Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Canned chicken works well in this recipe - just make sure to drain it thoroughly and flake it apart before mixing with the other ingredients. While rotisserie chicken adds a bit more flavor, canned chicken is a great time-saving alternative that still produces delicious results.

How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups?

The spice level depends entirely on the buffalo sauce you choose. For a milder version, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or even reduce the amount to ¼ cup and supplement with a bit of ranch dressing in the filling. If you love heat, choose a spicier buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.

Can I make these without puff pastry?

Yes! Crescent roll dough makes a great substitute and is often easier to find. Simply unroll the dough, press the perforations together to create a sheet, then proceed with the recipe as written. You could also use pizza dough for a different texture, though you may need to adjust the baking time.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to leave that ½-inch border when spreading the filling, seal the edge well with egg wash, and don't overfill. After rolling, place the roll-ups on the baking sheet with the seam side down. For extra insurance, you can chill the assembled roll for about 15 minutes before slicing to help the filling set up.

Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups Recipe

Name: Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature; 2 cups (280 g) rotisserie chicken, shredded, chopped; 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; ⅓ cup (84 g) buffalo sauce; 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package instructions; 1 large egg, beaten; Toppings and Garnishes; Ranch dressing, for drizzling; Extra buffalo sauce, for drizzling; Parsley, for garnish

These Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups transform everyone’s favorite wing flavors into an irresistible, handheld treat that’s perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun weeknight dinner. Flaky puff pastry wrapped around a creamy, cheesy buffalo chicken filling creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready in just 40 minutes, these roll ups deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: These roll ups look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but they come together in just 40 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Crowd-Pleaser: The classic buffalo chicken flavor profile is universally loved, and these portable bites are perfect for parties, game days, or appetizer nights.
Versatile: Easily adjustable for heat preference – make them as mild or spicy as you like by controlling the amount of buffalo sauce.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling or even assemble the rolls ahead of time to make entertaining even easier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cream cheese: Creates that creamy, rich base that binds everything together and balances the heat from the buffalo sauce.
Rotisserie chicken: The perfect time-saver that adds tender, pre-cooked protein – simply shred and chop it.
Mozzarella cheese: Provides that wonderful meltiness and mild flavor that complements the buffalo sauce without competing with it.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of the filling.
Buffalo sauce: The star ingredient that gives these roll ups their signature flavor – choose your favorite brand and preferred heat level.
Puff pastry: Creates a flaky, buttery wrapper that perfectly contrasts with the creamy filling inside.
Egg: Used for an egg wash that helps seal the pastry and creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
Ranch dressing: For drizzling on top, providing a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Here are some delicious twists:

Flavor Twists

BBQ Chicken: Substitute BBQ sauce for the buffalo sauce for a smoky-sweet alternative.
Jalapeño Popper Style: Add diced jalapeños to the filling and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Blue Cheese Lover’s: Replace the ranch with blue cheese dressing and add crumbled blue cheese to the filling.

Dietary Modifications

Lower Carb: Use large lettuce leaves instead of puff pastry for a carb-conscious option.
Lighter Version: Use neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese and opt for reduced-fat cheese.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and buffalo sauce. Stir thoroughly until you have a uniform mixture. Set aside while you work with the pastry.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the thawed puff pastry into a 9×12-inch rectangle. Make sure it’s even in thickness throughout.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll Ups

Spread about 2 cups of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the long edges. Brush this border with beaten egg to help seal the roll.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long edge opposite your egg-washed border, tightly roll the pastry into a log shape, pressing gently to seal the edge. With a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

Step 5: First Bake

Place the rolls cut-side up on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the exposed edges with remaining beaten egg. Bake for 15-18 minutes until they begin to turn golden.

Step 6: Add More Filling and Finish Baking

Remove the roll-ups from the oven and top each with a spoonful of your reserved buffalo chicken mixture. Return to the oven for another 6-8 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with additional buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature for the smoothest filling that’s easy to spread.
Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, using about 2 cups for the initial spread ensures you can roll the pastry tightly without filling escaping.
Sharp Knife: Use a very sharp knife for clean cuts through the rolled log – a serrated knife works particularly well.
Watch the Bake: Puff pastry can go from perfectly golden to over-browned quickly, so keep an eye on your roll-ups during the final minutes of baking.
Reserved Filling: Don’t skip adding that extra spoonful of filling on top during the second bake – it adds another layer of flavor and creates an appealing presentation.

How to Serve

Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options!

As an Appetizer

Arrange on a platter with extra ranch and buffalo sauce for dipping. Add celery and carrot sticks on the side for a classic buffalo wing accompaniment.

As a Main Dish

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the roll-ups.

For Game Day

Set up a “build your own” station with various dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, and extra buffalo sauce, along with celery, carrots, and other fresh vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Ahead

The buffalo chicken filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can even assemble and slice the rolls, then refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastry won’t be quite as crisp, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing

These roll-ups freeze beautifully! Freeze them after the first bake (before adding the extra topping). Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Refrigerated leftovers: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
From frozen: Bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, then add the extra topping and continue as directed in the original recipe.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Canned chicken works well in this recipe – just make sure to drain it thoroughly and flake it apart before mixing with the other ingredients. While rotisserie chicken adds a bit more flavor, canned chicken is a great time-saving alternative that still produces delicious results.
How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups?

The spice level depends entirely on the buffalo sauce you choose. For a milder version, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or even reduce the amount to ¼ cup and supplement with a bit of ranch dressing in the filling. If you love heat, choose a spicier buffalo sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Can I make these without puff pastry?

Yes! Crescent roll dough makes a great substitute and is often easier to find. Simply unroll the dough, press the perforations together to create a sheet, then proceed with the recipe as written. You could also use pizza dough for a different texture, though you may need to adjust the baking time.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to leave that ½-inch border when spreading the filling, seal the edge well with egg wash, and don’t overfill. After rolling, place the roll-ups on the baking sheet with the seam side down. For extra insurance, you can chill the assembled roll for about 15 minutes before slicing to help the filling set up.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Roll Ups have become my go-to recipe whenever I need something that’s guaranteed to disappear from the plate. They combine the best elements of comfort food – cheesy, creamy, spicy, and wrapped in buttery pastry! The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for entertaining but easy enough for a weeknight treat. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving something different for dinner, give these roll-ups a try – I promise they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!