Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis

Strombolis are a delightful Italian-American dish, combining the best elements of a pizza and a calzone into one irresistible package. Picture this: a golden, crispy dough encasing a melty, cheesy, and flavor-packed filling. Now, add the zesty kick of buffalo chicken to the mix, and you’ve got a culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or even as a party appetizer.

Why Buffalo Chicken? The tangy, spicy flavor of buffalo sauce, paired with tender chicken and gooey cheese, creates an explosion of taste that’s hard to resist. If you’re a fan of buffalo wings, then you’re going to love this buffalo chicken stromboli.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Dough

1. Thaw the Dough: If using store-bought dough, make sure it’s fully thawed before use.
2. Let it Rise: Allow the dough to rise as per the package instructions or your recipe.
3. Flour the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.

Making the Buffalo Chicken Filling

1. Cook the Chicken: If not already cooked, bake or boil the chicken until it’s tender. Shred it with two forks.
2. Mix with Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Ensure every piece is well coated.
3. Prepare the Cheese: Shred the mozzarella cheese and have your blue cheese crumbles ready.

Assembling the Strombolis

Rolling Out the Dough

1. Divide the Dough: Depending on the size of strombolis you want, divide the dough into equal portions.
2. Roll It Out: On a floured surface, roll each portion into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

Adding the Filling

1. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of ranch dressing on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Add the buffalo chicken mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella and blue cheese on top.
2. Optional Add-ins: If using celery or onions, sprinkle them over the cheese.

Cooking Instructions

Baking Time and Temperature

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Seal the Strombolis: Roll up the dough, starting from one of the longer edges, tucking in the sides as you go to seal the filling inside. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
3. Egg Wash: Brush the tops with beaten egg to get that golden brown finish.
4. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked through.

Tips for a Perfect Crust

• Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, a pizza stone can help achieve a crispier crust.
• Vent the Dough: Cut small slits on top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape.

Serving Suggestions

Best Sides to Pair

• Salads: A fresh green salad or a classic Caesar salad complements the rich flavors.
• Fries: Sweet potato fries or classic French fries make a great side.

Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A must-have for buffalo chicken lovers.
• Extra Buffalo Sauce: For those who like it extra spicy.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: A creamy dip that pairs perfectly with buffalo chicken.

Healthier Alternatives

Substitutions for a Lighter Version

• Whole Wheat Dough: Opt for whole wheat dough to add more fiber.
• Light Cheese: Use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat blue cheese.

Gluten-Free Options

• Gluten-Free Dough: Many stores offer gluten-free pizza dough options.
• Cauliflower Crust: For a low-carb alternative, use cauliflower crust.

Tips and Tricks

Keeping the Dough from Getting Soggy

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensure the cooked chicken is not too moist before mixing with buffalo sauce.
• Pre-Cook Vegetables: If adding vegetables, sauté them first to remove excess moisture.

Ensuring Even Cooking

• Rotate the Pan: Halfway through baking, rotate the pan to ensure even cooking.
• Check the Bottom: Ensure the bottom of the stromboli is golden and crisp before removing from the oven.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy taste.

Adding Vegetables

• Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Spinach: Incorporates some greens into your meal.

Storing and Reheating

Best Practices for Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating without Losing Quality

• Oven Method: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, though the crust may not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.

How Spicy is Buffalo Sauce?

Buffalo sauce can be quite spicy. Adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I Freeze the Strombolis?

Absolutely! They freeze well and can be reheated for a quick meal.

What’s the Best Cheese for This Recipe?

Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar or provolone are great options too.

Can I Make It Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can assemble the strombolis and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

How Long Will They Last in the Fridge?

Strombolis will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Is There a Vegetarian Version?

Sure! Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein.

Conclusion

Cheesy buffalo chicken strombolis are a mouthwatering treat that combines the best of both worlds – the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken wings and the comforting, cheesy goodness of strombolis. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, easy to make, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a buffalo sauce enthusiast or a stromboli newbie, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Yield: 6

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Strombolis

Print

Strombolis are a delightful Italian-American dish, combining the best elements of a pizza and a calzone into one irresistible package. Picture this: a golden, crispy dough encasing a melty, cheesy, and flavor-packed filling. Now, add the zesty kick of buffalo chicken to the mix, and you've got a culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or even as a party appetizer.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (homemade sauce in notes)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing (homemade sauce in notes)
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
• 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.In a bowl, combine the chicken, buffalo sauce, cilantro, chives, and jalapeño.

3. Divide the pizza dough into 4 balls. On a floured surface, roll the dough into about an 8-inch circle/oval. Spread each piece of dough with ranch, then add buffalo chicken on top in an even layer. Top with equal amounts of mozzarella and cheddar. Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce, if desired. Tuck in two sides of the dough, then roll up into a log (like a cinnamon roll), pinch to seal. Place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.

4. In a bowl, combine the parmesan, sesame seeds, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the stromboli with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with the parmesan. Take a sharp knife and cut 2 small slits in the top of the dough.

5. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375° and bake another 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve with additional buffalo sauce and/or ranch. ENJOY! 

Notes

Buffalo Sauce: In a glass jar or measuring cup, mix 1/2 cup hot sauce, 1/2 cup olive oil or melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Ranch: In a glass jar or measuring cup, mix 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, 2 tablespoons buttermilk, 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 568