Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
If you crave the bold flavors of buffalo wings and the irresistible comfort of a cheesy slice, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe. Imagine tender, spicy chicken mingling with gooey melted cheeses, all layered over a pillowy crust with a creamy ranch or blue cheese base. This pizza is a total flavor bomb, perfect for game day, a Friday night treat, or just about any time you want to wow your family and friends. Trust me, once you try this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe, it’ll become a regular request in your household!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the simple but powerful cast of ingredients that make this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe truly unforgettable. Each one plays a special role, delivering the heat, the creaminess, or the melty magic that makes this pizza so addictive.
- Pizza dough (1 pound): Your foundation for the perfect crust; use store-bought for convenience, or homemade for an extra touch of love.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushed on the dough, it encourages a golden, crispy edge that’s simply irresistible.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (1 cup): The star protein; rotisserie works great, or use leftovers for an easy shortcut.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/3 cup): Delivers that signature spicy, tangy kick—choose your favorite heat level!
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (1/2 cup): Creamy, cooling, and packed with flavor, this is your sauce base under all the toppings.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Provides the gooey, stretchy goodness every pizza needs.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a pop of sharpness and that classic orange color.
- Crumbled blue cheese (2 tablespoons, optional): Intensifies the classic buffalo vibe with its salty tang.
- Sliced green onions or chopped parsley (optional): Freshness and color for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pizza Stone
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C), and if you have a pizza stone or baking sheet, place it inside to get piping hot. This step is key for achieving that crisp, bakery-style crust that makes this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe unforgettable.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round—rustic shapes add personality! Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
Step 3: Brush with Olive Oil
Drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil over the dough and gently brush it to the edges. This simple step adds richness and helps create a blistered, golden crust.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until every piece is coated in spicy goodness. The chicken will soak up all that flavor, ensuring every bite of your Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe packs a punch.
Step 5: Build the Pizza
Spread the ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, scatter the buffalo chicken over the sauce, followed by generous handfuls of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese if you love that classic tang.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully slide the pizza (on its parchment) onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let your masterpiece cool for about 5 minutes (if you can wait!), then finish with a sprinkle of green onions or parsley for a burst of freshness. Slice, serve warm, and prepare for rave reviews!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flavor and a pop of color, top your pizza with sliced green onions or chopped parsley. If you like things spicy, a drizzle of additional buffalo sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is always welcome. Blue cheese crumbles also make a bold statement for die-hard fans.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple green salad to balance out the heat. You could also serve it with waffle fries or onion rings for the ultimate comfort food spread—perfect for parties or game nights!
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the pizza into bite-sized squares for an appetizer platter, or serve it alongside a trio of dipping sauces like extra ranch, blue cheese, and buffalo sauce. Mini pizzas made from smaller dough rounds are also a fun, personal touch for gatherings or family pizza nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap the cooled pizza slices tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them tasting fresh and delicious.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat slices in a 375°F oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the crust is hot. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust chewy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a fantastic shortcut and works perfectly for this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe. If you have the time and love baking from scratch, homemade dough is always a treat, but either option delivers delicious results.
What type Main Course
Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor, but any cooked chicken works—grilled, baked, or even leftover fried chicken after removing the breading. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped for easy biting.
Is it very spicy?
The heat depends on your buffalo sauce. Use a mild sauce for a family-friendly pizza, or go for hot or extra hot if you’re a spice lover. You can also control the heat by adding more or less sauce to the chicken.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough, and make sure your buffalo sauce and dressings are gluten-free. The rest of the Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe stays exactly the same.
Can I add vegetables or other toppings?
Of course! Sliced red onions, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of arugula after baking all add extra flavor and freshness. Feel free to get creative and make this pizza your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spice up your pizza game, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is a show-stopper every single time. It’s bold, cheesy, and just the right amount of messy—perfect for sharing with the people you love. Grab your ingredients and get ready to make pizza night legendary!
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe combines the spicy kick of buffalo wing sauce with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, melted cheeses, and shredded chicken on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Perfect for game days or casual dinners, it’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavorful, tangy heat that chicken and cheese lovers will adore.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions or chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly. This ensures a perfectly crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper to make transferring easier.
- Brush Dough: Lightly brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil to help create a golden crust during baking.
- Toss Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with spicy flavor.
- Spread Dressing: Evenly spread the ranch or blue cheese dressing over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow when baking.
- Add Toppings: Distribute the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dressing, then top with shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese if using for extra tanginess.
- Bake Pizza: Using the parchment paper, carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling with slight browning.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley for a fresh finish if desired.
- Serve: Slice the pizza into 4 servings and enjoy it warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce drizzle or crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- This pizza pairs well with celery sticks and extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
