From the moment I first pulled these Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls out of the oven, the aroma alone was enough to tell me they were going to be a hit. Golden brown, bubbly cheese peeking out, and that unmistakable tangy scent of buffalo sauce – it was pure appetizer perfection. My family, usually a tough crowd to please when it comes to trying new things, devoured these in record time. Even my picky eaters were reaching for seconds (and thirds!). These aren’t just any appetizer; they’re a flavor explosion wrapped in a warm, comforting roll. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a fun family dinner, these Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls are guaranteed to be the star of the show. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and savory. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again.

Ingredients

To create these incredibly flavorful Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls, you’ll need a selection of ingredients that perfectly complement each other, delivering that classic buffalo chicken taste in a fun, handheld format. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe so irresistible. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein powerhouse of this dish. Chicken breast provides a lean and versatile base that readily absorbs the bold flavors of the buffalo sauce and other seasonings. Opt for good quality chicken for the best taste and texture. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time, just ensure it’s plain or lightly seasoned.
Cream Cheese: 8 oz cream cheese, softened, is essential for creating a creamy, decadent base. The cream cheese not only adds richness but also helps to bind the chicken mixture together, ensuring a cohesive and flavorful filling for the rolls. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the best flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a slightly lighter option. Make sure it’s properly softened to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce is the heart and soul of this recipe. The buffalo sauce provides that signature tangy, spicy, and buttery flavor that everyone loves. You can choose your preferred level of heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce. Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce is a classic and widely recommended choice, but feel free to experiment with other brands to find your favorite.
Ranch Dressing: ½ cup ranch dressing adds a cooling and creamy counterpoint to the spicy buffalo sauce. The ranch dressing not only enhances the flavor profile but also contributes to the overall creaminess of the filling. Use a good quality ranch dressing for the best taste. Homemade ranch dressing can elevate this recipe even further, but a store-bought version works perfectly well for convenience.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided, provides a sharp and cheesy element that complements the buffalo chicken perfectly. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a classic cheesy flavor that everyone enjoys. You can use pre-shredded cheddar cheese for convenience, or shred your own from a block for potentially better melting and flavor. Dividing the cheese is important – some goes into the filling for flavor and binding, and the rest is sprinkled on top for that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese adds a mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties. Monterey Jack cheese complements the cheddar and contributes to a gooey, cheesy texture in the rolls. It’s a great melting cheese that helps create that perfect cheese pull when you bite into these rolls. You can substitute with mozzarella cheese if Monterey Jack isn’t readily available, but Monterey Jack adds a unique smoothness to the cheese blend.
Green Onions: 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced, provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. Green onions add a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and buffalo sauce, adding a layer of freshness to the overall flavor profile. They also add a visually appealing garnish to the finished rolls.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder enhances the savory flavors of the chicken and cheese. Garlic powder provides a consistent and even garlic flavor throughout the filling. It’s a convenient way to add a base note of garlic without the need for fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon onion powder complements the garlic powder and adds depth of flavor to the chicken mixture. Similar to garlic powder, onion powder provides a consistent onion flavor that enhances the overall savory taste of the filling.
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, adds a touch of spice and enhances the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. It adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the filling.
Salt: ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste, is essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors. Salt is a crucial seasoning that balances and enhances all the other flavors in the recipe. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your preference, keeping in mind that buffalo sauce and cheese already contain salt.
Refrigerated Breadstick Dough: 1 (11-12 oz) package refrigerated breadstick dough is the perfect vessel for these loaded fillings. Refrigerated breadstick dough is convenient, easy to work with, and bakes up beautifully into soft and slightly chewy rolls. Brands like Pillsbury or Immaculate Baking are readily available and work well. You can also use refrigerated crescent roll dough for a slightly different texture, but breadstick dough provides a more substantial roll.
Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing, adds a golden color and buttery flavor to the exterior of the rolls. Brushing the rolls with melted butter before baking helps them brown beautifully and adds a rich, savory flavor to the crust. It also gives them a slightly crispier exterior.

Instructions

Creating these mouthwatering Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls is a straightforward process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. From preparing the flavorful buffalo chicken filling to assembling and baking the rolls to golden perfection, here’s a detailed guide to ensure your success:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cooking your chicken breasts. There are several methods you can use depending on your preference and time constraints:

Boiling: Place the chicken breasts in a pot of water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Boiling is a simple and effective method for cooking chicken for shredding.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Baking is a hands-off method that results in moist and tender chicken.
Poaching: Poaching involves gently simmering the chicken in liquid, which results in incredibly tender and moist chicken. Place chicken in a pot, cover with chicken broth or water, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.
Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker: For a quick method, use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Add chicken and a cup of water or broth. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly until it’s cool enough to handle. Then, shred the chicken using two forks. Shredding the chicken creates smaller pieces that will mix evenly into the filling and fit perfectly inside the rolls.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the cheesy buffalo sauce mixture. Ensure that the chicken is fully incorporated into the mixture to create a cohesive and flavorful filling. Taste the filling at this stage and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more buffalo sauce for extra spice, or a pinch of salt if necessary.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper will prevent the rolls from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Open the package of refrigerated breadstick dough. Separate the dough into individual breadsticks. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch or roll each breadstick dough piece out slightly to make it a bit wider and longer. This will provide more surface area to wrap around the filling.

