pin it
This cheesy buffalo chicken stromboli transforms ordinary pizza dough into a flavor-packed meal that brings the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy in every bite. I've been making these for game day gatherings and they disappear faster than any other appetizer on the table.
I created this recipe during football playoffs last year when I needed something substantial but easy to eat while watching the game. It's now requested by name whenever friends come over to watch sports at our house.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: Provides the perfect crispy yet soft wrapper, use store bought for convenience or homemade for that extra special touch
- Shredded chicken: Creates the hearty protein base, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for quick prep
- Buffalo sauce: Brings that signature tangy heat, Frank's RedHot is traditional but any quality buffalo sauce works well
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro or parsley and chives add brightness that cuts through the richness
- Jalapeño: Contributes fresh heat that complements the buffalo sauce, remove seeds for milder flavor
- Ranch dressing: Creates a creamy base that balances the spice, homemade elevates the flavor but good quality store bought works too
- Cheese blend: Three varieties create the perfect texture and flavor complexity
- Sesame seeds: Add subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal, use toasted seeds for enhanced flavor
- Italian seasoning: Incorporates aromatic herbs that complement the savory fillings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The high initial temperature helps create that beautiful golden crust while the parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
- Create Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. Then fold in the fresh herbs and jalapeño which will infuse the filling with bright flavors and a hint of freshness that balances the rich sauce perfectly.
- Assemble The Strombolis:
- Roll each dough portion into approximately 8inch circles on a floured surface. Apply a layer of ranch dressing leaving a small border around the edges. Add a generous layer of buffalo chicken mixture followed by an even distribution of cheeses. The key here is restraint with filling to prevent bursting during baking.
- Form And Seal:
- Carefully tuck in two sides of each dough circle then roll into a log shape similar to forming a cinnamon roll. Press firmly along the seam to seal completely and place seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. This rolling technique creates beautiful spirals of filling when sliced.
- Apply Topping And Prepare For Baking:
- Mix parmesan cheese sesame seeds and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. Brush the top of each stromboli with beaten egg which creates a glossy finish and helps the topping adhere. Sprinkle generously with the parmesan mixture then cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
pin it
The combination of buffalo chicken and multiple cheeses in these strombolis reminds me of my first apartment in college. My roommates and I would pool our limited resources to make buffalo chicken dip for weekend gatherings. This recipe evolved from those humble beginnings but still brings back memories of friendship and laughter around our small kitchen table.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this stromboli recipe lies in its adaptability. For those who cant handle buffalo sauce spiciness substitute sweet barbecue sauce mixed with a touch of honey. The smoky sweetness pairs beautifully with the cheese blend while maintaining that satisfying flavor profile. For vegetarians replace chicken with roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce which amazingly mimics the texture and absorbs all that tangy goodness.
Homemade Sauce Options
Creating your own buffalo sauce elevates this recipe to new heights. Simply combine 1/2 cup melted butter with 3/4 cup hot sauce such as Frank's RedHot a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of garlic powder. For homemade ranch combine 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley dill and chives with 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder and a squeeze of lemon juice. Both sauces store well in the refrigerator for up to a week and make all the difference in flavor depth.
Make Ahead Tips
These strombolis are perfect for meal prep. Prepare completely through assembly then wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked strombolis for up to three months wrapped well in plastic and foil. When ready to enjoy just thaw in the refrigerator overnight add the egg wash and topping right before baking and adjust cooking time adding about 5 extra minutes.
pin it
This recipe is sure to impress any crowd while being easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and comfort in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these strombolis ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the strombolis up to the baking stage, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, brush with egg wash, add toppings, and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- → What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If you don't enjoy blue cheese, you can simply omit it or substitute with feta cheese, goat cheese, or additional mozzarella or cheddar for a milder flavor profile.
- → How spicy are these strombolis?
The spice level depends primarily on your buffalo sauce and the jalapeño. For a milder version, use a less spicy buffalo sauce, remove the jalapeño, or reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and increase the ranch dressing.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and measure out 1 cup for this recipe.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled strombolis in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they won't retain their crispy exterior.
- → Can I freeze these strombolis?
Yes! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.