If you are looking for an irresistible crowd-pleaser that perfectly balances heat and creaminess, look no further than this Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: Spicy Creamy Appetizer Recipe. These golden, flaky pastries pack a punch of tender shredded chicken blended with melted cheeses and just the right amount of spicy buffalo sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or surprising your family with a fun twist on classic appetizers, this recipe is both simple to make and guaranteed to vanish quickly from the platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: Spicy Creamy Appetizer Recipe lies in its straightforward, hearty ingredients. Each element plays a key role: the creamy tang of the cream cheese, succulent shredded rotisserie chicken, melty cheeses, and the fiery buffalo sauce rounded off by a flaky puff pastry that holds it all together beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Provides a smooth, rich base that melds the filling ingredients perfectly.
- Rotisserie chicken (2 cups, shredded and chopped): Brings tender, flavorful protein with little effort.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds a mild, creamy meltiness that complements the sharper cheddar.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Introduces a tangy bite that lifts the dish’s flavor.
- Buffalo sauce (1/3 cup): Injects that iconic spicy kick and vibrant color.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Creates light, buttery layers that encase the filling.
- Large egg (1, beaten): Used for brushing to give a shiny, golden crust.
- Ranch dressing: Perfect for drizzling to balance heat with cool, creamy flavor.
- Extra buffalo sauce: For adding more spice right before serving.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, colorful garnish to brighten the dish’s appearance.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: Spicy Creamy Appetizer Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your roll-ups bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for that perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and buffalo sauce. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and the spicy sauce is evenly distributed. This flavorful filling is the heart and soul of your roll-ups.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into a roughly 9 by 12-inch rectangle. This size will give you plenty of room to spread the filling and create perfect spirals when you roll it up.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Spread the buffalo chicken filling evenly over the pastry, making sure to leave about a half-inch border around the edges so the filling doesn’t squish out. Roll the pastry carefully but tightly into a log, sealing the edges with a little bit of water if needed. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into about 1-inch thick pinwheels.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush each roll-up with the beaten egg—this step gives the pastries that mouthwatering golden-brown sheen. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until puffed up and beautifully browned. For a double dose of cheesy spicy goodness, spoon a little extra buffalo chicken mixture on top of each roll-up and bake another 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once out of the oven, drizzle ranch dressing and extra buffalo sauce over your roll-ups and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve them warm for a truly irresistible, spicy and creamy appetizer experience.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: Spicy Creamy Appetizer Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a subtle herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the spicy buffalo flavors. A drizzle of ranch and extra buffalo sauce is essential to elevate the creaminess and heat balance, making every bite more dynamic.
Side Dishes
These roll-ups shine alongside crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks, classic accompaniments that add refreshing texture and coolness. Pairing with a crisp green salad or some baked sweet potato fries also complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups on a large platter with small dipping bowls of ranch and blue cheese dressings. Skewer individual roll-ups with decorative toothpicks for easy finger-food style serving. You can even place them atop lettuce leaves to serve as handheld mini wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious, though the puff pastry might soften slightly as it absorbs moisture over time.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked roll-ups by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time without thawing first.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated roll-ups in a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the pastry soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use homemade buffalo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade buffalo sauce made with hot sauce and melted butter can add a personal touch and lets you control the heat level perfectly.
Is rotisserie chicken necessary or can I use cooked chicken breast?
Rotisserie chicken is recommended for convenience and added flavor, but cooked chicken breast shredded by hand or with a fork works great too.
Can these roll-ups be made gluten free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the puff pastry with a gluten-free dough or consider using large lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: Spicy Creamy Appetizer Recipe?
It delivers a nice moderate heat thanks to the buffalo sauce, but the cream cheese and ranch dressing help mellow the spice for most palates. Adjust the buffalo sauce quantity to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the roll-ups ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bake them fresh for the best puff and flakiness.
Final Thoughts
Making these Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: Spicy Creamy Appetizer Recipe at home is such a joy because they come together quickly, taste like a treat, and absolutely wow any crowd. Whether it’s a casual night in or a festive gathering, these roll-ups bring the perfect combo of spicy, creamy, and crunchy to the table. I can’t wait for you to try them and share how much your friends and family love this flavorful appetizer!
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Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups: Spicy Creamy Appetizer Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Roll-Ups are a spicy and creamy appetizer featuring shredded rotisserie chicken blended with cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and buffalo sauce, wrapped in flaky puff pastry, baked to golden perfection, and finished with drizzles of ranch and extra buffalo sauce for a bold flavor punch.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Mixture
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups (280g) rotisserie chicken, shredded and chopped
- 1 cup (113g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup (84g) buffalo sauce
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg, beaten
For Serving
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling
- Extra buffalo sauce, for drizzling
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy, spicy filling.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet into a 9×12-inch rectangle, ensuring an even thickness to wrap the filling properly.
- Fill and Roll the Pastry: Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture across the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting at one end, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape, sealing the edges carefully to prevent filling leakage. Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Bake the Roll-Ups: Place the roll-ups on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is a deep golden brown. For extra warmth and flavor, spoon additional buffalo chicken mixture on top and bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the roll-ups from the oven and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm as a spicy, creamy appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder version.
- Puff pastry should be thawed but kept cold before rolling for best texture.
- These roll-ups can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
