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; 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese; 1 pizza dough, defrosted in refrigerator overnight

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Introduction

This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is a delicious twist on classic comfort food, combining spicy buffalo chicken with gooey melted cheeses wrapped in soft pizza dough. Perfect for a game day snack or a flavorful family dinner, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

The image shows a cheesy stuffed pasta roll on a wooden board. The pasta roll has a smooth, light yellow outer layer that is covered with a thick layer of melted cheese, golden brown in some parts, especially on top. Inside, shredded chicken in a rich orange sauce is visible, tightly packed and oozing slightly from the edges. The cheese layer looks soft and gooey, stretching a little where the roll is cut. The wooden board contrasts with the white marbled surface under it. 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 amount depending on how spicy you want it. Then stir in the ranch dressing and the remaining 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce until well 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 over the dough. Sprinkle the chicken on top, then layer with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Step 5: Carefully roll the dough from one side to form a tight log. Seal both ends to keep the filling inside, then place the log seam-side down on a greased or non-stick baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Slice into portions and serve warm with pizza sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping if you like.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top for a fresh contrast.
Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
For a milder version, reduce buffalo wing sauce and add more ranch dressing.
Try adding diced celery inside the filling for an extra crunch.
If you don’t have ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing works great too.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent the dough from getting soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a stuffed pasta roll on a wooden board. The dish has a thick outer layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with bubbly spots, covering shredded chicken mixed with a reddish-orange sauce inside. The pasta sheet looks smooth and soft, wrapping the filling tightly. The melted cheese layer on top is shiny and slightly browned, with some cheese strings pulling away from the edges. The wooden board beneath has a natural grain texture, contrasting with the creamy, rich colors of the pasta roll. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the stuffed dough and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded cheese works well and saves time, but freshly shredded cheese tends to melt better and have a creamier texture.