If you have a craving that’s bold, comforting, and packed with melty, spicy goodness, you simply must try this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe. This dish takes the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken—zesty sauce, tender chicken, and tangy blue cheese—and wraps them all inside a golden, crispy crust with gooey mozzarella and cheddar oozing from every bite. It’s perfect for game day, a cozy night in, or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make this stromboli, it’ll quickly become a top favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that combine texture, flavor, and a bit of zing. Each one plays a key role—from the stretchy pizza dough that wraps it all up to the cheeses that add creamy richness and those vibrant seasonings that give it character.
- Pizza dough: The sturdy yet tender base that holds all the delicious fillings together for the perfect bite.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Provides protein and a meaty canvas to soak up the buffalo sauce’s bold flavor.
- Buffalo sauce: Brings just the right amount of spicy kick balanced with tanginess.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the buffalo sauce so the filling stays thick and doesn’t leak while baking.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Offers melty, gooey texture that everyone loves.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds sharpness and vibrant yellow color for extra appeal.
- Blue cheese, crumbled: Provides tangy, pungent contrast that’s a signature buffalo chicken touch.
- Green onions, sliced: Freshness and mild crunch that lightens the whole dish.
- Butter, melted: Creates a golden, flavorful crust when brushed on top.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth with a subtle savory note.
- Ranch seasoning mix: Adds creamy herb flavor that pairs perfectly with buffalo chicken.
- Honey: Balances spiciness with a touch of sweet.
- Semolina flour: Prevents sticking and crisps the stromboli’s bottom crust beautifully.
- Egg and water: Combined for an egg wash that seals the dough edges and helps develop a shiny, golden-brown crust.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Thicken the Buffalo Sauce Filling
Begin by whisking together the buffalo sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. This simple step only takes a couple of minutes, but it’s crucial because it thickens the sauce so that your filling stays nice and firm, avoiding any messy leaks during baking. It’s like setting the perfect foundation for the next layers of flavor.
Step 2: Mix in the Chicken and Cheeses
Once your sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, blue cheese, and green onions. This combination creates a luscious, cheesy filling loaded with that trademark buffalo flavor and a pop of freshness from the onions. Let the filling cool for a few minutes, then cover and place it in the fridge for up to 2 hours—this chilling step helps make assembly much easier.
Step 3: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface
Preheat your oven to 425°F. While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle semolina flour evenly across it. The semolina is a clever little trick that keeps the bottom crust perfectly crisp and prevents sticking, so your stromboli will slide off the pan like magic once baked.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a roughly 12 by 16-inch rectangle. This shape is ideal for folding over the filling securely. Then, carefully transfer the dough to your semolina-dusted parchment paper to keep it steady and ready for layering.
Step 5: Add the Filling
Spoon the cooled buffalo chicken mixture evenly down the center of the dough, leaving about a 1½-inch border all around. This border is essential for folding and sealing the stromboli so none of that cheesy, saucy goodness escapes while baking.
Step 6: Seal the Dough with Egg Wash
Mix together the egg and water to make an egg wash, then brush it generously along the edges of the dough border. This sticky coating serves as glue, ensuring the dough folds stick tightly and the stromboli keeps that neat, sealed shape as it cooks.
Step 7: Fold and Crimp the Stromboli
Start by folding the long sides of the dough over the filling, then fold in the short ends. Pinch the edges together firmly, then crimp them with a fork to lock in all the juices. Don’t forget to poke a few small holes on top of the crust with your fork to let steam escape—this prevents sogginess and helps develop a beautiful golden finish.
Step 8: Add the Flavorful Butter Glaze
Combine melted butter, garlic powder, ranch seasoning, and honey in a microwave-safe cup, then brush half of this fragrant mixture over the top of your stromboli before baking. This glaze infuses the crust with irresistible flavors and a mouth-watering shine.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your stromboli in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling through the vents. This signals that it’s perfectly cooked inside, with melty cheese and tender chicken ready to be enjoyed.
