
This buffalo chicken bread transforms your favorite wing flavors into a cheesy, stuffed masterpiece perfect for game day gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melty cheese wrapped in a golden crust creates an irresistible flavor bomb that disappears quickly whenever I serve it.
I first created this recipe when looking for a creative way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. What started as a kitchen experiment has become my most requested party food, especially during football season when my friends practically camp out in my living room waiting for it to come out of the oven.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: The foundation of our bread roll, providing a chewy yet crisp exterior. Store bought dough works perfectly, but homemade adds extra flavor if you have time
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds moisture, but any leftover chicken works well. Just ensure it's well shredded for even distribution
- Buffalo wing sauce: Provides that signature tangy heat. Frank's RedHot is my go to for authentic buffalo flavor, but any quality brand works
- Ranch dressing: Adds creaminess that balances the spice. Hidden Valley gives classic flavor, but homemade ranch elevates this dish to new heights
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that stretchy, melty cheese pull when sliced. Use freshly shredded rather than pre packaged for best melting
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and color contrast. Medium or sharp both work wonderfully depending on your preference
- Olive oil: Just a touch helps crisp the exterior to golden perfection
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken mixture:
- Combine your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated evenly. This ensures consistent flavor throughout each bite of the finished bread. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors while you prepare the dough.
- Roll out the dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Work slowly from the center outward to maintain an even thickness. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing. The right thickness ensures proper cooking without tearing.
- Layer the fillings:
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the dough surface, leaving a 1 inch border around all edges. This border is crucial for proper sealing. Next, sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the chicken layer, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere to the sauce and chicken.
- Roll and shape:
- Starting from the long edge nearest you, begin rolling the dough away from yourself, working to keep the roll tight and even. Tuck in any filling that escapes from the sides as you go. Once fully rolled, pinch the seam firmly closed and tuck under the ends, pressing to seal completely.
- Bake to perfection:
- Transfer your roll carefully to a parchment lined baking sheet, placing it seam side down. Brush the entire surface lightly with olive oil for a golden finish. Bake at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes until deeply golden brown and cheese is bubbling from any small openings. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let the filling set.
The buffalo sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. After much experimentation, I discovered that mixing the sauce with ranch directly into the chicken creates a much more cohesive filling than layering them separately. This method reminds me of the first time I made this for my brother who claimed to dislike buffalo chicken until this bread changed his mind completely.
Make Ahead Options
This buffalo chicken bread is perfect for meal planning and entertaining. You can prepare the entire roll up to 24 hours in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. You may need to add 5 additional minutes to the bake time if starting from a chilled state. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked roll wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Flavor Variations
While traditional buffalo chicken flavor is incredible, this bread concept invites creativity. Try substituting BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and adding caramelized onions for a smoky sweet version. For a Mediterranean twist, use pesto instead of buffalo sauce, sun dried tomatoes instead of ranch, and add spinach to the chicken mixture. My personal favorite variation includes adding crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of honey to the standard recipe, creating a perfect sweet heat profile that balances the tangy buffalo sauce beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Slice this bread into generous 1 to 2 inch portions and serve warm for the best cheese pull experience. For casual gatherings, provide extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping. This bread pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, add a vegetable side like roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts. During game day celebrations, I serve this alongside celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese dressing to echo classic buffalo wing accompaniments.