Place a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken filling (about 2-3 tablespoons) in the center of each dough piece. Bring the sides of the dough up and around the filling, pinching the seams together to completely enclose the filling. Make sure the seams are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You can shape them into rolls, ovals, or even slightly longer shapes, depending on your preference.

Place the assembled rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll to allow for even baking and browning.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a delicious buttery flavor.

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of the rolls. The cheese will melt and create a cheesy, bubbly crust on top of the rolls.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness. The rolls should be puffed up and golden brown, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.

Transfer the rolls to a serving platter. Garnish with extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added visual appeal, if desired.

Serve immediately while warm and cheesy. These Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the dough is soft, the cheese is melted, and the filling is hot and flavorful.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: Approximately 12 rolls
Calories per Serving (estimated): 350-400 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (estimated):

Protein: 20-25 grams
Fat: 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams

Please Note: These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, as well as portion sizes. For more accurate nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients you use. This recipe is relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the cream cheese, cheese, and buffalo sauce. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes chicken cooking and filling preparation)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken. Most of the time is spent preparing the filling and assembling the rolls, with the baking time being relatively short. It’s a great recipe for when you want a delicious and impressive appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, making them perfect for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions:

As an Appetizer:
- Arrange them on a platter for parties, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like extra ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even more buffalo sauce for those who like extra heat.
- Garnish the platter with fresh celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo chicken pairing.
As a Snack:
- Enjoy them as a satisfying afternoon snack or a late-night bite.
- They are perfect for movie nights or casual weekend evenings.
- Pair them with a light salad for a slightly more substantial snack.
As a Light Meal:
- Serve 2-3 rolls per person with a large side salad for a light lunch or dinner.
- Combine them with a simple soup, like tomato soup or a creamy vegetable soup, for a comforting meal.
- Add a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a heartier meal option.
For Game Day or Sports Events:
- These are the ultimate game day food! They are easy to eat while watching the game and are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Set up a “buffalo chicken roll bar” with various toppings like extra cheese, chopped bacon, jalapeños, and different dipping sauces.
- Serve alongside other game day favorites like wings, nachos, and sliders.
For Potlucks and Parties:
- They travel well and are great for bringing to potlucks, picnics, and parties.
- Bake them ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.
- Keep them warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish if serving at a buffet.

Additional Tips for Perfect Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls

To ensure your Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls are absolutely perfect every time, here are five additional tips:

Don’t Overfill the Rolls: While it’s tempting to load up each roll with as much filling as possible, overfilling can make them difficult to seal and may cause the dough to burst during baking. Stick to about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per roll to ensure they bake properly and stay intact.
Seal the Dough Tightly: Properly sealing the dough is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Pinch the seams together firmly to create a tight seal. You can even gently twist the ends of the dough to ensure they are completely closed. If you’re having trouble sealing, a tiny brush of water on the edges of the dough can help them stick together better.
Adjust Spice Level to Your Preference: Buffalo sauce comes in varying levels of heat, from mild to extra hot. Choose a buffalo sauce that matches your spice preference. If you want a milder flavor, use a mild buffalo sauce or mix in a bit more ranch dressing to mellow out the spice. For extra heat, use a hot buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the buffalo chicken filling up to a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This can save you time on the day you want to bake the rolls. When ready to bake, simply assemble the rolls as directed and bake. You can also assemble the unbaked rolls a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.
Experiment with Cheese Variations: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheese combinations. Pepper jack cheese will add an extra kick of spice, while provolone or mozzarella will provide a milder, stretchier cheese pull. A blend of different cheeses can add complexity and depth of flavor to your rolls.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe faster?

A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken (white and dark meat both work well) and use it in place of the cooked chicken breasts. Make sure to use plain or lightly seasoned rotisserie chicken so it doesn’t clash with the buffalo flavor. This can cut down your prep time significantly.

Q2: Can I freeze Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls?

A: Yes, you can freeze these rolls, either baked or unbaked.

To freeze baked rolls: Let them cool completely after baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
To freeze unbaked rolls: Assemble the rolls as directed, but do not bake. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To bake, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q3: I don’t have breadstick dough. Can I use something else?

A: Yes, you can substitute refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough for the breadstick dough. Crescent roll dough will create rolls with a flakier, more buttery texture. Pizza dough will result in a chewier, more bread-like roll. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the dough you use. You can also use homemade dough if you prefer, but refrigerated dough is a convenient option.

Q4: How do I make these rolls less spicy?

A: To reduce the spice level, you can use a mild buffalo sauce or mix your buffalo sauce with more ranch dressing or cream cheese to dilute the spiciness. You can also reduce the amount of buffalo sauce used in the filling. Another option is to add a touch of sweetness to balance the spice, such as a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the filling.

Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients to your liking. Some great additions include:

Cooked Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor.
Diced Celery and Carrots: Adds a classic buffalo chicken flavor and texture.
Jalapeños: For extra heat, add diced fresh or pickled jalapeños.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: For a more intense blue cheese flavor.
Chopped Red Onion: Adds a sharper onion flavor.

Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors to make these Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls your own!