Buffalo Chicken Bake Casserole

This buffalo chicken bake turns leftover chicken into a craveable main dish full of spicy flavor and creamy cheese tucked inside soft pizza dough. Each bite is a crowd-pleaser with gooey melted cheese and satisfying crunch from the baked crust. Enjoy the familiar tang of buffalo sauce with a mellow ranch balance and a cheesy filling, all ready with just a quick assembly and bake.

I first made this during a snowy evening with leftover chicken and pizza dough. It quickly became a family favorite with even the kids asking for seconds and the sauce sparking lively dinner table conversations.

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded rotisserie chicken: tender and flavorful base for the filling
• Buffalo wing sauce: brings classic spicy tang choose authentic sauce not just hot sauce
• Ranch dressing: balances heat with creamy coolness essential to buffalo flavor
• Pizza dough: store-bought or homemade the soft crust contrasts perfectly with the filling
• Mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for that stretchy gooey texture
• Sharp cheddar cheese: adds depth and a slight tang to complement the buffalo sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Your Chicken Ready:

Toss shredded cooked chicken with a quarter cup of buffalo sauce until all pieces are coated evenly. Let it rest so the flavors absorb fully before assembling.

Mix Up The Sauce Base:

Combine ranch dressing with the remaining quarter cup of buffalo sauce until smooth and uniform. This sauce will be spread on the dough and also works great for dipping.

Roll Out That Dough:

Lightly flour your surface and roll the pizza dough into a roughly twelve by fifteen inch rectangle. If it shrinks back let it rest five minutes and roll again for an easier shape.

Layer Everything Strategically:

Spread the buffalo-ranch mixture evenly across the dough leaving about an inch border around the edges. Evenly distribute the coated chicken on top then sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses generously over everything.

Roll It Up Tight:

Starting from one long edge roll the dough carefully to enclose the filling like a burrito. Pinch the seam and ends tightly to seal so nothing escapes while baking.

Bake It Golden:

Place the roll seam-side down on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally brush the top with olive oil for extra browning. Bake at four hundred twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit for about thirty minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Let It Rest Before Slicing:

Allow the roll to rest for at least five minutes to let the filling set. Use a sharp serrated knife and slice with gentle sawing motions for neat pieces that hold together.

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You Must Know

I love how the combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses creates a perfect balance of gooey melt and sharp flavor. This recipe always brings back memories of cozy family nights and hearty comfort food.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat wrapped in foil in a three hundred fifty degree oven for about ten minutes to keep the crust crisp. You can freeze the assembled roll before baking for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and add five to ten minutes to the baking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try cream cheese mixed into the chicken filling for extra richness. Add diced celery and blue cheese crumbles for a traditional buffalo twist. Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a milder flavor variation. Use different cheese blends such as pepper jack or gouda for new tastes.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve hot slices with extra ranch and buffalo sauce for dipping. Pair with crisp celery sticks or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Cut into smaller portions for appetizers or game day snacks.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use raw chicken for this dish?

Cooked chicken is recommended, as the baking time may not fully cook raw chicken. Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for the best texture and flavor.

→ How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Seal the dough edges and ends tightly, and bake the roll seam-side down. These steps prevent cheese and sauce from escaping during baking.

→ What if I want a milder or spicier bake?

For less heat, use more ranch dressing or less buffalo sauce. For extra spice, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.

→ What's the best way to slice this bake?

Let the bake rest for at least five minutes after baking. Use a sharp serrated knife to gently saw through for clean, tidy slices.

→ Can I freeze the buffalo chicken bake?

Yes, freeze the unbaked roll for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time as needed.

→ Are ingredient substitutions possible?

Cream cheese can be mixed into the filling for added richness. Barbecue sauce or alternative cheese blends work for flavor variety.