Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines spicy Buffalo sauce with melty mozzarella and a crispy crust for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for parties, game day, or any time you want a flavorful pizza that packs a punch. Add a drizzle of blue cheese dressing, and you’ve got a winning meal ready to enjoy at home.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
One bite of Buffalo Chicken Pizza transports you straight to flavor town, blending the satisfying crunch of a well-cooked pizza crust with a savory filling that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Chicken marinated in spicy Buffalo sauce offers a delightful kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy blue cheese dressing, cooling down the spiciness just enough to make every bite irresistible. The vivid colors from the red onions and banana peppers not only enhance the flavor profile but also make the pizza visually appealing.
Plus, making this dish is a straightforward process that doesn’t require culinary wizardry. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. So grab your apron, and let’s get started on this mouthwatering journey!
Ingredients about Buffalo Chicken Pizza
To achieve the best Buffalo Chicken Pizza, gathering the right ingredients is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing, divided (Ranch dressing can be substituted)
- 1 lb pizza dough, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup banana pepper rings, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chives or green onions for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
- Parsley for garnish
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Directions
Creating your Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a thrilling culinary adventure. Follow these straightforward steps to make your pizza perfection:
Preheat Your Oven: First, set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to create that perfect crispy crust. If you own a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help ensure an even cooking surface that enhances the pizza’s texture.
Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Buffalo sauce and a tablespoon of blue cheese dressing. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, ensuring that every bite is packed with taste.
Prepare the Dough: Take your pizza dough and spread it out onto a greased 12-inch pizza pan. Use a fork to poke holes across the dough. This technique prevents the crust from bubbling up while baking, ensuring a flatter, more pizza-like texture.
Add the Sauce & Cheese: Start by spreading the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Follow this by sprinkling the majority of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. The cheese acts as a binding agent to keep all of your delicious toppings in place.
Layer on the Goodies: Now it’s time to add your marinated chicken. Distribute it evenly over the cheese layer. Next, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions and banana pepper rings for that added crunch and flavor. Finally, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring a gooey, cheesy finish.
Drizzle Blue Cheese and Buffalo Sauce: For a delightful flavor boost, drizzle some extra blue cheese dressing and Buffalo sauce over the top just before baking.
Bake Your Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 13 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to ensure your cheese is melted and bubbly, while the crust takes on a beautiful golden brown color.
Brush the Crust: While the pizza is baking, mix melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Once the pizza has baked for around 13 minutes, take it out and brush this mixture over the crust for added flavor and richness.
Finish Baking: Return the pizza to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes. This extra time allows the crust to crisp up perfectly and enhances the overall taste.
Garnish and Serve: Once your pizza is out of the oven, it’s time to garnish! Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley over the top. Slice it up and serve it hot, ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Serving Buffalo Chicken Pizza is as exciting as making it! Start by placing your freshly baked pizza on a cutting board or large serving platter. Using a sharp pizza cutter, slice the pizza into generous portions—usually 8 slices works well for sharing.
You may want to consider setting out some dipping sauces on the side for a fun touch. Extra blue cheese dressing or your favorite Ranch dressing can be perfect for dipping, providing a cooling contrast to the spicy Buffalo flavor. Pairing the pizza with a fresh side salad can also be a hit, balancing the richness of the pizza with a touch of freshness.
Don’t forget to add garnishes such as fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. How you serve it can turn a simple meal into an exciting experience!
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Creating the perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza can be even more enjoyable with a few expert tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality Buffalo sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese. These small choices can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: While it can be tempting to add all your favorite toppings, it’s essential to keep it simple. Too many ingredients can lead to a soggy pizza, so be selective.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your pizza hot out of the oven. This ensures the cheese remains melted, and the crust retains its crispness.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer milder flavors, decrease the amount of Buffalo sauce. Conversely, if you like a spicier kick, feel free to add more!
- Experiment with Cheeses: For a different flavor nuance, consider mixing in other cheese varieties like cheddar or gouda along with the mozzarella.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza can be a delicious treat for the following days! To store it properly, follow these simple steps:
- Cool it Down: Before storing, ensure your pizza has cooled to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
- Wrap Tightly: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to tightly cover the pizza. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container designed for food storage.
- Refrigerate: Place your wrapped pizza in the refrigerator. It should remain good for up to 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pizza in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help revive the crispiness of the crust.
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Pizza
The versatility of Buffalo Chicken Pizza allows for countless variations to suit your palate:
- Spicy Buffalo Veggie Pizza: Substitute the chicken with your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, all tossed in Buffalo sauce.
- BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Swap out the Buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. This tweaks the profile while keeping the heartiness of the dish.
- Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Crust Pizza: For a low-carb option, try using a cauliflower crust. The unique base still pairs superbly with the other flavors.
- Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: If you want a lighter option, use flatbread instead of pizza dough. This gives you a crispy base with all the same delicious toppings.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls: Roll the dough around the contents for a fun and portable variation. Baking them will create cheesy, flavorful bites!
FAQ
What is Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a delicious pizza variation featuring shredded chicken marinated in Buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other toppings like blue cheese dressing, red onion, and banana peppers.
How spicy is Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
The spiciness of Buffalo Chicken Pizza can easily be adjusted based on your taste preferences. Using less Buffalo sauce will create a milder pizza, while adding more will amplify the heat.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pizza in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients and assemble your pizza in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake it right before serving for a fresh, hot meal.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups shredded chicken Cooked and shredded
- 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce Plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing Divided; ranch dressing can be substituted
- 1 lb pizza dough At room temperature
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onions Thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup banana pepper rings Patted dry
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chives or green onions For garnish
- Red pepper flakes For garnish
- Parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Buffalo sauce and a tablespoon of blue cheese dressing. Marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Spread the pizza dough onto a greased 12-inch pizza pan, poking holes in it with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle most of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Distribute the marinated chicken over the cheese layer, followed by the red onions and banana pepper rings. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle extra blue cheese dressing and Buffalo sauce over the top.
Baking
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 13 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Mix the melted butter, Parmesan, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over the crust after 13 minutes.
- Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to crisp up the crust.
Garnishing and Serving
- Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with chopped chives or green onions, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
- Slice the pizza into 8 generous portions and serve hot.