This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on a classic! It features spicy buffalo chicken on a soft crust, topped with gooey cheese that melts perfectly.
You can’t go wrong with this pizza for game days or a cozy night in! I love adding a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese on top for an extra kick—so good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience. If you want to make it from scratch but are short on time, consider using a pre-made pizza crust as a quick alternative.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic, but feel free to try other brands like Crystal or homemade sauce for a different flavor. For a milder option, use less sauce or a milder hot sauce.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. You can also use other cooked meats or even tofu if looking for a vegetarian version!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a favorite for melting, but you could mix in cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor. Just remember, the more cheese, the gooier the pizza!
How Can I Get The Perfect Crust?
Getting a crust that’s crispy on the outside and chewy inside is key! Here are some helpful tips:
- Preheat your oven and pizza stone (if using) to ensure a hot cooking surface.
- Don’t roll your dough too thin—about 1/4 inch thick is ideal. This helps it hold all those toppings!
- Keep an eye on your pizza as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden color and bubbly cheese after about 10 minutes.
Taking these steps will help you achieve a delicious crust every time! Enjoy the cooking process! 😊
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: celery sticks (for serving)
Time Needed:
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 12 minutes to bake, making a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well. This will help make your crust perfectly crispy!
2. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the buffalo wing sauce until the two are well combined. This creates our tasty buffalo chicken sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take your shredded chicken and toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture until it’s fully coated. This will ensure every bite packs a flavorful punch!
4. Roll Out the Pizza Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out or stretch the pizza dough to about a 12-inch round. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make sure it’s even!
5. Add the Pizza Base:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (if you’re not using a stone). This will help make transferring it to the oven easier!
6. Layer the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges for crust.
7. Add the Buffalo Chicken:
Now, distribute the coated buffalo chicken pieces evenly over the cheese. Make sure to spread it out so every slice has some chicken goodness!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully place the pizza in the oven (on the heated stone if you’re using one). Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing in a zig-zag pattern over the top.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the sliced green onions across the pizza for that fresh crunch. Slice it up and serve immediately, optionally with celery sticks on the side for a classic touch! Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option that saves time. Just follow the package instructions for rolling and baking, and you’ll still get a delicious pizza!
How Can I Make This Pizza Less Spicy?
If you want to tone down the heat, you can reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a milder hot sauce. Another great option is to mix the buffalo sauce with some ranch dressing before tossing it with the chicken.
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prep the chicken and buffalo sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just roll out the dough and assemble the pizza as directed!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave slices for about 30-45 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.