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; 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese; 1 pizza dough, defrosted in refrigerator overnight; 1 tsp olive oil

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Introduction

This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is a delicious crowd-pleaser combining spicy buffalo chicken with gooey melted cheeses wrapped in a soft pizza dough. Perfect for game day or a cozy dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

A close-up shot of a long, rectangular burrito-style dish lying on a wooden board with a white marbled textured background. The dish is covered in melted cheese that is golden brown and bubbly on top. Beneath the cheese layer, shredded chicken mixed with a reddish-orange sauce is visible peeking from the edges, showing a soft and moist texture. The burrito layers include the soft tortilla wrap on the bottom, the saucy shredded chicken in the middle, and the thick layer of melted, slightly browned cheese on top. 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 match your preferred heat level. Stir in the ranch dressing and the remaining 1/4 cup of buffalo wing sauce until well 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 shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Roll the dough from one side to form a log shape. Seal both ends tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Place the log seam-side down on a greased or non-stick baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Slice into portions and serve warm with pizza sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and extra flavor.
For a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce or substitute with barbecue sauce.
Add diced celery or green onions to the filling for a fresh crunch.
Brush the outside of the dough with olive oil or melted butter before baking for a golden crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness. You can also wrap slices in foil and warm them gently in a skillet.

How to Serve

A large rectangular casserole features a thick layer of melted cheese on top, golden brown and bubbly, covering shredded chicken mixed with a reddish-orange sauce beneath. The chicken looks juicy and tender with strands showing through the gooey cheese. The dish is set on a wooden board, which contrasts softly with the white marbled surface below. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and rolled out evenly before assembling.

How spicy is this bake, and can I adjust it?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of buffalo wing sauce used. You can reduce or increase the sauce quantity to suit your taste or use a milder sauce to keep it less spicy.