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Buffalo Chicken Bake Casserole

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This comforting dinner features spicy shredded chicken tossed with buffalo sauce, blended with creamy ranch, and layered with mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Everything is rolled inside soft pizza dough and baked until golden, creating neat, hearty slices with gooey cheese and a mild kick. The method is quick enough for busy weeknights, easily customizable, and great for using up leftover chicken. Let the bake rest before slicing for tidy portions, and serve with extra ranch or crisp celery for a touch of freshness. Perfect for family meals or sharing at parties.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:11:14 GMT
Hamburger steaks smothered in gravy. Bookmark
Hamburger steaks smothered in gravy. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

This buffalo chicken bake brings together all the flavors you love from classic buffalo wings in an easy-to-make casserole. Spicy chicken is mixed with cool ranch and wrapped in soft pizza dough with gooey mozzarella and sharp cheddar so every bite is cheesy, tangy, and full of bold comfort. It is a top choice for nights when you want something hearty but simple and is especially perfect if you have leftover chicken and crave something new. Friends and kids alike devour it with big smiles and the leftovers never last long in my house.

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

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.
A close up of a meatball covered in gravy.
A close up of a meatball covered in gravy. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

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.

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.

Cultural Context

Buffalo chicken is rooted in the classic American bar food scene and was inspired by Buffalo New York’s love of spicy wings. Casserole versions like this are newer but offer a family style spin and bring all those flavors together in a simple bake.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add chopped scallions or chives for a touch of spring freshness
Mix in sautéed bell peppers or sweet corn for a summery twist
Use whole wheat pizza dough during the fall for a heartier feel

Meat covered in gravy and mushrooms.
Meat covered in gravy and mushrooms. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Enjoy this comforting buffalo chicken bake with your favorite side and a cold drink. It’s sure to be a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings alike.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I use raw chicken for this dish?

It's best to use cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftovers, to ensure a tender texture and safe doneness after baking.

→ How do I keep the filling from leaking out?

Roll the dough tightly, pinch all seams and ends shut, and bake seam-side down to keep cheese and sauce securely inside.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase or reduce buffalo sauce to taste, or blend in extra ranch or even a sprinkle of cayenne for more kick.

→ What is the best way to slice the bake?

Let it rest for at least five minutes after baking, then use a serrated knife to gently cut clean, tidy slices.

→ Can this be frozen for later?

Yes, freeze the unbaked roll for up to three months. Thaw overnight, then bake with additional time as needed.

→ Are there ingredient substitutions?

Try cream cheese for richness, different cheese blends for unique flavor, or swap buffalo sauce for barbecue for a milder twist.

Buffalo Chicken Bake Casserole

Spicy chicken, ranch, and cheese baked in pizza dough for a craveable, gooey main everyone will enjoy.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: American

Portion Size: 6 Serving Size (1 large roll, sliced into 6 pieces)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

→ Filling

01 2 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken
02 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
03 1/3 cup ranch dressing

→ Dough and Cheese

04 1 (16-ounce) package pizza dough, at room temperature
05 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for dusting

→ For Baking

08 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)

Steps to Make This

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded rotisserie chicken with 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce until thoroughly coated. Set aside to absorb flavors.

Step 02

Whisk together the ranch dressing and remaining 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce in a separate bowl until smooth and combined.

Step 03

Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Roll out the pizza dough into a roughly 12 x 15 inch rectangle. Rest the dough for 5 minutes if it springs back, then continue rolling for an even thickness.

Step 04

Spread the buffalo-ranch mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Distribute the buffalo chicken evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses over the chicken.

Step 05

Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly to encase the filling. Pinch the seam and both ends firmly to seal and prevent leakage during baking.

Step 06

Transfer the roll seam-side down onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the top with olive oil if desired for extra color. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 07

Remove from oven and let rest at least 5 minutes to allow the filling to set. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice gently with a sawing motion into portions for clean servings.

Additional Notes

  1. Allow the bake to rest before slicing to prevent the cheese and filling from spilling out and to achieve neat pieces.
  2. Freeze the unbaked roll for up to three months for future meals—thaw overnight and increase baking time as needed.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Serrated knife
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains milk and dairy (cheese and ranch dressing)
  • Contains wheat (pizza dough, all-purpose flour)
  • Contains eggs (if present in ranch dressing)

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren’t a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Proteins: 25 grams