If you’re craving something fiery yet comforting, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine the perfect balance of tender, spicy buffalo chicken layered over melted fresh mozzarella on a crisp, golden crust, all crowned with a tangy kick of buffalo sauce and the crunch of fresh red onions. It’s the kind of dish that brings the excitement of buffalo wings right to your pizza night, making every bite a joyful explosion of flavor that you’ll want to share with everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe right is all about simplicity and balance. Each ingredient is essential, whether it’s for building layers of flavor, creating the perfect texture, or adding that vibrant color that makes the pizza pop.
- 18-20 ounces pizza dough: A sturdy but soft dough forms the deliciously chewy base and crust.
- 1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cooked and cubed: Tender chicken infused with buffalo sauce is the spicy star here.
- 6-7 slices fresh mozzarella (about 8 oz): Melts beautifully to give a creamy, gooey layer.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Brings heat and tanginess that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds crispness and a subtle sharpness to balance the spice.
- Fresh sliced jalapeños (optional): For those who crave extra heat and a fresh peppery punch.
- 1/3 cup flour: For dusting the crust ensuring a non-stick surface and nice texture.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors just right without overpowering.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: The perfect creamy dip for each spicy, cheesy slice.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pizza Stone
Start by heating your oven to a blazing 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to preheat for at least an hour. This step is crucial because a super hot surface ensures that crispy, golden crust we all love and sets the foundation for that perfect pizza texture.
Step 2: Cook and Coat the Chicken
While your oven is warming up, cook your cubed chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until it’s golden brown all over and cooked through. Then, toss the warm chicken in about 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce until every bite is cloaked in spicy, tangy goodness. This step infuses the chicken with that unmistakable buffalo flavor that defines the entire pizza.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the chicken is ready, lightly flour your surface and roll out your pizza dough into roughly a 12-inch circle. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the dough to subtly enhance the crust’s flavor. The dough should be even for consistent baking and a chewy yet crisp bite.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pizza
Dust a pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking, then transfer your rolled-out dough onto it. Spread half a cup of buffalo sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a half-inch border around the edges so the crust can rise beautifully. Next, layer on the buffalo-coated chicken, fresh mozzarella slices for creaminess, and red onion slices for crunch. If you like things extra spicy, scatter fresh jalapeño slices on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Carefully slide your assembled pizza from the peel onto the red-hot pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust turns a golden brown and the cheese bubbles into oozy perfection. The high heat quickly melds all those flavors together, creating a harmony of spice, creaminess, and crispy texture.
Step 6: Serve with a Creamy Dip
Once baked, let your pizza cool just a minute or two before slicing. Serve it alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing—the cool creaminess beautifully contrasts the bold spice for a mouthwatering experience every time.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your pizza presentation, add some fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top can also add a visual and flavor contrast that really makes each slice pop.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs amazingly well with crisp veggie sticks like celery and carrot slices, staying true to the classic buffalo wing experience. For something heartier, a fresh tossed salad with a light vinaigrette keeps things balanced and refreshing alongside the rich, spicy pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next gathering, cut the pizza into bite-sized squares and serve on a wooden board with small bowls of ranch and blue cheese for dipping. You can also offer an array of hot sauces for an interactive spicy experience where everyone customizes their heat level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Pizza is just as tasty the next day! Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. This helps preserve the moisture and flavor so it tastes fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, you can freeze the fully baked pizza. Wrap it well using foil and place it in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to two months. When thawed, it still holds that signature spicy flavor and cheesy texture remarkably well.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Buffalo Chicken Pizza is in a hot oven or toaster oven at about 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. This helps crisp the crust back up and melt the cheese again without making it soggy, bringing back the fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cooked chicken for this pizza?
Absolutely! Just thaw the chicken completely and pat it dry before cooking it in the skillet to maintain the best texture and allow the buffalo sauce to coat the pieces evenly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with spicy buffalo cauliflower bites or roasted chickpeas for a similar spicy, crispy texture that still packs a flavorful punch.
Can I make my own buffalo sauce for this pizza?
Of course! A simple buffalo sauce usually includes hot sauce mixed with melted butter. Homemade versions let you adjust the spice level exactly to your liking and enhance the freshness of your pizza.
Should I use fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella works best for this recipe because it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture without getting too greasy, giving the pizza that authentic, slightly elastic cheese pull.
What can I use instead of a pizza stone?
If you don’t have a pizza stone, a heavy-duty baking sheet turned upside down and preheated can work well too. It mimics the stone’s heat-retention properties and helps get a crispy crust.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves buffalo wings and pizza alike. It’s the perfect dish to spice up your pizza nights with vibrant flavors, creamy cheese, and that addictive buffalo kick. I promise once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your dough and sauce, and let’s bring this fiery feast to your table soon!
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Pizza offers a spicy, tangy twist on the classic favorite by combining tender buffalo-coated chicken, fresh mozzarella, and zesty buffalo sauce on a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust. Finished with red onions, optional jalapeños, and served alongside cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, this pizza is perfect for those craving bold, vibrant flavors in a comforting dish.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Crust
- 18–20 ounces pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup flour (for crust dusting)
- Pinch of salt
For the Toppings
- 1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (fully cooked)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 6–7 slices fresh mozzarella (about 8 oz)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone inside to heat up for 1 hour. This ensures the stone is hot enough for a crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the bite-sized chicken cubes and cook until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Sprinkle a pinch of salt evenly over the dough to enhance flavor.
- Transfer the Dough: Lightly dust a pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking and transfer the rolled-out dough onto it. This will help you easily slide the pizza into the oven.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the remaining buffalo sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges for the crust. Evenly distribute the buffalo-coated chicken cubes on top, followed by slices of fresh mozzarella. Add thinly sliced red onions and fresh jalapeños for extra heat if desired.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbled and melted beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Slice the pizza and serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Fully cooking the chicken before adding buffalo sauce ensures safety and better texture.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing high heat.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your heat preference.
- If you don’t have a pizza peel, use a flat baking sheet or parchment paper to transfer the pizza.
- Letting the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking prevents burns and allows cheese to set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
