This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a tasty twist on a classic favorite! With spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
If you’re like me, you might find it hard to resist just one slice. Perfect for game day or a cozy night in—just grab a slice and enjoy the good vibes! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Fresh pizza dough works great, but you can use store-bought for convenience. Gluten-free options are available too if you have dietary needs. I often use whole wheat dough for a nuttier flavor!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect for this recipe. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. For a vegetarian version, consider using cauliflower or chickpeas mixed with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: I like Frank’s RedHot for its balanced heat! If you prefer less spice, try mixing it with some ranch or use a milder hot sauce. You can also make your own by combining vinegar, cayenne pepper, and butter.
Cheese: Mozzarella and cheddar offer a delightful mix of creaminess and flavor. Feel free to replace cheddar with pepper jack for an extra kick! Vegan cheese is also an option if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Use your favorite dressing for drizzling. If you’re making your pizza lighter, a yogurt-based dressing is a good swap. I enjoy a drizzle of homemade ranch for freshness!
How Do I Get the Pizza Dough Just Right?
Stretching the pizza dough can be tricky! Here’s how to do it properly:
- Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before working with it. This makes it easier to stretch.
- Use a lightly floured surface and your fingertips to gently push the dough from the center outwards, leaving the edges thicker for a crust.
- If it springs back, let it rest a bit longer. Patience makes perfect pizza dough!
Don’t worry if you’re unsure—practice makes it better each time!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ball (about 1 lb) pizza dough, room temperature
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza will take about 15 minutes to prep and 12–15 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day feast!
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 while it heats up to ensure a crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, take your shredded cooked chicken and mix it with the buffalo wing sauce. Make sure all the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Set this tasty mixture aside.
3. Stretch the Dough:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Be gentle to keep it from tearing. Once it’s the right size, move it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if you’re using a stone.
4. Brush the Crust:
Using a brush or your fingers, lightly brush the outer edge of the dough with olive oil. This will help it brown beautifully while baking.
5. Add the Cheese:
Now it’s time for the cheese! Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the dough, but remember to leave about an inch around the edges for the crust.
6. Top with Chicken:
Distribute your buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the cheesy layer. Make sure every slice will have some of that spicy chicken goodness!
7. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle your chopped green onions and celery on top of the chicken. These add great flavor and crunch to your pizza!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Slide your pizza into the oven (or onto the preheated pizza stone) and bake it for 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Drizzle the Dressing:
Once your pizza is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Afterward, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing generously over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
10. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Now, slice the pizza into portions and enjoy immediately while it’s warm!
Enjoy your mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Pizza—perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)! 🍕🔥
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and will work just as well. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before stretching it out for easier handling.
What Chicken Can I Use for This Recipe?
You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken if you’re short on time. For a plant-based option, try using shredded cauliflower mixed with buffalo sauce!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, mix the buffalo sauce with ranch dressing to tone down the heat. You can also opt for a milder hot sauce in place of traditional buffalo wing sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep the crust crispy!