Buffalo Chicken Stromboli: The Ultimate Game Day Recipe

If you love the bold, spicy flavors of Buffalo chicken and the crispy, cheesy goodness of stromboli, then this Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is going to be your new favorite recipe! Packed with shredded Buffalo chicken, gooey cheese, and a golden, flaky crust, it’s the perfect game-day dish, party appetizer, or family dinner.

Unlike a calzone, which is typically stuffed and sealed like a pocket, stromboli is rolled up like a log, allowing for even layers of filling and a crispier exterior. Plus, making stromboli at home means you can customize it to your liking, whether you prefer it extra spicy, extra cheesy, or loaded with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

The stromboli originated as an Italian-American invention, and it has since evolved into a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish. So, if you’re ready to take your Buffalo chicken cravings to the next level, let’s dive into this easy and delicious stromboli recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

• Spicy, Cheesy & Crispy – The perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch.
• Easy to Make – Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep.
• Perfect for Game Day – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings.
• Highly Customizable – Adjust the spice, cheese, or add extra toppings.
• Bakes Quickly – Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

Dough Base Options

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) (traditional, chewy texture)
• Puff pastry or crescent dough (for a flakier crust)

Buffalo Chicken Filling

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or boiled) (protein-packed and juicy)
• ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce (Frank’s RedHot or homemade) (bold, spicy, and tangy!)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (balances heat with richness)

Cheese & Dressing

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (melty, stretchy texture)
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar (adds tangy depth)
• ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (creamy, cool contrast to spice)

Seasonings & Extras

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds savory depth)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (enhances smoky flavor)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions or celery (adds freshness and crunch)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional) (creates a golden, glossy crust)

💡 Pro Tip: Mix cream cheese into the filling for an extra creamy texture!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Dough

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface.

2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Filling

• In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, melted butter, and seasonings.
• Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.

3. Layer the Ingredients

• Spread the Buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dough.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and blue cheese on top.
• Drizzle a little ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra creaminess.

4. Roll & Seal the Stromboli

• Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the long edge.
• Pinch the edges to seal tightly so the filling doesn’t leak.
• Transfer to a lined baking sheet with the seam-side down.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Brush the top with egg wash for a golden, crispy crust.
• Sprinkle a bit of garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Slice & Serve

• Let the stromboli cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve with extra Buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for dipping.

Best Variations of Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

One of the best things about Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is how customizable it is! Whether you love extra spice, gooey cheese, or a veggie-packed version, there’s a stromboli variation for everyone. Below are some creative twists to take this delicious dish to the next level!

1. Extra Spicy Version – Turn Up the Heat!

If you love bold, fiery flavors, this extra spicy version is for you! By adding more heat, you can create a stromboli that packs a serious Buffalo-style punch.

How to make it extra spicy:

• Add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Use a spicier Buffalo sauce, like Frank’s RedHot Xtra Hot.
• Drizzle with Sriracha or cayenne pepper sauce before baking.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve with cooling ranch dressing to balance the heat!

2. Cheesy Overload – The Ultimate Cheese Pull

For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much cheese, this variation delivers maximum cheesiness in every bite!

How to make it ultra-cheesy:

• Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone.
• Add extra shredded cheese inside the stromboli before rolling.
• Sprinkle parmesan or asiago on top before baking for a crispy cheese crust.
• Mix cream cheese into the filling for a creamier texture.

💡 Pro Tip: For the best cheese pull, let the stromboli rest for 5 minutes before slicing!

3. Veggie-Loaded Stromboli – A Lighter, Fresher Option

Want to add some extra nutrition and texture? This veggie-packed stromboli is perfect for those who love a little more crunch and freshness in their bite.

Best veggies to add:

• Bell peppers – Adds a mild sweetness.
• Mushrooms – Enhances the umami flavor.
• Spinach – Pairs perfectly with Buffalo sauce.
• Red onions – Provides a bit of sharpness and crunch.

💡 Pro Tip: Sauté your veggies before adding them to prevent excess moisture in the stromboli!

4. Keto-Friendly Option – Low-Carb Alternative

If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, you don’t have to miss out on Buffalo Chicken Stromboli! By swapping the traditional dough, you can still enjoy all the flavors of Buffalo chicken in a lighter, carb-conscious way.

