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 flavorful twist on classic comfort food, combining spicy buffalo chicken with melty cheeses inside a crispy dough. Perfect for game day or a cozy dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

A close-up view of a large burrito-style wrap sitting on a wooden board, showing at least three layers: the soft pale yellow tortilla on the outside, a filling of shredded light brown chicken mixed with a thick orange sauce inside, and melted white cheese browned in spots on top covering the entire wrap, with some cheese strands stretching at the wrap's edge. The wrap is tightly folded into a rectangular shape, with the filling slightly spilling out from one end. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture. 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 to your preferred heat level. Stir in the ranch dressing along with the remaining 1/4 cup of wing sauce until 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 over the dough. Layer the chicken on top, then sprinkle 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 any filling from spilling out 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 done, allow the bake to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Slice into portions and serve with pizza sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, brush the outside of the dough with olive oil before baking.
Try adding diced celery or green onions to the chicken mixture for additional crunch and flavor.
Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier finish.
If you prefer less spice, reduce the buffalo wing sauce or use a milder wing sauce variation.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through to retain the crispy crust. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a stuffed dough roll laid on a wooden board with some flour sprinkled around. The roll is cut open at one end, showing three layers: the outer pale yellow soft dough layer, a middle layer of shredded bright orange chicken mixed with sauce, and a top layer of melted white cheese mixed with orange sauce drizzled unevenly over the dough's surface. The lighting highlights the glossy and slightly moist texture of the chicken and cheese on the dough, with the wooden board’s warm tones contrasting with the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time while adding great flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and bake later?

Absolutely. Prepare the roll, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.