This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a spicy twist on your favorite pie! It features tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and melted cheese all on a crispy crust. Perfect for pizza night!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good slice of pizza? I love making this on weekends; it’s a fun way to feed friends, and the tangy flavors always get everyone excited. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience. If you want a homemade touch, try making your own with flour, water, yeast, and salt. In a bind? Use pita bread or naan for a quick pizza crust!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great if you want a quick option. Leftover grill chicken also fits perfectly. For a vegetarian version, consider using shredded jackfruit or plant-based chicken substitutes.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s is a classic, but any hot sauce you love can work! Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. For a milder option, mix buffalo sauce with a bit of BBQ sauce.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that stretchy texture, but feel free to mix in Gouda or Pepper Jack for more flavor! Plant-based cheeses can also substitute if needed.
Dressing: Ranch is my favorite for that cool creamy contrast, but blue cheese dressing is another popular choice. If you prefer, a yogurt-based dressing can be a lighter alternative.
How Do I Get the Pizza Crust Just Right?
The pizza crust can make or break your pizza! Here’s how to ensure it turns out delicious:
- **Preheat:** Always preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) for a crispy crust.
- **Roll it Evenly:** When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure it cooks uniformly. Thin crust? Go for about 1/4 inch thick!
- **Use Olive Oil:** Brushing the dough with olive oil enhances flavor and creates a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
- **Keep it Hot:** If using a pizza stone, let it heat in the oven for at least 30 minutes. This helps achieve that perfect crunch.
- **Bake Right:** Watch closely during the last few minutes; you want that golden brown finish. If the cheese is bubbling but the crust isn’t quite there yet, leave it in for a minute more!
Delicious 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
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 12-15 minutes to bake, making it a quick meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! Plan on about 30 minutes total before it’s ready to slice and enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up. A hot oven gives you that perfect crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, take your shredded cooked chicken and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce until it’s evenly coated. This spicy goodness will be the star of your pizza! Set this mixture aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter, or your desired size and thickness. Aim for an even thickness so it bakes nicely!
4. Set Up for Baking:
Transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal to make it easy to transfer to the oven.
5. Oil the Dough:
Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil and, if you’d like, sprinkle on garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor!
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the dough, covering it well for a cheesy bite.
7. Add the Buffalo Chicken:
Next, evenly distribute your buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese. Feel free to add more chicken if you like a hearty pizza!
8. Drizzle with Dressing:
Dot small spoonfuls of ranch or blue cheese dressing across the top of your pizza. This will add a creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
9. Bake It Up:
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly!
10. Finish and Serve:
Once it’s done, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Drizzle some extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on top and sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
Slice your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza and serve immediately. Enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some fresh veggies. Enjoy your homemade creation!
Can I Use Store-bought Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just toss it in the buffalo sauce as directed, and you’re good to go!
How Do I Make This Pizza Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding extra buffalo sauce to the chicken or even sprinkling some red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can also use a hotter wing sauce for more kick!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and assemble the pizza in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crunch!