This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat! Topped with shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese, it’s a real treat.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love to make it for game nights—it’s always a hit with friends. Pair it with your favorite drink, and you’ll be set! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but I recommend trying homemade dough if you have the time—it’s so rewarding! If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pizza dough available at most grocery stores.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s already cooked and full of flavor! If you want a vegetarian version, swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas mixed with buffalo sauce.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my favorite for heat and flavor, but any buffalo sauce works. Want to tone it down? Mix the sauce with some ranch dressing for a milder kick.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and cheddar are classic combinations. You can also use pepper jack for extra spice, or dairy-free cheeses if you’re avoiding dairy.
Dressings: Ranch is great on top, but blue cheese dressing has its loyal fans. Use your favorite or try a simple yogurt-based dressing if you want something lighter.
How Do You Get the Crust Perfectly Crispy?
A crispy crust is crucial for a tasty pizza! Here’s how to achieve it:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 475°F (245°C). A hot oven helps the crust cook quickly, keeping it crisp.
- If using a pizza stone, make sure it’s preheated for at least 30 minutes. This will help to absorb moisture from the dough.
- Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil and melted butter to promote browning. It adds flavor, too!
- Avoid using too much sauce or toppings, as this can make the crust soggy. Less is often more when it comes to pizza toppings.
- Once baked, let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 12 inches)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Optional: garlic powder or onion powder for crust seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus around 10-14 minutes to bake the pizza. In total, you can have a delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza ready in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, pop it in the oven now to heat up. This will help ensure a perfectly crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until it’s evenly coated. Make sure every bit of chicken gets that spicy flavor!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer your rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone.
4. Brush the Crust:
Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil. You can also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or onion powder on the crust for extra flavor!
5. Add Melted Butter:
Spread a thin layer of melted butter over the crust to add richness and help it brown beautifully in the oven.
6. Top with Buffalo Chicken:
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a nice border around the edges for the crust.
7. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the chicken. Get generous with the cheese; after all, who doesn’t love a cheesy pizza?
8. Bake the Pizza:
Pop the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Drizzle with Dressing:
Once done baking, take the pizza out of the oven and immediately drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top. This adds a creamy touch that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce!
10. Garnish:
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the pizza to add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
11. Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces. Serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza!
With its spicy, savory, and creamy flavors, this pizza is sure to be a hit at your table. Happy eating!
Can I Use Store-Bought Sauce for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought buffalo wing sauce saves time and still gives you that delicious flavor. Just choose your favorite brand or flavor profile!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using roasted cauliflower, shredded jackfruit, or chickpeas tossed in buffalo sauce. They all provide a great texture and flavor alternative!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the pizza and pop it in the oven!