This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a spicy twist on your favorite pie! It features tender chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, topped with creamy cheese and all on a crispy crust. Yum!
Perfect for game night, you can’t go wrong with this flavor-packed pizza. I love adding extra ranch dressing on top—makes it even tastier! Who’s ready for a slice? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade or store-bought dough. If you’re short on time, pre-made dough from the grocery store is great. If you want something lighter, consider a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option!
Chicken Breast: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. You can also use leftover chicken or even turkey if you have it on hand. For a vegetarian twist, try chickpeas or grilled cauliflower.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but any brand of buffalo sauce will work! For a milder pizza, use a barbecue sauce mixed with a little hot sauce. If you’re looking for a homemade version, combine hot sauce with melted butter.
Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor. Vegan cheese can also work for a dairy-free version.
Green Onions: These add freshness and a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have green onions, chives or finely chopped white onions can be good alternatives. For added crunch, sprinkle on some diced bell peppers.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Pizza Crust?
Getting a great pizza crust is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to preheat your oven to a high temperature, like 475°F (245°C), which helps crisp up the crust.
- If using a pizza stone, let it heat up inside the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Stretch or roll your dough gently to avoid creating air bubbles. Keep the edges slightly thicker for a nice crust.
- Brush the crust with olive oil before baking; this gives it a beautiful golden color and adds flavor.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden, usually about 12-15 minutes.
Follow these tips for a pizza crust that’s delicious and perfectly crispy!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, about 12 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced white onion or celery (for extra crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes from start to finish! Quick, easy, and full of flavor—perfect for a weeknight treat or game day!
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 inside the oven to heat up as well. This will help your crust achieve that perfect crispy texture!
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium bowl, take the shredded chicken and toss it with the buffalo wing sauce until it’s evenly coated. Feel free to add a little more sauce if you like extra heat!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If the dough is sticking, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface. You want it nice and smooth!
4. Set Up the Pizza Base:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes it easier to put it in the oven later!
5. Brush the Crust:
Lightly brush the edge of the dough with olive oil. This will help your crust get a beautiful, golden-brown color when it’s baking.
6. Add the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, leaving a little border around the edges. This will be the melty layer that holds everything together!
7. Top with the Buffalo Chicken:
Spread the buffalo chicken mix evenly over the cheese. If you’re using optional ingredients like diced onions or celery, sprinkle them on top now for extra flavor and crunch.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully place the pizza on the pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The smell will be amazing!
9. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for freshness, and drizzle ranch dressing or sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over everything.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Let the pizza cool for a minute, then slice it up and serve warm. Enjoy your spicy, tangy Buffalo Chicken Pizza with your favorite side dishes or just on its own!
Dig in and savor every bite of this flavorful pizza creation! Perfect for a gathering or a cozy night in!
Can I Use Store-Bought Chicken?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it and toss it with the buffalo sauce before adding it to your pizza!
Can I Make This Pizza Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Just use a gluten-free pizza crust, which is readily available in stores. Be sure to check the label to ensure it’s truly gluten-free!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven or use a microwave, but be aware the crust may lose some crispiness in the microwave.
Can I Customize the Heat Level?
Of course! If you like it milder, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with ranch dressing before tossing with the chicken. You can also try using a milder hot sauce for a gentler flavor!