Name: Easy Buffalo Chicken Bake Recipe - Delicious & Quick
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; ½ cup buffalo wing sauce, divided; ¼ cup ranch dressing; 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese; 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, thawed if frozen); 1 teaspoon olive oil; All-purpose flour for dusting

Buffalo Chicken Bake. Ah, the very words conjure up a symphony of spicy, cheesy, and utterly comforting flavors that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of countless home cooks. There’s a reason why this dish is a perennial favorite for game nights, casual gatherings, or even just a weeknight treat when you’re craving something bold and satisfying. The magic of a truly great Buffalo Chicken Bake lies in its perfect balance: tender, shredded chicken smothered in that signature tangy and fiery buffalo sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden with a generous blanket of gooey cheese. It’s that irresistible combination of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness that makes it so incredibly addictive. What truly sets this particular Buffalo Chicken Bake apart, however, is the subtle layering of flavors and the ease with which it comes together, proving that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
½ cup buffalo wing sauce, divided
¼ cup ranch dressing
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, thawed if frozen)
1 teaspoon olive oil
All-purpose flour for dusting

Preparing the Filling

The first step in creating our delicious Buffalo Chicken Bake is to get our flavorful filling ready. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked chicken, which you can shred or dice depending on your preference. It’s important to have the chicken already cooked and cooled slightly before you start so it integrates well with the other ingredients. Now, add half of your buffalo wing sauce, which is ¼ cup. We’re reserving the other ¼ cup for later to drizzle over the top, ensuring a vibrant and zesty finish. Next, incorporate the ¼ cup of ranch dressing. The ranch dressing is crucial here; it adds a creamy counterbalance to the heat of the buffalo sauce and helps bind everything together beautifully. Give this mixture a thorough stir until all the chicken is evenly coated with the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. You want to ensure every piece of chicken gets a good dose of that tangy, spicy flavor. This filling is what will make our Buffalo Chicken Bake truly irresistible.

Assembling the Bake

Now it’s time to assemble our Buffalo Chicken Bake. Lightly flour a clean countertop or a large cutting board. Unroll or place your 1-pound pizza dough onto the floured surface. If you’re using store-bought dough that was frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed according to package directions. Gently stretch or roll the pizza dough into a rough rectangle, about 10×14 inches, or large enough to accommodate your filling and fold over. You don’t need to be perfectly precise; a rustic shape is perfectly fine for this bake. Now, evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over one half of the pizza dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. This border will help seal the bake and prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. Make sure the chicken mixture is distributed evenly across the surface so you get delicious bites in every section. Next, generously sprinkle the 8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese and the 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese over the buffalo chicken filling. Using a combination of both cheeses provides a wonderful melty texture and a more complex flavor profile. The mozzarella gives you that classic gooey stretch, while the cheddar adds a sharper, more robust taste. This layer of cheese is what truly elevates this dish into a comforting and satisfying meal.

Folding and Sealing

The next crucial step is to carefully fold and seal our Buffalo Chicken Bake to enclose all that delicious filling. Gently lift the empty half of the pizza dough and fold it over the filling, carefully aligning the edges. Press down firmly along the entire perimeter to seal the dough together. You can use your fingers to pinch the edges closed, or for a more decorative finish, you can use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges. This sealing process is vital to keep the flavorful chicken and cheese mixture contained within the dough as it bakes, ensuring a neat presentation and preventing any messy spills in your oven. Take your time with this step to ensure a good seal. Once folded and sealed, you can further shape the bake into a more uniform rectangle or even a crescent shape, depending on how you’ve folded it. The dough should now encase the filling completely, creating a pastry-like package ready for baking.

Baking to Golden Perfection

To achieve that perfectly golden-brown crust and ensure the filling is heated through and the cheese is wonderfully melted, we need to bake our Buffalo Chicken Bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully transfer the assembled Buffalo Chicken Bake to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup. Lightly brush the top of the pizza dough with the 1 teaspoon of olive oil. This simple step adds a lovely sheen to the crust and helps it achieve a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes. You can also sprinkle a little extra flour on top if you like a crispier crust, or even a few extra flakes of cheddar cheese for added flavor and visual appeal. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffed up, and you can see the cheese starting to melt and bubble through any small seams. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent any over-browning.

Finishing Touches and Serving

The final flourish to our magnificent Buffalo Chicken Bake comes after it emerges from the oven. Once it’s baked to a glorious golden-brown and the cheese is delightfully gooey, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Now, it’s time to add that reserved ¼ cup of buffalo wing sauce. Drizzle it artistically over the top of the hot bake. You can use a spoon or a squeeze bottle to create a visually appealing pattern, or simply ensure an even coating. This final drizzle of sauce adds a fresh burst of flavor and a beautiful vibrant red hue that truly showcases the “buffalo” aspect of the dish. Let the Buffalo Chicken Bake rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period is important because it allows the molten cheese and filling to settle slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices and preventing the filling from oozing out. Serve this delectable Buffalo Chicken Bake warm, perhaps with some extra ranch dressing for dipping, a side salad, or some celery and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo wing experience. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy, and satisfying bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for your next Buffalo Chicken Bake! This dish is a fantastic weeknight meal, perfect for satisfying those spicy cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting and delicious experience that everyone will love. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this amazing Buffalo Chicken Bake as much as I do!

For serving suggestions, this Buffalo Chicken Bake is wonderfully versatile. It’s sensational served over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You can also scoop it up with sturdy tortilla chips or crackers. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to balance the richness.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can swap out the shredded chicken for turkey or even plant-based chicken alternatives. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese mixture. If you’re not a fan of ranch, blue cheese dressing or a creamy jalapeño dressing can offer a delightful alternative.

This Buffalo Chicken Bake is designed to be adaptable, so feel free to adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your personal preferences. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Buffalo Chicken Bake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

What kind of chicken should I use?

For the easiest preparation, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. You can also use chicken breasts or thighs that you’ve boiled and shredded yourself. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and then shredded into bite-sized pieces before incorporating it into the bake.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can easily increase the heat! Add more hot sauce to the chicken mixture, incorporate a diced jalapeño into the bake, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving. You can also use a spicier buffalo sauce for an extra kick in your Buffalo Chicken Bake.