How to make it keto-friendly:

• Use low-carb tortillas instead of pizza dough.
• Wrap the filling in cheese-based dough (such as fathead dough).
• Bake the filling as a casserole instead of rolling it in dough.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to keep it keto-approved!

5. Bacon Ranch Stromboli – A Smoky, Savory Twist

Bacon lovers, this one’s for you! Adding crispy bacon and extra ranch dressing takes Buffalo Chicken Stromboli to a whole new level of indulgence.

How to make it extra savory:

• Mix crumbled crispy bacon into the Buffalo chicken filling.
• Swap blue cheese for extra ranch dressing.
• Sprinkle bacon bits on top of the dough before baking.
• Add shredded smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese for a smoky flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Brush the crust with bacon grease instead of egg wash for extra richness!

What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is bold, cheesy, and packed with spicy Buffalo flavor, so pairing it with the right sides and drinks can enhance the experience. Whether you’re preparing it for game day, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, these delicious pairings will help balance the richness and spice while keeping every bite exciting!

1. French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – The Perfect Crispy Side

There’s nothing quite like crispy, golden fries alongside a cheesy, saucy stromboli. The contrast between the crunchy texture of fries and the soft, melty interior of the stromboli makes this a match made in heaven.

Why it works:

• Soaks up extra Buffalo sauce and ranch for maximum flavor.
• Adds an extra layer of crunch to balance the cheesy filling.
• Customizable – season with garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or parmesan for a gourmet touch.

2. Fresh Green Salad – A Light, Refreshing Contrast

Since Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is rich and cheesy, pairing it with a light, fresh salad helps cut through the heaviness and adds a refreshing crunch.

Best salads to serve:

• Classic garden salad – Crisp lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.
• Caesar salad – The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons pair well with Buffalo flavors.
• Spinach & arugula salad – Adds a peppery bite that complements the heat of the Buffalo sauce.

3. Iced Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing Drink Options

When enjoying a spicy dish like Buffalo Chicken Stromboli, pairing it with a cool, refreshing drink is the best way to balance the heat.

Best drink pairings:

• Iced tea (sweet or unsweetened) – A classic, refreshing choice.
• Fresh lemonade – The citrusy sweetness cuts through the richness.
• Sparkling water with lemon or lime – Adds a bubbly, refreshing contrast.
• Creamy milkshakes or smoothies – Helps cool the palate after a spicy bite.

4. Celery & Carrot Sticks with Ranch – The Ultimate Buffalo Companion

It wouldn’t be Buffalo-style without the classic combination of celery, carrots, and ranch dressing! This traditional pairing mimics the sides served with Buffalo wings, making it a must-have with Buffalo Chicken Stromboli.

Why it works:

• The crunch of the celery and carrots balances the soft, cheesy stromboli.
• Ranch dressing cools down the Buffalo sauce’s heat.
• It adds a fresh, nutritious element to your plate.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve extra ranch and blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping your stromboli and veggies!

Bonus Pairings for Extra Flavor

• Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping in extra Buffalo sauce.
• Coleslaw – A tangy slaw adds a cooling effect and a satisfying crunch.
• Pickles or Pickled Jalapeños – The acidity balances the richness of the dish.
• Mac & Cheese – A creamy, indulgent side for a comfort food feast.

💡 Pro Tip: If serving this for a crowd, create a dipping bar with Buffalo sauce, ranch, blue cheese, and honey mustard for extra variety!

No matter how you serve your Buffalo Chicken Stromboli, the right side dishes and drinks can enhance the flavors, balance the spice, and create a complete meal. Whether you choose crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a cool drink, these pairings will make your stromboli even more delicious!

FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Stromboli

❓ Can I make it ahead of time?

• Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

❓ Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Stromboli?

• Yes! Bake, cool, then freeze for up to 3 months.

❓ What’s the best cheese to use?

• Mozzarella for stretch, cheddar for sharpness, and blue cheese for tang.

❓ Can I use store-bought dough?

• Yes! Pizza dough, crescent rolls, or puff pastry all work well.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Stromboli Recipe

If you’re a fan of Buffalo chicken and melty, cheesy baked dishes, this Buffalo Chicken Stromboli is a must-try! With simple ingredients, quick prep, and bold flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

💡 Pro Tip: Make a double batch and freeze one for later – you’ll thank yourself!

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