Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups

This creamy buffalo chicken roll-up recipe brings together the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with flaky puff pastry for an appetizer that disappears in minutes at every gathering. The combination of three cheeses with tender rotisserie chicken creates an irresistible filling that bakes to golden perfection.

I first made these for a last-minute game day gathering when I needed something beyond basic chips and dip. My friends now request these buffalo roll-ups for every sporting event we host.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: creates the creamy base that holds everything together. Let it come completely to room temperature for easiest mixing
• Rotisserie chicken: saves significant prep time and provides tender precooked meat. Look for a plump chicken with plenty of meat
• Mozzarella cheese: adds that essential stretchy texture when melted. Freshly grated works better than pre-shredded
• Sharp cheddar cheese: provides a bold flavor contrast to the mild mozzarella. Choose an aged variety for best taste
• Buffalo sauce: delivers the signature spicy kick. Frank's RedHot is my go to for authentic flavor
• Puff pastry: creates the flaky, buttery exterior. Pepperidge Farm brand consistently gives good results
• Egg wash: helps seal the pastry and creates a golden finish. Use a silicone brush for even application
• Ranch dressing: provides a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce. Homemade is best but store bought works fine
• Parsley: adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Allow at least 10 minutes for your oven to fully preheat.

Create the buffalo chicken filling:

Combine room temperature cream cheese, shredded chicken, both cheeses, and buffalo sauce in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until every ingredient is well incorporated. The filling should be thick but spreadable. This makes about 3 cups total, but you will only use 2 cups initially.

Prepare the puff pastry:

Roll your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Work gently to avoid tearing the delicate dough. The flour prevents sticking while you roll.

Add the filling:

Spread 2 cups of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the puff pastry, leaving a half-inch border along one long edge. This border will help seal the roll.

Roll and seal:

Brush the bare half-inch border with beaten egg. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape, pressing firmly to seal the edge. The egg wash acts as a glue to keep the roll closed.

Slice and bake:

Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 even slices. A gentle sawing motion works best to avoid crushing the pastry. Brush the exposed edges with egg wash and bake for 15-18 minutes.

Add more filling:

Remove partially baked roll-ups and top each with a spoonful of the remaining buffalo chicken mixture. This creates an attractive presentation and adds more of that delicious filling. Return to the oven for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.

Garnish and serve:

Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. The contrasting colors make for a beautiful presentation.

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The key to these roll-ups is quality buffalo sauce. I discovered the perfect balance when my husband accidentally bought the extra spicy version at the store. I cut it with a bit of honey, and the sweet-heat combination became our new favorite way to make these.

Make Ahead Options

These buffalo chicken roll-ups work beautifully as a make-ahead appetizer. Prepare the entire recipe up to the point of baking, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as directed. This makes them perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.

Serving Suggestions

While these roll-ups make a fantastic appetizer on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad for a complete meal. The cool, crisp vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry. Consider serving with celery sticks and carrot slices to mirror traditional buffalo wing accompaniments. For dipping options beyond ranch, blue cheese dressing offers a tangy alternative that complements the buffalo flavor beautifully.

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Spice Level Adjustments

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different heat preferences. For a milder version that children or spice-sensitive guests will enjoy, reduce the buffalo sauce to 3 tablespoons and replace the remainder with plain tomato sauce. Conversely, if you love heat, add a tablespoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling mixture. You can also create a divided batch by making half mild and half spicy, just be sure to mark which is which before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make buffalo chicken roll ups ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the roll ups up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble them, slice into portions, and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, brush with egg wash and bake according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ How spicy are these buffalo chicken roll ups?

The spice level is moderate with 1/3 cup of buffalo sauce. For milder roll ups, reduce the buffalo sauce and add more cream cheese. For extra heat, increase the buffalo sauce or add hot sauce to the mixture.

→ Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, but you'll need to cook the chicken first. Season and cook boneless chicken breasts or thighs, then shred and cool completely before mixing with the other ingredients.

→ What can I serve with buffalo chicken roll ups?

These roll ups pair well with celery and carrot sticks, extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, a simple green salad, or potato wedges. They're perfect as appetizers or as part of a game day spread.

→ Can I freeze buffalo chicken roll ups?

Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, prepare the roll ups up to the slicing stage, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer container. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time. To freeze after baking, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

→ What cheese substitutions work well in this recipe?

You can substitute the mozzarella and cheddar with monterey jack, colby jack, pepper jack for extra spice, or blue cheese for an authentic buffalo flavor. Just maintain the same total amount of cheese.