Step 10: Finish with More Butter Glaze
Once out of the oven, brush the remaining garlic butter mixture over the hot stromboli for an added boost of flavor and shiny finish that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Step 11: Rest and Slice
Let the stromboli rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This crucial pause lets the filling set, making those slices neat and tidy without any ooze. Then cut into 8 to 10 pieces and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh contrast to the spicy richness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or extra green onions on top. A drizzle of cool ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing on the side also elevates the experience, perfect if you love layering flavors.
Side Dishes
This stromboli pairs beautifully with crunchy celery sticks or a simple crisp salad to balance the warmth and cheddar-filled goodness, creating a well-rounded meal that pleases every palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe sliced into smaller bite-sized pieces for game day snacks or party platters. Wrapping individual slices in lettuce leaves makes for a fun, handheld way to enjoy all the buffalo goodness without the carb load.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover stromboli in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking or quick reheated meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole stromboli by letting it cool completely, then wrapping in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to one month, making this recipe a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat frozen stromboli in a preheated 375°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For refrigerated leftovers, heating in a skillet on medium-low keeps the crust crispy while melting the fillings to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor. Just ensure it’s shredded finely to mix well with the sauce and cheeses.
What can I substitute for blue cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try substituting with feta for a similar tangy profile or skip it altogether for a milder creamy flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier or milder?
Definitely! Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to your heat preference or swap it for a mild wing sauce. You can also add more honey to balance out the heat if desired.
Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?
Yes, the filling can be made and refrigerated overnight. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature or slightly warm it before assembling your stromboli for the best results.
What’s the best way to roll out the dough without sticking?
Lightly dust your rolling surface and the dough with flour, and use a rolling pin. Turning the dough occasionally helps keep it even and prevents sticking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe is like bringing a little celebration to your kitchen. The combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors wrapped in a crisp golden crust is nothing short of irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself, this stromboli is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own favorite go-to dish!
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Stromboli features a flavorful blend of shredded cooked chicken, Buffalo sauce, and three cheeses wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza dough crust. The filling is thickened to prevent leaks, then baked to bubbly perfection and brushed with a buttery honey ranch glaze. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main dish, this stromboli offers a delicious kick of spicy Buffalo flavor paired with creamy cheeses and a tender, flaky crust.
Ingredients
Stromboli Dough
- 1 pound Pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons Semolina flour
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 pieces (about 1 pound) Cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water (for thickening sauce)
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Blue cheese, crumbled
- 3 Green onions, sliced
Glaze
- 1 tablespoon Butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup Honey
Instructions
- Thicken Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the Buffalo sauce, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup water. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens, which helps prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, blue cheese, and sliced green onions. Let the filling cool for 5 minutes, then cover and chill for up to 2 hours for easier assembly.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of semolina flour over it to keep the crust crisp and prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Transfer the dough carefully to the semolina-dusted parchment paper to maintain its shape.
- Add Filling: Spread the cooled buffalo chicken filling evenly down the center of the dough, leaving a 1½-inch border on all sides to allow sealing.
- Brush Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush this egg wash along the dough border to make it sticky, ensuring a secure seal around the filling.
- Seal Stromboli: Fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, then tuck in and fold the short ends. Pinch and crimp all edges tightly with a fork to lock in juices. Lightly dock (poke) the top crust with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Make Garlic Honey Glaze: In a microwave-safe cup, combine melted butter, garlic powder, ranch seasoning mix, and honey. Brush half of this mixture over the top of the stromboli before placing it in the oven for a glossy, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly, indicating it is cooked thoroughly.
- Brush Remaining Glaze: Remove the stromboli from the oven and brush the remaining garlic butter glaze over the hot crust for enhanced flavor and shine.
- Rest and Slice: Let the stromboli rest for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to set, preventing it from oozing when sliced. Cut into 8–10 pieces and serve.
- To Freeze: Once completely cooled, wrap the stromboli tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the filling before assembly makes it easier to spread and helps prevent leakage.
- Semolina flour on the parchment prevents sticking and contributes a slightly crunchy crust bottom.
- Docking the dough allows steam to escape, avoiding soggy or burst crust.
- Use fully cooked chicken to avoid undercooking during baking.
- This stromboli can be frozen and reheated without loss of flavor or texture.
