I’ve discovered the perfect solution for your next party dilemma – these buffalo chicken pizza rolls deliver all the bold, tangy flavors you crave in a convenient handheld format. They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few key ingredients and basic techniques. What sets these apart from typical appetizers isn’t just their addictive taste, but the clever method I’ll share that guarantees they stay perfectly crispy on the outside while maintaining that creamy, spicy center.
Recipe
Listen, I’m about to change your game night forever with these Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls that are so ridiculously good, I’ve had friends literally ask me to make them for every single gathering. These aren’t your average pizza rolls from the freezer aisle—we’re talking crispy, golden-brown parcels stuffed with tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and just the right amount of cream cheese to balance out that spicy kick.
I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, tweaking the buffalo-to-cream cheese ratio until I found that sweet spot where every bite delivers the perfect punch of heat followed by cooling creaminess. The magic happens when you roll these beauties in pizza dough that gets beautifully crispy on the outside while staying soft and pillowy inside, creating this incredible contrast that’ll have you reaching for “just one more” until suddenly the entire batch has disappeared.
Trust me, once you taste that first bite where the buffalo sauce mingles with the cheese and that hint of celery seasoning hits your taste buds, you’ll understand why these have become my signature dish. They’re surprisingly easy to make too—no fancy techniques required, just simple ingredients that come together to create something absolutely spectacular that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
These Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls are all about balance—tangy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken wrapped in golden dough. The magic happens when you choose the right ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need to create these crowd-pleasing appetizers that taste like your favorite buffalo chicken pizza in convenient bite-sized form.
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced – Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here for maximum flavor and convenience, but leftover grilled chicken works beautifully too
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce – Frank’s RedHot is the gold standard, but any quality buffalo sauce will do the trick
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – This is your creamy base that mellows the heat—don’t skip it or your rolls will be too aggressive
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – The stretchy, melty factor that makes these irresistible
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds that sharp, tangy punch that buffalo chicken demands
- 2 green onions, finely chopped – Fresh bite that cuts through all that richness
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced – Classic buffalo chicken companion that adds essential crunch
For Assembly:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or egg roll wrappers – Pizza dough gives you that authentic pizza crust flavor, but egg roll wrappers create incredibly crispy results
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – For brushing the tops to achieve that golden, restaurant-quality finish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Sprinkle this on top for an extra flavor boost that makes them smell absolutely divine
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing – Non-negotiable dipping sauce—buffalo chicken without ranch or blue cheese is just wrong
- Extra buffalo sauce – For the heat lovers who want to take it up a notch
How to Make the Best Crispy Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Getting your oven hot and ready guarantees even cooking from the moment your rolls go in. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when these golden beauties slide right off. Heavy-gauge carbon steel construction ensures your baking sheet won’t warp at high temperatures.
Dice 2 cups of cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
Keep your chicken pieces small and uniform, about ¼-inch cubes. Larger chunks will tear through the dough or create uneven cooking, while smaller pieces distribute better and give you buffalo flavor in every bite. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves tons of time.
In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with ⅓ cup buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Make sure every piece of chicken gets that tangy buffalo coating—this is where your flavor foundation starts. Don’t oversaturate; you want the chicken moist but not dripping, or your dough will get soggy and difficult to work with.
On a lightly floured surface, unroll your pizza dough and gently stretch it into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
Work gently here—aggressive stretching creates thin spots that tear easily. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing. The goal is an even thickness throughout so your rolls cook uniformly.
Spread 4 oz of softened cream cheese evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
Room temperature cream cheese spreads like butter and won’t tear your dough. Cold cream cheese will clump and create uneven pockets. That border is essential—it prevents filling from oozing out during rolling and gives you something to seal with.
Sprinkle the buffalo chicken evenly over the cream cheese, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Distribution is key here. Clumps of filling create bulky spots that cook unevenly or burst open. Think of it like spreading toppings on pizza—every area should get some love for consistent flavor throughout.
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam closed.
