Name: Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, divided; 1/4 cup ranch dressing; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 pizza dough, defrosted in refrigerator overnight; 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

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Introduction

This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is a deliciously spicy and cheesy twist on comfort food. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in, it combines tender chicken with bold buffalo flavors wrapped in golden pizza dough.

A close-up of a rectangular baked dish with three thick layers of creamy melted cheese on top, golden brown and bubbly, covering shredded chicken in a rich orange sauce underneath. The edges of the cheese layer are slightly browned and stretch over the sides, with moist chicken threads peeking out from the middle and bottom layers. The dish sits on a wooden board with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 tsp olive oil
1 pizza dough, defrosted in refrigerator overnight
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
1/4 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Toss the cooked chicken with 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce. Adjust the sauce quantity depending on how spicy you want the dish. Stir in the ranch dressing and the remaining 1/4 cup of wing sauce until the mixture is evenly combined.
Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a long rectangular shape.
Step 4: Spread the buffalo ranch sauce mixture evenly across the dough. Sprinkle the chicken over the sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Step 5: Carefully roll the dough from one side to form a log. Seal both ends tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Place the log seam-side down on a non-stick or greased baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Once baked, let the stromboli rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Slice into portions and serve warm, optionally with pizza sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, brush the outside of the dough with a little olive oil before baking.
Add finely chopped celery or green onions to the chicken mixture for added crunch and freshness.
Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Adjust the buffalo wing sauce amount to make the bake milder or hotter according to your taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A long, thick tortilla wrap filled with shredded chicken mixed with a rich orange sauce. The wrap is fully covered with a generous, even layer of melted cheese that is golden and bubbly on top. The edges of the tortilla are slightly visible under the cheese, and some chicken strands peek out from the side. The dish is presented on a rustic wooden board with a blurred background featuring warm tones. The photo has a close-up view showing gooey cheese texture and the juicy filling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it is well-proofed and rolled out evenly for best results.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the stromboli, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even cooking.