Combining Italian stromboli with the strong tastes of buffalo chicken, Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is a spicy, cheesy, crunchy treat. This dish is a tremendous winner whether your search is for a family-friendly dinner, a game-day appetizer, or a quick meal prep concept.
Not only is it simple to create, but you can also personalize it in almost endless ways—gluten-free, low-carb, even dairy-free. Additionally, you can have that restaurant-quality taste right at home with the correct buffalo sauce and well-baked bread.
Before we delve into the detailed recipe, though, let’s consider how this mouthwatering combination came to be.
If you’re mindful of your calorie intake, you might be wondering how this dish fits into your meal plan. Learn more about how many calories are in a slice of Mexicana pizza to compare similar dishes
The Origin of Buffalo Chicken Stromboli
What’s the Difference Between Stromboli and Calzone?
Although many people mix stromboli with calzones, they are really rather different.
- Usually including ricotta cheese, calzones are folded over like a half-moon.
- Usually featuring mozzarella and other ingredients, stromboli is rolled like a spiral.
Inspired by Italian food, Stromboli developed in the United States; Buffalo Chicken is a quintessential American taste derived from Buffalo, New York. Combining the two produces an amazing blend of melted cheese, hot sauce, and crispy bread.
Why Does Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Taste So Good?
An outstanding buffalo chicken stromboli depends on its harmony of tastes and textures:
- Spicy and tart—the buffalo sauce has a strong kick.
- Rich filling results from a combination of mozzarella and ranch, sometimes known as blue cheese.
- Crispy and Golden: The dough bakes to a crunchy excellence.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Stromboli
To make the best buffalo chicken stromboli, you’ll need:
Classic Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough—store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups shredded chicken—rotisserie or cooked and shredded
- ½ cup buffalo sauce—Adjust based on spice preference
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing the crust)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
- Chopped green onions for freshness
- Crumbled blue cheese for extra tang
- Honey drizzle for a sweet contrast
If you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free pizza dough.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stromboli (Step-by-Step Guide)
1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce.
- Add the ranch dressing and mix well to coat the chicken.
- Stir in mozzarella cheese and any optional add-ins.
2: Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
3: Add the Filling and Roll
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch from the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough like a jelly roll, tucking the ends in.
- Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4: Brush and Score
- Brush the top with egg wash and melted butter.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder on top.
- Score the dough with a few shallow cuts to allow steam to escape.
5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Stromboli
- Prevent soggy dough by patting the chicken dry before mixing it with sauce.
- For extra crispiness, brush the dough with a thin layer of olive oil before adding the egg wash.
- Seal the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- For a more golden crust, bake on a pizza stone.
Serving Ideas & Dipping Sauces
Buffalo Chicken Stromboli pairs perfectly with:
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing—For dipping
- Celery and Carrot Sticks—A refreshing contrast
- Garlic Parmesan Fries—A great side Dish
- Homemade Coleslaw—Adds crunch and balance
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Properly storing and reheating Buffalo Chicken Stromboli ensures it stays crispy, cheesy, and delicious, even days after baking. Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping in advance, follow these tips for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers
- Allow the stromboli to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can make the crust soggy.
- Wrap individual slices or the whole stromboli tightly in foil, plastic wrap, or an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freezing is the best option (see below).
How to Reheat Without Getting Soggy
Reheating stromboli the right way is key to maintaining its crisp texture and gooey cheese filling.
Oven (Best Method for Crispy Crust)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the stromboli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and the crust is crispy again.
Air Fryer (Quick and Crispy Reheat)
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place slices in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating.
Microwave (Fastest but Softens Crust)
- Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
- Heat in 20-30 second intervals until warm.
- If the crust softens too much, pop it in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Stromboli?
Yes! Stromboli freezes exceptionally well, whether baked or unbaked.
Freezing Before Baking (Best for Freshness)
- Assemble the stromboli but do not bake it.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.
Freezing After Baking (For Quick Meals)
- Let the baked stromboli cool completely.
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 15 minutes or in the air fryer at 350°F for 7-8 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Schedules
If you want to save time, you can prepare the stromboli in advance:
- Prep the filling a day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.
- Assemble the stromboli the night before, wrap it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake fresh for the best taste.
- Pre-bake it partially (bake for 15 minutes), then refrigerate or freeze. Finish baking when needed for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping stromboli delicious. For additional tips on freezing meals, check out how long taco soup lasts in the freezer to apply similar principles to your dishes.
Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Variations to Try
Healthier & Low-Carb Versions
- Use low-carb dough or cauliflower crust for a keto-friendly version.
- Swap out regular buffalo sauce for a sugar-free alternative.
Vegetarian Alternative
- Use buffalo cauliflower instead of chicken.
- Add vegan cheese and a dairy-free ranch dressing.
Air Fryer vs. Oven-Baked
- The air fryer gives a crispier texture in less time.
- The oven provides even baking for larger portions.
Looking for a different protein option? Swap the chicken for ground beef! You can also explore these delicious ground beef breakfast recipes for more ways to use ground beef creatively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute crescent roll dough for pizza dough?
Indeed, but the texture will be buttery and softer.
Apart from a stromboli, what distinguishes a calzone?
Calzones fold; stromboli rolls like a spiral.
How can I stop the stuffing from seeping out?
Score the top to release steam and seal the edges well.
Could I cook this ahead of a party?
Sure! Prepare and chill; then bake just before serving.
How can I tone it down for children?
Either use mild buffalo sauce or toss it with extra ranch dressing.
Final Thoughts
Unbelievably combining spice, cheese, and crispy dough, Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is It’s sure to be a smash whether your supper is casual, game day, or meal prep.
From gluten-free to air fryer choices, this recipe is quite flexible with limitless possibilities. Plus, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home with the correct buffalo sauce and crispy crust.
Try this dish and let me know your preferred spin.
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The Best Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe – Spicy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!
This Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is a spicy, cheesy, and crispy baked roll, packed with shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect game-day appetizer, family dinner, or meal prep dish, combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting crunch of a golden-baked stromboli.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice level)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Celery and carrot sticks on the side
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Filling – Combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, and ranch (or blue cheese) in a bowl.
- Roll Dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Assemble – Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border. Roll tightly into a log and seal the edges.
- Brush & Bake – Brush with butter or egg wash, sprinkle seasonings, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Cool & Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free