Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare, loaded with bold flavor, and perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pizza dough, defrosted
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated.
- Stir in the ranch dressing and the remaining 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Place the roll seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the bake cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
Swap the ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a more traditional buffalo flavor. Add diced jalapeños for extra heat or include cooked bacon for a smoky twist. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can be used as a quick and convenient alternative.
What type of pizza dough works best?
Both homemade and store-bought pizza dough work well for this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you use. Mild buffalo sauce creates a gentler heat.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the filling.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake?
It pairs well with salad, celery sticks, fries, or a bowl of soup.
Can I use only one type of cheese?
Yes, you can use only mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
Why is my dough undercooked in the center?
Make sure the roll is not too thick and bake until the center reaches a fully cooked texture.
Can I freeze the entire bake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
How do I keep the dough from sticking?
Use a lightly floured surface and grease your baking sheet before baking.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is a flavorful and hearty recipe that combines spicy chicken, creamy dressing, and melted cheese in a golden baked crust. It is simple to prepare and makes an excellent meal or party dish for any occasion.
Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This buffalo chicken cheese bake is packed with spicy buffalo chicken, gooey melted cheese, and wrapped in golden baked pizza dough. It is a hearty and flavorful comfort food perfect for game day or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 pizza dough, defrosted
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated. Stir in the ranch dressing and remaining 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the outside lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick shortcut.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount for more or less heat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
