Name: Buffalo Chicken Strombolis
Yield: 2 strombolis
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 roll of pizza dough (approximately 14 oz or 400g); 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (approximately 10.5 oz or 300g); 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce (120ml); 4 tablespoons of cream cheese, softened (60g); 1 cup of shredded cheddar (100g); 1 cup of shredded mozzarella (100g); 3 green onions, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons of melted butter; 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley; Ranch dressing for serving; Salt and pepper to taste

These delicious Buffalo Chicken Strombolis combine the spicy taste of buffalo chicken with the richness of melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy dough. Easy to prepare and perfect for a casual family meal or for entertaining friends, these strombolis offer an explosion of flavors in every bite. Ready in less than an hour, they are a creative alternative to classic pizzas and sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect combination of crispy dough and creamy, spicy filling
Ideal for using leftover roasted or grilled chicken
Can be prepared in advance and easily frozen for impromptu meals
Customizable according to desired spice level
Practical format to eat, even on the go

Ingredients

For the Dough

Pizza dough – Forms the perfect base that becomes golden and slightly crispy when baked
Olive oil – Helps achieve a beautiful color and rich taste
Garlic powder – Adds a subtle flavor that complements the buffalo chicken

For the Filling

Cooked chicken – Provides tender protein that perfectly absorbs the buffalo sauce flavors
Buffalo sauce – Gives the characteristic spiciness and vibrant orange color to the filling
Cream cheese – Tempers the heat of the sauce and brings an incomparable creaminess
Shredded cheddar – Adds a robust flavor and essential stringy texture
Mozzarella – Contributes to the perfect stretch of cheese and softens the overall taste
Green onion – Offers freshness and a slight tangy note that cuts through the richness
Fresh garlic – Enhances all flavors with its aromatic notes

For the Finishing

Melted butter – Creates an irresistible shiny and golden crust
Fresh parsley – Adds a touch of color and herbal freshness
Ranch dressing (for serving) – Perfectly complements the spicy flavors of the buffalo chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Add the slightly softened cream cheese and mix until a homogeneous texture is obtained. The residual heat from the chicken (if it’s still warm) will help melt the cream cheese. Then incorporate the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, finely chopped green onions, and minced garlic. Gently mix all ingredients until they are perfectly combined, creating a rich and well-seasoned filling.

Assembly of Strombolis

Spread the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and divide it into equal-sized rectangles (approximately 6×8 inches or 15×20 cm). Distribute the buffalo chicken filling in the center of each rectangle, leaving a border of about 3/4 inch (2 cm) all around. Don’t overload the filling, as this could cause the dough to burst during cooking and make assembly difficult. Fold the short sides inward, then roll the dough lengthwise, like a spring roll, sealing the edges well to prevent the filling from escaping. Place the strombolis on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down to prevent them from opening during baking.

Baking to Perfection

Generously brush each stromboli with melted butter to achieve perfect coloration and crispy texture. Using a sharp knife, make two or three small slits on top of each stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking, which prevents the dough from becoming soggy. Bake the strombolis in the middle of the preheated oven and let cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the dough is golden and crispy. Watch the baking carefully toward the end, as the time may vary depending on your oven. The crust should be uniformly golden brown and the filling should be hot and melting inside.

Finishing and Serving

Once out of the oven, let the strombolis rest for about 5 minutes before cutting them, which allows the filling to stabilize and prevents it from escaping. During this time, finely chop fresh parsley for the garnish. Cut each stromboli diagonally to expose the colorful and flavorful filling inside, which also creates a more attractive presentation. Generously sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately with a bowl of fresh ranch dressing for dipping, which perfectly complements the spicy flavors of the buffalo chicken.

Pro Tips

Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save preparation time
Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice tolerance
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and white meat chicken
Prepare a double quantity and freeze the uncooked strombolis for impromptu meals
Leave the dough at room temperature for 30 minutes before use for more elasticity

Storage Tips

These Buffalo Chicken Strombolis store very well, making them an excellent option for meal prep. Once cooked and cooled, you can store them for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes, which will allow the dough to regain its crispiness while reheating the filling without drying it out. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this would soften the dough.

For longer storage, you can freeze the strombolis either before or after baking. To freeze before cooking, prepare them up to the shaping stage, then place them on a tray in the freezer until they are firm. Then wrap them individually in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months this way. To cook from frozen, simply add 5 to 7 minutes to the normal cooking time.

If you prefer to freeze already cooked strombolis, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. To serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Stromboli recipe lies in its versatility and endless possibilities for customization. For a “blue buffalo” version, add blue cheese crumbles to the filling for a more complex and authentic flavor profile. If you prefer less spice, replace part of the buffalo sauce with ranch dressing directly in the filling.

For a more indulgent version, incorporate crispy bacon bits into the filling. Vegetable lovers will appreciate the addition of roasted peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach. You can also experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, provolone, or smoked gouda to create your perfect combination.

For a Mediterranean touch, add olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the filling. If you like contrasting textures, incorporate finely chopped celery pieces for a crunch that recalls the traditional buffalo chicken wings served with celery sticks.

Finally, you can vary the accompanying sauces by offering blue cheese dressing, spicy barbecue sauce, or garlic and honey sauce to offer different taste experiences to your guests.

Special Technique: The Perfect Balance Between Spicy and Creamy

The key to an exceptional Buffalo Chicken Stromboli lies in the perfect balance between the spiciness of the buffalo sauce and the creamy richness of the cheeses. This flavor balancing technique, used by professional chefs, transforms a simple snack into a memorable gastronomic experience.

Start by marinating the cooked chicken in the buffalo sauce for at least 15 minutes before incorporating it with the other ingredients. This step allows the meat fibers to fully absorb the spicy flavors. The next secret is to temper this heat with the right proportion of cream cheese. Contrary to intuition which would suggest simply mixing the two, the optimal technique involves working the cream cheese until it is pliable but not completely softened, then incorporating it into the chicken in small portions by gently folding rather than vigorously mixing.

This approach creates areas where the spice dominates and others where the creaminess takes over, offering a more complex and interesting taste experience than if all the ingredients were perfectly homogenized. The addition of the two types of shredded cheeses should also be done at the very end and with minimal handling to preserve their distinct texture.

Another crucial element is the temperature of the filling at the time of assembly. Room temperature filling (not hot or cold) spreads more easily, stays in place during rolling, and cooks more evenly. These small technical attentions make all the difference between an ordinary stromboli and a restaurant-worthy creation that will impress your guests with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a meat other than chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works very well with shredded turkey, pulled pork, or even chopped shrimp. Just adjust the initial cooking time of the meat accordingly.

How can I make these strombolis less spicy for children?

Use half buffalo sauce, half ranch dressing in the filling and make sure to include enough cheese to soften the heat. You can also serve the buffalo sauce on the side for adults who want to add more spice.

My dough tears during assembly, what should I do?

If your dough is difficult to work with, let it rest at room temperature for an additional 15 minutes to relax. To repair tears, simply use a bit of water on your fingers to join the edges together.

Can I prepare these strombolis without dairy products?

Yes, you can use plant-based alternatives such as dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese. The taste will be slightly different, but the texture and concept will still work well.

How can I prevent my strombolis from becoming wet or soggy?

Make sure your filling isn’t too liquid by draining the chicken well after mixing it with the buffalo sauce. The slits on top also help release excess moisture during baking.