Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 ounces low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons Buffalo-style hot sauce (such as Franks RedHot)
  • 1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated pizza crust dough (such as Pillsbury)
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ranch dressing mix
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for serving

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients and ensure everything is ready for preparation.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Buffalo-style hot sauce. Stir well until the mixture is fully blended. Set aside.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 6x20-inch rectangle using a rolling pin.
  4. Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles, each measuring 3x5 inches.
  5. Lightly brush the edges of each rectangle with water.
  6. Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture in the center of each dough rectangle.
  7. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, rolling it into a log shape about 3 1/2x1 1/2 inches. Pinch the sides to seal each roll tightly.
  8. Transfer the prepared rolls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C) for about 2 minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
  10. Working in batches, place the pizza rolls in a single layer around the edges of the air fryer basket. Cook for about 7 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
  11. While the rolls are cooking, mix the melted butter and ranch dressing mix in a small bowl.
  12. Once the pizza rolls are done, brush them with the seasoned butter mixture.
  13. Serve the pizza rolls with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories 413
Total Fat 19g (25% DV)
Saturated Fat 7g (35% DV)
Cholesterol 44mg (15% DV)
Sodium 778mg (34% DV)
Total Carbohydrate 46g (17% DV)
Dietary Fiber 2g (6% DV)
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 14g (27% DV)
Vitamin C 5mg (6% DV)
Calcium 92mg (7% DV)
Iron 3mg (17% DV)
Potassium 140mg (3% DV)

* Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls combine the iconic flavors of Buffalo chicken wings and pizza in a convenient and delicious bite-sized format. This fusion dish is perfect as an appetizer or a fun snack for any occasion. The blend of tangy hot sauce, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella cheese, wrapped in pizza dough and air-fried to perfection, delivers all the indulgence of your favorite Buffalo wings, but with a pizza twist.

History of Buffalo Chicken

The Buffalo chicken flavor originates from Buffalo, New York, where the iconic Buffalo wings were first created in 1964. Teressa Bellissimo, the owner of the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, is credited with inventing the dish, which was born out of necessity when she needed a late-night snack for her son and his friends. The wings were deep-fried and coated in a spicy mixture of hot sauce and butter, becoming an instant hit. Over the years, the Buffalo wing craze spread across the United States, with many variations and adaptations emerging, including Buffalo chicken pizza and Buffalo chicken dip. The combination of Buffalo sauce with chicken, cheese, and dough creates a harmonious flavor profile that has evolved into numerous culinary creations like the Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls.

Regional Characteristics

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls are a modern American dish, most commonly found in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States. The Buffalo sauce, made from hot sauce and butter, is integral to many dishes in these regions, particularly in sports bars or casual eateries. The pizza roll variation is an interesting regional take on Buffalo wings, making it portable, easy to share, and even easier to enjoy. The dish has become a staple in American cuisine, especially at gatherings where finger foods are preferred, such as game days or family barbecues.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While there are many Buffalo-flavored dishes out there, such as Buffalo chicken dip, Buffalo chicken pizza, and traditional Buffalo wings, Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls stand apart due to their compact and versatile form. Unlike Buffalo chicken pizza, which involves a crust topped with sauce and chicken, pizza rolls are portable and often air-fried or baked, resulting in a crispy exterior. This method gives them a different texture, providing a satisfying crunch compared to the soft, cheesy pizza crust. Additionally, the ranch seasoning butter adds a layer of creaminess and flavor that is not typically found in other Buffalo-inspired dishes.

Where Are They Served?

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls are most commonly served at casual eateries, pubs, and sports bars, particularly in the United States. They are often featured on appetizer menus or as part of a larger shareable platter. At home, they are a popular choice for parties, game nights, or movie marathons. Thanks to their bite-sized format and easy-to-make recipe, they are ideal for potlucks or family gatherings, where they can be served alongside dips like ranch or blue cheese for a complete Buffalo-style experience. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these pizza rolls are a crowd-pleaser every time.

