Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe
Interestingly, just as you were craving a game-night snack, buffalo chicken pizza rolls emerged as the perfect solution. You'll love how these bite-sized treats combine the zesty kick of buffalo wings with the comfort of cheesy pizza rolls. Whether you're hosting friends or looking for a quick appetizer, these rolls promise to elevate your culinary game with minimal effort. Curious about how to transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation? Let's uncover the secrets behind this irresistible recipe.
Recipe Highlights
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and mozzarella cheese wrapped in pizza dough and baked until golden brown.
- Prepare the recipe by rolling out pizza dough, spreading buffalo chicken mixture evenly, and cutting into 1-inch pieces before baking at 425°F.
- Essential ingredients include pre-made pizza dough, cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and optional ranch dressing for dipping.
- Cooking time is approximately 12-15 minutes, with the goal of achieving crispy, golden-brown edges and a fully heated, flavorful filling.
- Serve as a party appetizer or game day snack, accompanied by ranch or blue cheese dressing and optionally garnished with green onions.
History
Although buffalo chicken wings originated in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 at the Anchor Bar, the transformation of this spicy dish into pizza rolls represents a modern culinary evolution.
You'll find that the journey from classic wing to bite-sized roll reflects America's love for reinventing comfort foods. The Anchor Bar's original recipe—created by Teressa Bellissimo—sparked a nationwide buffalo sauce craze that would eventually inspire creative chefs to experiment with new formats.
As pizza became increasingly versatile in the late 20th century, innovative cooks began merging different flavor profiles, leading to fusion recipes like buffalo chicken pizza rolls.
You can trace this dish's lineage through the growing popularity of handheld, shareable foods that combine familiar ingredients in unexpected ways.
Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls are a delightful fusion of game-day favorites, combining the zesty punch of buffalo chicken wings with the convenient handheld format of pizza rolls. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for parties, game nights, or casual snacking.
The key to these pizza rolls is balancing spicy buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken, all wrapped in a crispy golden crust. By using pre-made pizza dough and a few simple ingredients, home cooks can quickly prepare a dish that looks and tastes impressively complex.
Ingredients:
- 1 package pre-made pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Cooking spray
Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness.
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken, then carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log.
Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch pieces and place them cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the pizza rolls for 12-15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. The rolls are done when the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Allow the rolls to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving with ranch dressing for dipping.
For best results, ensure the chicken is completely cooled before assembling the rolls to prevent the dough from becoming soggy. If preparing in advance, the rolls can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.
For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of blue cheese or garnishing with chopped green onions before serving.
Cooking Steps
You'll start by rolling out your pizza dough into a perfect rectangle, creating a smooth canvas for your buffalo chicken creation.
Next, spread your buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for easy rolling.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken, then carefully roll the dough into a tight log, sealing the delicious filling inside.
Step 1. Roll Out Dough Rectangle
Gently unroll your pre-made pizza dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface, preparing to transform it into a perfect rectangular canvas for your buffalo chicken pizza rolls.
Using a rolling pin, stretch the dough into a precise 12×16-inch rectangle, maintaining an even thickness of about ¼ inch. Press outward from the center, rotating the dough occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform shape.
Key rolling techniques:
- Apply consistent, gentle pressure
- Keep edges squared and aligned
- Dust surface with additional flour if needed
- Smooth out any uneven areas or air bubbles
Check your rectangle's dimensions carefully, as an accurately shaped base guarantees uniform, perfectly portioned pizza rolls that'll cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
Step 2. Spread Buffalo Chicken Mixture
One crucial step in crafting delectable buffalo chicken pizza rolls involves spreading the zesty chicken mixture across your perfectly rolled dough rectangle.
Carefully distribute the shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create a uniform layer, ensuring each bite will be packed with spicy, tangy flavor.
Key spreading tips:
- Keep chicken mixture slightly cooled
- Spread in thin, consistent layer
- Maintain 1/2-inch border from dough edges
- Press mixture gently to eliminate air pockets
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, creating a melty foundation that'll bind the filling and add rich, creamy texture to your pizza rolls.
Step 3. Sprinkle Cheese on Dough
After spreading the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the pizza dough, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese in a generous, uniform layer that promises a melty, rich texture. Use about 1 cup of cheese, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge, which will help bind the filling and create delicious pockets of gooey goodness.
Critical cheese-sprinkling tips include:
- Distribute cheese evenly
- Leave a small border around dough edges
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
- Aim for a consistent 1/4-inch layer of cheese
When you sprinkle, use a light hand and gentle shaking motion to achieve an even spread. The cheese will melt and create those irresistible stringy connections between each pizza roll, elevating your buffalo chicken creation from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
Step 4. Roll Dough Into Tight Log
Carefully lift the dough's long edge and start rolling it into a compact, cylinder-like log, ensuring the buffalo chicken mixture and cheese stay securely tucked inside.
Use steady, even pressure while rolling, keeping the filling tightly compressed to prevent gaps or uneven distribution. Press gently but firmly as you continue rolling, using your fingertips to maintain a consistent cylindrical shape.
Watch for any loose edges that might cause the filling to leak during baking. If the dough starts to stretch or tear, pause and pinch the sides back together, maintaining structural integrity.
When you reach the end of the roll, pinch the seam closed with your fingers, creating a sealed log that'll hold its shape during baking.
The goal is a neat, compact cylinder that'll slice cleanly into uniform pizza rolls.
Step 5. Cut Into 1-Inch Pieces
Slice your buffalo chicken log into perfectly uniform 1-inch pieces using a sharp serrated knife, ensuring each roll will cook evenly and look professionally prepared. Position your knife at a slight angle, making deliberate, steady cuts through the rolled dough.
Tips for perfect pizza roll slicing:
- Use a gentle sawing motion
- Clean the knife between cuts for crisp edges
- Aim for consistent 1-inch thickness
- Rotate the log if needed for stable cutting
Place each slice carefully on a greased baking sheet, leaving slight spacing between rolls to allow heat circulation.
The uniform size guarantees consistent cooking, preventing some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked. Each slice should look neat, with buffalo chicken and cheese peeking tantalizingly from the spiral's edges.
Final Thoughts
The versatility of buffalo chicken pizza rolls transforms an ordinary appetizer into a memorable culinary experience.
You'll discover these bite-sized treats are perfect for game nights, casual parties, or spontaneous cravings. Consider prepping ingredients in advance, which saves time and ensures consistent flavor distribution.
Pro tip: let the cooked chicken cool slightly before mixing with buffalo sauce to prevent soggy dough. Experiment with cheese variations like bleu cheese or sharp cheddar to customize your rolls.
Temperature control matters—bake at 425°F and watch for golden-brown edges, which signal perfect doneness.
Don't forget the ranch dressing for dipping; it balances the buffalo sauce's heat beautifully.
Whether you're a novice cook or seasoned chef, these pizza rolls offer a foolproof, delicious solution for satisfying hunger and impressing guests.
