Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake

If Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake sounds like something you’d happily eat straight from the pan after a long day… friend, you are my people. This is one of those recipes that understands busy schedules, hungry families, and the very real need for comfort food that actually delivers. Warm, cheesy, a little spicy, and wrapped in soft pizza dough—this dish is the definition of cozy with attitude.

This bake is one of my favorite ways to turn leftover chicken into something that feels brand new. It’s perfect for weeknights when everyone’s starving, weekends when friends drop by unannounced, or game days when snacks need to be bold and crowd-approved. Best of all? You don’t need fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a little time, a little love, and maybe a napkin or two nearby.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake

Let’s be honest—some recipes look good online but fall flat at the dinner table. This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is not one of them.

Here’s why it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• It uses cooked chicken, so it’s perfect for leftovers or rotisserie shortcuts
• The combo of Buffalo wing sauce and ranch hits that spicy-creamy sweet spot
• Pizza dough makes it filling and comforting without being fussy
• It’s easy to slice, dip, share, and devour
• Picky eaters? Spicy food lovers? This one somehow wins them all

I’ve made this for family movie nights, casual get-togethers, and those evenings when dinner just needs to work. It never lets me down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake is built on simple, reliable ingredients that come together beautifully. Nothing complicated. Nothing intimidating. Just good food doing its thing.

• Cooked chicken – shredded or diced both work great. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here.
• Olive oil – just a teaspoon to boost flavor and keep everything juicy.
• Pizza dough – store-bought is totally fine (and encouraged on busy days).
• Mozzarella cheese – shredded, melty, and comforting.
• Cheddar cheese – sharp and rich, it balances the heat perfectly.
• Buffalo wing sauce – the star of the show. Adjust to taste.
• Ranch dressing – creamy, cooling, and essential for balance.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is straightforward and forgiving, which is exactly what we need after a long day. Let’s walk through it together.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to getting that golden, slightly crisp crust we’re after. While it heats up, you can prep the filling.

2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken with ¼ cup of Buffalo wing sauce. Toss until the chicken is well coated. If your family loves heat, feel free to add a splash more.

Next, stir in the ranch dressing and the remaining Buffalo sauce. The mixture should look creamy, spicy, and completely irresistible. Try not to snack too much straight from the bowl—I say this from experience.

3. Roll Out the Pizza Dough

Lightly flour a clean surface and roll your pizza dough into a long rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Take your time here. Even dough means even baking.

If the dough fights back or sticks to the rolling pin, sprinkle on a little more flour and keep going. Dough has moods. We don’t take it personally.

4. Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake

Spread the Buffalo ranch mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Layer the chicken mixture on top, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

This is the moment where it starts to feel real. The cheese. The sauce. The promise.

5. Roll and Seal

Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side. Pinch the edges and ends tightly to keep all that cheesy goodness inside where it belongs.

Place the roll seam-side down on a greased or non-stick baking sheet. This little trick helps prevent leaks and keeps the bake looking beautiful.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and your kitchen smells like pure happiness. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting, but this helps everything set up nicely.

7. Slice and Serve

Slice into thick, satisfying pieces and serve warm. Add ranch, pizza sauce, or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Or all three. No judgment here.

Helpful Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake

A few small tips can make this bake even better:

• If your sauce looks a little messy while rolling, don’t panic. That’s part of the magic.
• Use parchment paper for easier cleanup (your future self will thank you).
• Want less heat? Mix a little extra ranch into the Buffalo sauce.
• Want more heat? Add crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

This recipe is flexible. Make it work for your table.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake, it was one of those “what do I do with this leftover chicken?” nights. My kids were hovering, hungry, and unimpressed with my initial ideas.

I threw this together on a whim—and suddenly, everyone was quiet. That good kind of quiet. The kind where plates are scraped clean and someone asks, “Can we have this again tomorrow?” That’s when I knew it was a keeper.

Now, it’s one of those recipes I make when I want guaranteed smiles.

FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake

Let’s Make Dinner a Little More Fun

There’s something special about recipes like this Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake. It’s comforting without being boring, bold without being complicated, and perfect for those nights when you want dinner to feel like a win.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this bake delivers every time. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking, and don’t forget the extra ranch

Still Hungry? Here Are a Few More Crowd-Pleasers

If this Buffalo Chicken Cheese Bake made your dinner feel like a win, why stop there? I pulled together a few reader-favorite recipes that carry the same cozy, cheesy, bold-flavor energy—perfect for busy nights, game days, or when you just want something really satisfying. Think of these as your “what should I make next?” answers, already handled for you:

• Craving even more heat and cheese? You’ll love this Jalapeño Buffalo Chicken Casserole—it’s spicy, creamy, and always a hit with Buffalo chicken fans.
• If warm, creamy bakes are your comfort zone, don’t miss the Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Bake. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect when you want dinner to feel extra comforting.
• Planning a party or casual get-together? This Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Chicken Dip disappears fast—just like the bake you made today.
• And when you’re in the mood for something ultra-creamy and indulgent, the Million Dollar Chicken Bake is pure comfort food magic.

Save a couple of these for later—you’ll thank yourself on the next “what’s for dinner?” night

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