Interesting Facts

1. Buffalo sauce is traditionally made from Frank's RedHot sauce, which has been in production since 1920, long before the invention of Buffalo wings.
2. The addition of ranch dressing is a common American twist on Buffalo wings, even though blue cheese was originally used in Buffalo's Anchor Bar.
3. You can easily customize Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls by adding ingredients like crumbled blue cheese or celery for extra crunch and flavor.
4. The air fryer method of cooking not only gives the pizza rolls a crispy texture but also reduces the fat content compared to traditional deep-frying.
5. While Buffalo wings are often a go-to for game day, the pizza roll version can be made in advance and stored for later, making them even more convenient for busy families or parties.

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FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls Recipe

Yes, you can assemble the pizza rolls a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator on a parchment-lined tray covered with plastic wrap. Cook them fresh in the air fryer just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

Store any leftover pizza rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Yes, unbaked pizza rolls can be frozen. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the pizza rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through for even cooking.

Yes, egg roll wrappers or puff pastry can be used as alternatives. Cooking times may vary slightly; for egg roll wrappers, deep-frying or air frying until golden is recommended.

Yes, you can reduce or increase the Buffalo sauce according to your preference. For a milder version, use half the amount or mix with a little melted butter before combining with the chicken.

Ensure the chicken filling is not too wet and that the dough edges are sealed tightly. Cooking in a single layer with space around each roll in the air fryer helps them crisp evenly.

Yes, substitute the chicken with cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers. Mix them with cheese and a suitable hot sauce for a similar flavor profile.

Use a small pastry brush to lightly coat the top and sides of each pizza roll while they are still warm. This ensures the flavor adheres well and gives a glossy finish.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space around each roll for proper air circulation to prevent uneven cooking. Handle the basket with oven mitts as it will be very hot.

Comments

Lisa Adams

05/17/2025 12:56:17 AM

Wow!! These were absolutely delicious!! I decided to enhance the chicken and cheese mixture by adding 1/4 cup of diced celery and onion, and it was definitely a great addition. I also included 3 tablespoons of Frank's Red Hot sauce, which was perfect for that extra kick of heat that I enjoy. While I didn't do it this time, I would recommend substituting half of the mozzarella with blue cheese crumbles if you like or have them on hand - I wish I had thought of that earlier. Additionally, if I'm opening a packet of ranch seasoning, I usually add a bit of it to the mixture for more flavor. I didn't measure it precisely, just eyeballed it, but I estimate around half a tablespoon. Although we loved these roll-ups so much, there were a couple of minor issues. First, no matter how much we rolled the pizza dough, we could only make six roll-ups measuring 3x5 inches. Secondly, we could only fit three roll-ups at a time in our air fryer, but fortunately, it worked out well as any more would have caused the dough to cook unevenly in the 7-minute cooking time. These are just minor inconveniences, and overall, we thoroughly enjoyed this recipe! We are so happy we tried it and will definitely be making it again in the future. Thank you, Amanda!

Benjamin Edwards

04/03/2024 09:43:12 AM

I want to give a special thanks to Dreginek for the helpful tips. Following their advice, I included 2 tablespoons of crumbled bleu cheese with the mozzarella to give the buffalo flavor a more traditional twist. Adding diced celery and onion turned out to be a great idea as well - I briefly softened them in the microwave before mixing them with the chicken. I successfully rolled out all 8 pieces of dough by allowing it to come to room temperature and relax before rolling, and I believe using crescent rolls from a can would have worked just as well. Overall, this snack was incredibly delicious!

Angela Young

06/02/2024 12:11:19 PM

Absolutely delicious! A great option for a healthier dining out experience with a creative twist. I highly recommend it, 10/10!

Michael Hill

02/16/2023 05:20:32 PM

I absolutely loved this recipe! I followed it to a tee, except I swapped out the pizza dough for egg roll wraps and deep fried them instead. It was a convenient alternative since I didn't have pizza dough on hand. I might try it with pizza dough next time. The whole family enjoyed the dish!