This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza! It’s loaded with spicy buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for the perfect kick.
Honestly, who can resist that crispy crust and zesty chicken combo? It’s great for a movie night or anytime you want to impress your friends. I love serving it hot out of the oven with a side of celery sticks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is super convenient, but if you’re up for it, making your own can be fun! If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza doughs available at many grocery stores.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is often used, but rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It adds extra flavor without the hassle. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but you can try other sauces if you prefer less heat or a different flavor. Barbecue sauce can work for a milder option, but it’s a different vibe!
Cheeses: Mozzarella is a must for that stretchy texture. I love adding cheddar for a richer taste, but you can swap it for pepper jack for a little extra kick or omit it if you’re watching your dairy intake.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Both are tasty, but I lean towards ranch for its creamy sweetness. If you’re vegan, there are many plant-based dressings available that can fit this recipe!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Crust?
The crust is key to a great pizza! To achieve that crispy, golden crust, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated. A hot oven helps the dough puff up quickly.
- If using a pizza stone, it should heat for at least 30 minutes. This helps create a crispy bottom.
- Don’t overload the toppings, as this can make the crust soggy. Less is more when it comes to sauce and toppings.
- Don’t forget to brush the edges with olive oil! It adds flavor and helps achieve that lovely golden color.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza everyone will love!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Buffalo Chicken Pizza will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking. So, expect to have it ready in about 25-30 minutes. Fast and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you own a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well, which will help achieve that crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce until it’s all evenly coated. This is where the flavor magic happens!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness—about 12 inches in diameter is great. Make sure it’s not too thick or it won’t bake through.
4. Transfer the Dough:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or to a pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone. This will make it easier to slide into the oven!
5. Brush the Crust:
Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil, which will help give your crust a beautiful golden color once it’s baked.
6. Add Cheese:
Spread a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges for the crust. This cheese is going to be melty and delicious!
7. Add Buffalo Chicken:
Evenly scatter the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese to distribute that spicy goodness.
8. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remainder of the mozzarella cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese over the buffalo chicken. We want it cheesy!
9. Bake the Pizza:
Place your pizza in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re aiming for a golden crust and bubbly cheese!
10. Add Finishing Touches:
Once baked, take the pizza out and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing on top. This adds that creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
11. Garnish:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, crunchy bite. They add a nice pop of color too!
12. Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a minute or two, then slice it up and serve while it’s hot and fresh. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Now you’re all set to enjoy your spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the quick method of submerging it in cold water in a sealed bag.
Can I Prepare This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza by assembling it (up to the baking step) and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to a day, and when you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place any uneaten pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwaving it for a quick option, though the oven will keep the crust crispier.
What Can I Substitute for Buffalo Wing Sauce?
If you’re looking for a milder option, you can substitute the buffalo wing sauce with barbecue sauce. For a homemade version, mix hot sauce with melted butter to create a similar, albeit less spicy, flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste!
