Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Stromboli: Your Ultimate Game Day & Party Appetizer

Craving the vibrant, spicy kick of buffalo chicken but in a cozy, satisfying package? Look no further than this incredible Buffalo Chicken Stromboli! Imagine soft, chewy pizza dough rolled around a glorious filling of tender buffalo chicken, tangy blue cheese, creamy ranch, and gooey mozzarella. It’s an explosion of flavor in every slice, perfect for sharing as a show-stopping appetizer or even serving as a fun, hearty dinner.

We’ve designed this recipe to be as straightforward as possible. Utilize leftover chicken or a readily available rotisserie chicken to save time, and for ultimate convenience, prepare the pizza dough the night before. While this recipe offers a zesty twist, you can also explore our classic Stromboli for an authentic Italian meat and cheese experience. For more innovative pizza creations, try our Fig and Prosciutto Pizza, White Pizza, or our indulgent Homemade Stuffed Crust Pizza.

Mastering the Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

Inspired by our popular Homemade Stromboli Recipe, this buffalo chicken variation takes all the beloved elements of classic buffalo wings and wraps them into a delectable, shareable log. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy chicken, perfectly complemented by the sharp notes of blue cheese crumbles and the cooling touch of creamy ranch dressing, all enveloped in melty mozzarella.

Once your dough is ready, the assembly process is incredibly simple. Think of it like rolling a giant savory cinnamon roll! You’ll spread your vibrant fillings over a rectangular sheet of dough, then carefully roll it into a neat log before baking it to golden perfection. This method ensures every slice is packed with an even distribution of flavor and texture.

This Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect fuss-free appetizer for game day parties, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a hungry group. If you’re looking to turn it into a complete meal, simply add a fresh green salad on the side, and you’ve got a dinner that’s both exciting and satisfying.

Why This Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Will Be Your New Favorite

• Effortless Entertaining: Whether you’re hosting a lively game day get-together, a casual family dinner, or a festive holiday party, this stromboli is designed for easy entertaining. Its impressive presentation belies its simple preparation, making you look like a culinary superstar without all the stress. Because it bakes as one large log, slicing and serving are a breeze, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: Planning is key to stress-free cooking, and this recipe offers fantastic make-ahead options. For a head start, prepare the pizza dough the night before, let it rise, then cover and store it in the fridge. The next day, simply bring it to room temperature before filling and baking. For even greater convenience, you can assemble the entire stromboli, then freeze it before baking. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping or preparing for future events.
• An Explosion of Flavor: This isn’t just a dish; it’s a flavor experience! The moment buffalo sauce enters the picture, you know you’re in for something special. We elevate that signature spicy kick by combining it with the creamy richness of cream cheese, the pungent tang of blue cheese, the savory depth of ranch seasoning, and the comforting stretch of melted mozzarella. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and utterly addictive taste profile that will have everyone reaching for another slice.
• Feeds Any Crowd: The beauty of baking this stromboli as a single, long log is its adaptability. It’s incredibly easy to double or even triple the recipe to accommodate larger groups, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this delicious creation. When sliced, it provides substantial portions, making it versatile enough for appetizers or a main course.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

Crafting an exceptional stromboli begins with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for best results:

• Homemade Pizza Dough: The foundation of any great stromboli is its dough. Our guide to making homemade pizza dough provides all the details, requiring just warm water, sugar, active dry yeast, salt, all-purpose flour, and a touch of olive oil. While store-bought dough can be a time-saver, homemade offers superior flavor and texture.
• Hot Sauce: For that iconic buffalo flavor, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is our personal favorite, delivering the perfect balance of heat and tang. However, feel free to use your preferred brand of hot sauce.
• Brown Sugar: A touch of light brown sugar is crucial. When simmered with the hot sauce, it transforms into a rich, slightly sweet buffalo sauce, mellowing the heat and adding depth.
• Cooked Chicken: Convenience is key! Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here as it’s already cooked. Ensure it’s shredded or diced into small, uniform, bite-sized pieces (about ½ inch) so it rolls up easily and distributes evenly throughout the stromboli.
• Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds a delightful creaminess and helps bind the filling together. It must be at room temperature and incredibly soft for easy spreading. If it’s too firm, microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until softened but not melted.
• Blue Cheese: A classic pairing with buffalo sauce, blue cheese adds a pungent, salty, and tangy counterpoint that elevates the entire dish. Use pre-crumbled blue cheese or crumble it yourself for a fresher taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Used both in the filling and sprinkled on top before baking, Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory layer and helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: A small amount of dry ranch seasoning mix goes a long way, infusing the filling with an extra layer of savory, herby flavor that perfectly complements the buffalo and blue cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that signature gooey, stretchy texture, shredded mozzarella cheese is essential. It melts beautifully, holding all the delicious fillings in place. A blend of pizza cheeses can also be used for added complexity.
• Egg Wash: A simple mixture of whisked egg and water brushed over the stromboli before baking creates a gorgeous golden, slightly shiny crust and helps the Parmesan cheese adhere to the top.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

