusion of zesty buffalo chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy pizza dough. This recipe is perfect for game day, casual dinners, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish that is both hearty and flavorful. The combination of spicy wing sauce, melty mozzarella and cheddar, and the savory crunch of the dough makes this a must-try for any fan of bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
For this delicious Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts: Choose high-quality chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: This helps cook the chicken and adds a touch of richness.
- 1 store-bought pizza dough: Let it sit out for about 20 minutes to make it easier to stretch and roll.
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim): This cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
- 3 ounces shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup Frank's Wing Sauce: A classic choice for buffalo flavor, this sauce brings the right amount of heat and tanginess.
- 1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Choose your favorite to add a creamy, cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.
These ingredients combine to create a mouthwatering bread that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The balance of heat from the wing sauce, the creaminess of the cheese, and the savory goodness of the chicken wrapped in pizza dough makes for an irresistible treat.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread:
Cook the Chicken:
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into small cubes. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cubes. Cook the chicken thoroughly, making sure each piece is well-done. This should take about 5-7 minutes. After the chicken is cooked, pour in 1/4 cup of Frank's Wing Sauce. Stir the chicken to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the chicken to cool.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and achieve a golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Dough:
On a well-floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a large rectangle. This shape is ideal for rolling and creating a bread loaf. Spread the ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly over the surface of the dough. This will serve as the base layer of flavor. Next, drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of Frank's Wing Sauce over the dressing, ensuring an even distribution.
Assemble the Bread:
Once the chicken has cooled, spread it evenly over the sauced dough. Make sure the chicken is distributed in a single layer to ensure even baking. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the chicken. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, an optional drizzle of additional wing sauce can be added on top of the cheese.
Roll the Dough:
Carefully roll the dough lengthwise like a pinwheel until it forms a tight log. Tuck in the ends of the dough to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking. This step is crucial for maintaining the structure of the bread.
Bake:
Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking. Place the rolled dough on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If you notice the bread browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it sit for about five minutes. This resting period allows the bread to set and makes slicing easier. After it has cooled slightly, cut the bread into slices and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread warm, either as a main dish or as a hearty appetizer. It pairs well with a side salad or fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to maintain their crispiness.
Helpful Notes
For a twist, experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda. You can also customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of wing sauce used. Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends serving this bread with a side of celery sticks and extra blue cheese dressing for dipping.