Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
If you’re craving a bold, flavorful twist on classic pizza night, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is the perfect answer. Combining tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce with creamy blue cheese dressing and gooey mozzarella, this dish is a lively celebration of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors all in one crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe brings excitement and comfort together in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe? You’ll find the ingredients surprisingly straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture that make this pizza unforgettable.
- Pizza dough: Whether refrigerated or homemade, this forms the perfect chewy, crispy base for your toppings.
- Blue cheese dressing: Adds a creamy, tangy richness that balances the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein that soaks up the buffalo flavor for a satisfying bite.
- Buffalo sauce: Brings a fiery kick that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Red onion: Thin slices add a crisp, slightly sweet note and pretty pops of purple.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection that every pizza needs.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth to complement the mozzarella.
- Fresh cilantro and green onion: Fresh herbs that brighten and elevate the finished pizza with color and fresh flavor.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start off by preheating your oven to a hot 475°F, making sure to place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside. This ensures a super crispy crust that’s perfectly done once the pizza bakes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on some parchment paper to form a neat 14-inch circle. The parchment will help with easy transfer to the hot baking surface and keeps things tidy.
Step 3: Spread the Dressing
Take half of your creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough. This sets the base flavor and creates a luscious layer beneath the toppings.
Step 4: Toss and Add the Chicken
Mix your cooked shredded chicken with vibrant buffalo sauce until every piece is coated in that spicy goodness. Spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the dressing-covered dough, then scatter the thinly sliced red onions evenly on top for that little crunch and zest.
Step 5: Layer on the Cheese
Sprinkle both shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken and onions, adding creamy richness and that irresistible melty texture. This combination brings the pizza to life.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizza with the parchment paper onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. The aroma alone is worth the wait!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When your pizza emerges hot and glorious, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and green onion over the top, then drizzle with the remaining blue cheese or ranch dressing to finish. These fresh toppings not only make it look stunning but bring a fresh balance to the bold flavors.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh cilantro and green onions just before serving — they add a fresh, herby note that cuts through the richness, making every slice taste vibrant and perfectly balanced.
Side Dishes
A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the spiciness without overwhelming your palate. Celery sticks or carrot sticks with extra dressing for dipping keep the classic buffalo vibe alive and add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pizza on a wooden board for a rustic look or cut it into smaller squares for parties to make it easy to share. For a fun twist, drizzle some extra buffalo sauce or blue cheese dressing artistically on the plate to elevate the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza tightly in foil or an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually tend to meld nicely overnight, making leftovers just as delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
For reheating, pop slices in a skillet over medium heat with a lid on to melt the cheese and keep the crust crisp. Alternatively, the oven set at 375°F for about 10 minutes works beautifully without drying out the toppings.
FAQs
Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! Ranch dressing is a fantastic substitute if you prefer a milder, creamier flavor that still complements the spicy buffalo chicken perfectly.
What type of chicken is best for this pizza?
Cooked shredded chicken breast works wonderfully because it’s tender and soaks up the buffalo sauce well, but rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can also be delicious alternatives.
Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free version. Many store-bought gluten-free doughs work great and won’t compromise the taste or texture.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose—mild, medium, or hot. You can adjust it to your preference, making it as fiery or mellow as you like.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Definitely! Some people love adding diced tomatoes, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of honey for a sweet-spicy combo. Feel free to get creative to make it your own.
Final Thoughts
Making this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is a joy, and every step brings you closer to a dish that’s bursting with flavor and personality. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a special meal, it’s sure to become your go-to whenever you want that perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast!
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines spicy buffalo-sauced shredded chicken with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Topped with fresh cilantro and green onions, it offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it an irresistible twist on classic pizza, ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 roll refrigerated pizza dough or ½ pound homemade pizza dough
Dressing
- ¾ cup blue cheese dressing (divided) or ranch dressing
Toppings
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the pizza dough into a 14-inch circle to form the base of your pizza.
- Spread the Dressing: Evenly spread ½ cup of the blue cheese or ranch dressing over the rolled-out pizza dough, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until well coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the dressed pizza dough, then scatter the sliced red onion on top.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken and onion layer, covering the pizza evenly.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza, along with the parchment paper, onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onion, then drizzle with the remaining ¼ cup of blue cheese or ranch dressing before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
- Substitute ranch dressing if you prefer a milder flavor than blue cheese.
- Homemade pizza dough can be used for a fresher taste but refrigerated dough saves time.
- Adjust buffalo sauce amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftover pizza stores well in the refrigerator and reheats nicely in the oven for crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