How to Make the Best Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping buffalo chicken stromboli that will impress everyone:

1. Proof the Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl), combine warm water (between 95-110°F or 35-43°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and allow it to sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
2. Mix the Pizza Dough: Once your yeast is perfectly proofed, add the olive oil, salt, and approximately 1½ cups of the all-purpose flour to the bowl. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and mix on low speed until all ingredients are just combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, about ¼ cup at a time, allowing the dough to come together. Continue mixing until the dough starts to pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl.
3. Knead and Rise: Increase the mixer speed to low-medium and knead the dough with the dough hook for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. Alternatively, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 5-7 minutes. Shape the dough into a smooth ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the dough is rising, combine the hot sauce and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
5. Coat the Chicken: Take your pre-cooked chicken (shredded or diced) and place it in a medium bowl. Pour enough of the cooled buffalo sauce over the chicken to thoroughly coat it. Reserve any remaining buffalo sauce for dipping later.
6. Roll, Fill, and Shape the Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 10 x 14 inches. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes, then continue rolling. Evenly spread the softened cream cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around all edges. Layer the blue cheese, ½ of the grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning powder, buffalo chicken, and finally the shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Seal the Stromboli: Starting from one of the long edges, carefully and tightly roll up the dough into a log. Once rolled, pinch the seam firmly to seal it completely, then pinch and tuck the ends to enclose the filling. Place the stromboli seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
8. Apply Egg Wash and Finish: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and the large egg for the egg wash. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface of the stromboli with the egg wash. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Using a sharp knife, make 3-inch slits across the top of the stromboli, spacing them about 1½ inches apart. These slits allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the stromboli from bursting.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for 18-25 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and crisp. For best results and to ensure the interior is fully cooked, the internal temperature of the stromboli should reach 200°F (93°C).
10. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the stromboli from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheeses to set, preventing the filling from oozing out. Slice into generous portions and serve warm with extra ranch dressing, or the reserved buffalo sauce, for dipping. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for Stromboli Success

• Dough Portioning: Our pizza dough recipe yields enough for one generous stromboli. It’s often easier to make a full batch of dough, even if you only plan to use half. The remaining dough can be frozen for future use, saving you time later on!
• Mind the Border: Always ensure you leave at least a 1-inch border of dough around the edges free of any fillings. This crucial step allows you to properly seal the stromboli, preventing any delicious filling from leaking out during baking.
• Perfectly Soft Cream Cheese: For easy spreading and a smooth filling, your cream cheese must be at room temperature. If it’s still firm, place it on a plate and microwave it in 5-10 second intervals until it’s soft and spreadable, but not melted or hot.
• Chicken Prep Matters: Whether you’re using leftover baked, grilled, or rotisserie chicken, make sure it’s shredded or diced into small, consistent pieces. This ensures an even distribution of chicken in every bite and makes rolling the stromboli much easier.
• Thicker Crust Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker crust on your stromboli, you may need to reduce the oven temperature slightly (e.g., to 400°F/200°C) and increase the baking time. This allows the dough to cook thoroughly without the outside becoming too dark before the interior is done.
• Make Ahead Advantage: This recipe is fantastic for preparing in advance. After the dough has risen, you can lightly cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, simply remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then proceed with filling and baking. You can also assemble the entire stromboli, wrap it well, and freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: To keep any leftover Buffalo Chicken Stromboli fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring slices or the entire log to an airtight container. It will store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, stromboli freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled slices or the entire baked log tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To restore its crispy crust and gooey interior, the best way to reheat stromboli is in a preheated oven. Place slices or the whole stromboli on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. You can also microwave individual slices for quicker reheating, though the crust may not be as crisp.

More Delicious Pizza-Inspired Creations You’ll Adore

If you loved this Buffalo Chicken Stromboli, be sure to explore more of our favorite pizza-themed recipes:

• Deep Dish Pizza
• Pizza Monkey Bread
• French Bread Pizza
• Pizza Sliders
• Veggie Pizza
• Discover more Pizza Recipes
• Explore more Game Day Appetizers

This Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures, perfect for any gathering or a fun family pizza night at home. Packed with gooey cheese, tender buffalo chicken, and that irresistible creamy ranch essence, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!