Roll snugly but don’t squeeze so tight that filling bursts out the sides. A tight roll prevents air pockets that create uneven cooking. Pinch that seam like your life depends on it—loose seams open during baking and create messy, uneven rolls.
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the log into 12 equal pieces, about 1¼ inches thick.
Dental floss gives cleaner cuts without compressing the rolls, but a very sharp knife works too. Sawing motions create ragged edges and squish your beautiful spirals. One decisive cut per slice keeps everything neat and pretty.
Place the rolls cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
The cut side shows off those gorgeous swirls and allows the tops to get golden and crispy. Give them breathing room—they’ll puff slightly as they bake, and crowded rolls steam instead of crisping up.
Brush the tops lightly with melted butter and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
That butter brush creates an irresistible golden crust and adds richness. Watch for deep golden color on top and slightly puffed appearance—pale rolls need more time, but dark brown means they’re heading toward burnt territory.
Cool for 5 minutes before serving with ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
This cooling time lets the molten cheese set up slightly so you don’t burn your tongue or have all the filling pour out on first bite. The rolls will still be wonderfully warm but manageable to eat.
Chef Tips
While these buffalo chicken pizza rolls are straightforward to make, a few insider tricks will elevate them from good to absolutely irresistible. I recommend honing your knife skills to dice chicken uniformly for even cooking. Using a knife with a high carbon steel blade ensures precision and sharpness for perfect cuts. Don’t overfill each roll or they’ll burst during baking. For plating techniques, arrange rolls in a circle with ranch dipping sauce centered for restaurant-quality presentation.
Nutrition
These Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls are a delicious but indulgent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings total):
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 285 |
Total Fat | 16g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Cholesterol | 45mg |
Sodium | 820mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 24g |
Dietary Fiber | 1g |
Sugars | 3g |
Protein | 14g |
Vitamin A | 8% DV |
Calcium | 15% DV |
Iron | 12% DV |
For a healthier twist, consider using an air fryer to reduce the fat content by up to 75% compared to traditional frying.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Buffalo chicken pizza rolls bring together all your favorite flavors in one amazing bite-sized package. These crispy, cheesy rolls are perfect for game day parties, quick dinners, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously satisfying.
Quick and Easy Preparation – You can whip up a batch in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – The tangy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese create an irresistible combination. This flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing empty plates every time.
Versatile and Customizable – You can easily adjust the spice level, swap in different cheeses, or add extra vegetables. This allows you to make these rolls exactly how your family loves them.
Recipe Card
Recipe Card
These crispy, golden-brown Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls combine the irresistible flavors of spicy buffalo chicken with melted cheese wrapped in flaky pizza dough.
Perfect for game day gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or whenever you’re craving that classic buffalo wing taste in a convenient handheld form, these rolls deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. For best results, use a stainless steel baking sheet to ensure even heating and prevent burnt edges.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut dough into 12 equal rectangles.
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of buffalo chicken mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on one end of each rectangle.
- Roll up tightly, pinching seams to seal completely.
- Place rolls seam-side down on prepared baking sheet.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Brush with melted butter and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes:
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the filling.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Rolls can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.
Equipment:
Baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, mixing bowls, pastry brush
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 12 rolls
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes, I recommend making these ahead for excellent meal prep! You’ll save time by assembling them completely, then freezing unbaked. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Best With Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls?
I’d recommend classic blue cheese dressing as the top choice since it perfectly complements buffalo flavors. Ranch dressing works wonderfully too, offering a cooler contrast to the spicy heat from the buffalo chicken filling.
How Do I Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls?
I recommend storing your leftover rolls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. My refrigeration tips include letting them cool completely first, and using glass containers to prevent moisture buildup.
Can I Freeze Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls Before or After Cooking?
You can freeze them both before and after cooking! I recommend freezing uncooked rolls for best texture. My freezing tips include proper wrapping, while storage methods vary between pre-cooked and raw versions.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls?
I recommend using your oven at 350°F for the best reheating methods, warming them for 5-8 minutes. For microwave tips, use 30-second intervals on medium power to prevent soggy crusts.