Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on a classic favorite! With spicy buffalo sauce, juicy chicken, and stretchy cheese, each bite is a tasty explosion. Yum!
I love how bold the flavors are. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in, it’s hard to stop at just one slice! Pair it with a cold drink for the ultimate treat! 🍕🥤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade dough or store-bought for convenience. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free pizza crust. Personally, I find fresh dough from a local pizzeria to be the best option for a crisp crust!
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is essential. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or even leftover grilled chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, try using shredded cauliflower mixed with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Choose a sauce according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer less heat, try a mild sauce or mix with some BBQ sauce. I often combine different sauces for a unique flavor!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a great melting cheese, but you can also substitute provolone or gouda for a different taste. Cheddar adds a nice sharpness, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Dressings: Ranch dressing is popular, but blue cheese adds a classic touch to buffalo flavors. If you can’t decide, serve both on the side!
How Do I Roll Out the Perfect Pizza Dough?
If you’re new to working with pizza dough, rolling it out might feel tricky. Here are some tips to make it easy:
- Start with room temperature dough; it’s easier to stretch.
- Flour your surface lightly to avoid sticking, but don’t over-flour—it can make the dough tough.
- Using your fingers, gently push from the center outward, rotating the dough to maintain a circle shape.
- Don’t worry if it’s not perfect! An imperfect shape adds character.
With practice, you’ll find the right technique that works for you, and homemade pizza will become a favorite! Enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For The Pizza:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (medium or hot, to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For The Dressing:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- Optional: chopped chives or fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. So, in about 30 minutes or less, you’ll be ready to enjoy a tasty pizza right from your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up so it can give your pizza that perfect crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure all of the chicken is well coated with the sauce. This will give your pizza that signature spicy flavor.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter for a medium pizza. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; a little imperfection makes it homemade!
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a golden finish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the pizza base. Then, distribute the buffalo chicken pieces evenly on top of the cheese for maximum flavor.
5. Bake the Pizza:
Pop the pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once it’s out of the oven, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top of the pizza. This adds a creamy contrast to the spiciness of the buffalo chicken!
Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions and optional chopped chives or parsley over the pizza for a fresh touch.
7. Slice and Serve:
Slice your pizza into wedges and serve immediately. Enjoy it with a cool drink, and don’t forget to share (or not!)!
Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza alongside a cool ranch dip or your favorite beverage!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and works just as well as homemade dough. Just follow the package instructions for the best results. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter for a similar flavor. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Some popular additions include sliced jalapeños, more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even some crispy bacon for extra flavor. Just be sure not to overload the pizza, as it may not cook evenly!
