Loaded Buffalo Chicken Rolls

This hearty Buffalo Chicken Rolls recipe transforms everyone's favorite wing flavors into handheld delights that disappear faster than I can make them. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese wrapped in soft Hawaiian rolls creates an irresistible appetizer that's become my go-to for game days and casual gatherings.

I first made these rolls for a last-minute Super Bowl party when I realized I didn't have time for traditional wings. They were such a hit that my friends now specifically request "those buffalo chicken things" for every gathering we have.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: perfect for using rotisserie chicken or leftovers for maximum flavor with minimal effort
• 1 cup buffalo sauce: provides that signature tangy heat that makes these rolls addictive
• ½ cup ranch: adds creaminess and helps balance the spice of the buffalo sauce
• ½ cup shredded Colby jack: melts beautifully and offers a mild flavor that complements the buffalo sauce
• ⅓ cup scallions (chopped): brings a fresh onion flavor and beautiful color contrast
• ½ cup butter (melted): creates a rich garlic herb coating that makes the rolls golden and flavorful
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley: adds a touch of herbal flavor and visual appeal to the butter coating
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced): infuses the butter with savory depth
• 12 Hawaiian rolls: their slight sweetness balances the spicy filling perfectly
• ½ cup shredded Colby Jack for topping: creates that irresistible cheese pull when you take a bite
• ¼ cup scallions (chopped for topping): adds freshness and a pop of color to the finished rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Filling:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, shredded Colby Jack, and chopped scallions in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated in the sauce and cheese is evenly distributed throughout. The mixture should be cohesive but not too wet.

Create The Garlic Butter:

In a separate bowl, melt the butter completely then stir in the dried parsley and minced garlic. Allow the mixture to sit for a minute so the herbs and garlic can infuse the butter with flavor. This aromatic butter will transform the rolls from good to extraordinary.

Prepare The Rolls:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the Hawaiian rolls on the sheet with slight space between them. Using a spoon or your fingers, carefully hollow out the center of each roll, creating a pocket for the filling while leaving the bottom and sides intact to hold everything together.

Fill And Top The Rolls:

Generously spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each hollowed roll, packing it in but being careful not to overfill. The filling should be level with or slightly above the top of each roll. Brush the tops and sides of the rolls with the garlic herb butter, then sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese evenly across all the rolls.

Bake To Perfection:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until you notice the cheese completely melted and the tops turning a beautiful golden color. The rolls should be warm throughout but not overly crispy.

Final Touches:

Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush any remaining garlic butter over the warm tops to add extra flavor and shine. Sprinkle the additional chopped scallions over the tops for a fresh finishing touch and vibrant color contrast. Serve while still warm for the best cheese-pull experience.

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My absolute favorite thing about these buffalo chicken rolls is how they bring everyone together. There's something about that combination of spicy buffalo sauce and cooling ranch that makes people smile and start conversations. I've noticed that at parties, these are always the first appetizer to disappear completely from the serving tray.

Make-Ahead Options

These buffalo chicken rolls are perfect for prepping ahead of time when entertaining. You can make the buffalo chicken filling up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply hollow out your rolls, fill them with the chicken mixture, and bake as directed. You can also fully assemble the unbaked rolls a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

Spice Level Customization

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adjust the heat level to accommodate different preferences. For a milder version perfect for kids or those sensitive to spice, reduce the buffalo sauce to ½ cup and increase the ranch to ¾ cup. The rolls will still have that buffalo flavor but with less kick. For heat seekers, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce or substitute half the Colby Jack with pepper jack cheese. You can even set up a "build your own" station with mild and spicy filling options so everyone gets exactly what they want.

Serving Suggestions

These buffalo chicken rolls make an excellent centerpiece for any appetizer spread, but they also work wonderfully as part of a complete meal. Serve them alongside a crisp green salad with blue cheese dressing for a lunch that hits all the flavor notes. For a game day spread, pair them with vegetable crudités and celery sticks with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. They also complement other finger foods like mozzarella sticks or potato skins for a restaurant-style appetizer platter at home. For an extra special touch, serve with small dishes of warm buffalo sauce and ranch for additional dipping.

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Creative Variations

While the classic buffalo chicken flavor is hard to beat, this versatile recipe template works beautifully with other flavor combinations too. Try a BBQ chicken version by substituting the buffalo sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce and adding a bit of red onion instead of scallions. For a Mediterranean twist, replace the buffalo sauce with pesto, use mozzarella instead of Colby Jack, and add diced sun-dried tomatoes to the chicken mixture. You can also make a taco version using shredded chicken mixed with taco seasoning, salsa instead of buffalo sauce, and topped with Mexican cheese blend and diced avocado after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of roll?

Yes, slider buns or dinner rolls can be substituted for Hawaiian rolls if needed.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Simply increase or decrease the amount of buffalo sauce used to make the rolls spicier or milder.

→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the buffalo chicken filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the rolls.

→ What other cheese options can I use?

You can use cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of Colby jack for different flavor profiles or to add more heat.

→ How can I make the rolls crispier?

For a crispier top, you can broil the rolls for 1-2 minutes after baking.

→ Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken with plant-based shredded meat or diced roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.

→ What can I serve with these rolls?

They pair well with a side of fresh veggies, a green salad, or extra dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.