Introduction
Buffalo Chicken Strombolis bring together two of your favorite comfort foods — spicy buffalo chicken wings and cheesy pizza rolls — into one irresistible, handheld meal. In this recipe, shredded chicken is bathed in tangy buffalo sauce, mixed with herbs and jalapeño, and then rolled up in pizza dough along with a trio of melted cheeses. The dough is brushed with egg wash, sprinkled with Parmesan and sesame seeds, then baked until golden and crisp. These are ideal for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner when you want something bold, cheesy, and shareable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, spicy flavor: The buffalo sauce and jalapeño give a classic wing-style heat, balanced by creamy ranch and herbs.
- Cheese overload: A blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and blue cheese makes every bite melty and rich.
- Handheld and shareable: Just slice into the stromboli to serve — perfect for a crowd or as a family-style entree.
- Beautiful crust: Egg wash, Parmesan, Italian seasoning and sesame seeds create a glossy, flavorful outer layer.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble and refrigerate (or even freeze) before baking, making it a great prep-ahead option.
Ingredients (Makes 4 Strombolis)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- Buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley)
- Fresh chives, chopped
- Jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- Ranch dressing
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Blue cheese, crumbled
- Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Sesame seeds (for topping)
- Italian seasoning (for topping)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (≈230 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Add the chopped herbs (cilantro or parsley), chives, and jalapeño. Mix well so every piece of chicken is coated with sauce and the flavors distribute evenly.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Divide the pizza dough into four equal pieces.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into an 8-inch circle or oval shape.
- Assemble the Stromboli:
- Spread a thin, even layer of ranch dressing across each dough piece, leaving a border around the edges.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the ranch.
- Sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella and cheddar on top, then add the crumbled blue cheese.
- Shape and Seal:
- Fold in the two longer sides of the dough, then roll it up like a log (similar to a cinnamon roll).
- Pinch the seams and the ends tightly to seal in the filling, and place the stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together grated Parmesan, sesame seeds, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the top of each stromboli with the beaten egg wash to help the topping stick and give a glossy finish.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan-sesame mixture evenly over the top.
- Make 2–3 small slits on the top of each log to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes at 450°F.
- Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (≈190 °C) and bake for another 20–30 minutes, or until the stromboli are golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest & Serve:
- Once baked, let the strombolis rest about 5 minutes before slicing — this helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner.
- Serve with extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dip on the side for dunking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm, cut into thick slices, alongside celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic “buffalo wings” vibe.
- Add a crisp green salad or coleslaw on the side to give a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy stromboli.
- For a party, place the stromboli slices on a platter with dipping sauces in ramekins around them — perfect for sharing.
- Pack leftovers in an airtight container — they’re great for lunch the next day, warmed in the oven or microwave.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t over-stuff: Use just enough filling so the dough seals properly and the stromboli doesn’t burst.
- Seal seams well: Pinch the edges tightly to avoid leaks.
- Vent your dough: The slits on top are essential so that steam can escape and the inside doesn’t become too soggy.
- Mix of cheeses: Using a combination of cheeses gives depth, but feel free to adjust based on what you have or your preference.
- Adjust heat: If you want it spicier, leave some jalapeño seeds or add more buffalo sauce; to tone it down, reduce the sauce or jalapeño.
- Make-ahead: You can assemble, cover, and refrigerate the strombolis before baking. For even more prep flexibility, freeze them (wrapped) and bake later, adding a few extra minutes for bake time.
Variations & Options
- Barbecue twist: Replace the buffalo sauce with a smoky barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie version: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or celery to the filling for more texture.
- Vegan version: Use shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken, vegan cheese, and a vegan-friendly buffalo sauce.
- Mini strombolis: Instead of large logs, make smaller rolls — great for appetizers or party bites.
- Different dough: Use whole-wheat pizza dough or gluten-free dough if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and makes the recipe faster — just shred it and mix with the buffalo sauce.
Can I freeze strombolis?
Absolutely. After assembling, wrap each stromboli tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge and bake as directed (you may need a few extra minutes).
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
You can leave it out or substitute with goat cheese, feta, or simply add more mozzarella or cheddar.
How do I make my own buffalo sauce?
Let melted butter cool slightly, then whisk it with hot sauce and a pinch of garlic powder or honey to create your own homemade buffalo sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Chicken Strombolis are a perfect way to bring bold wing flavor into a fun, cheesy, warm handheld meal. With spicy buffalo chicken, three kinds of cheese, and a beautifully golden crust, they feel indulgent yet homey. Make them for a sports night, a casual dinner, or whenever you crave something comforting with a kick. Just slice, dip, and enjoy!