If you are craving a pizza that packs a punch of flavor and a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine a crispy golden crust loaded with tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty Buffalo wing sauce, topped off with gooey mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and tangy blue cheese, all brought together with a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing base. Whether it’s game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or a friendly gathering, this pizza delivers a crave-worthy combination that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—these are all straightforward, everyday items that combine to make something truly special. Each element adds its own magic, from the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce to the rich melt of cheeses and the fresh brightness of garnishes.
- 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation for your pizza, providing a chewy, crispy crust to hold all those flavorful toppings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushed on dough for a golden, slightly crispy edge and a touch of earthy richness.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded): Tender, protein-packed chicken that soaks up the Buffalo sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show, delivering bold heat and tang.
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds creaminess and coolness as the base under all the toppings.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: A smooth, melty cheese that stretches with every bite.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, slightly nutty flavor to complement the mozzarella.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Gives a crunchy bite and a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For those who love an extra tangy punch; it melts slightly but really elevates the flavor.
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds fresh color and a mild bite on top once baked.
- Flour for dusting: Keeps dough from sticking while rolling out to perfection.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 475°F to ensure a crisp crust. Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or the size of your pizza pan or baking sheet. Placing it on parchment paper will make transferring into the oven a breeze.
Step 2: Add the Base
Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to encourage a golden finish. Then, spread a generous layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This creamy base not only adds flavor but also prevents sogginess when the toppings hit the dough.
Step 3: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
In a bowl, toss your shredded chicken breast with the Buffalo wing sauce until every bite is fully coated with that signature spicy, tangy heat. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with flavor that will shine through after baking.
Step 4: Layer the Cheeses and Toppings
Sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the dressed dough, creating a melty layer to hold the chicken and veggies. Then evenly distribute the Buffalo chicken over the cheeses, followed by the thinly sliced red onion. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar, and add crumbled blue cheese if you’re using it for that extra depth of flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for a bubbly, slightly browned cheese topping and a golden crust to know it’s ready. For an extra crispy bottom, baking on a preheated pizza stone is a game changer.
Step 6: Finish with a Drizzle and Garnish
After taking the pizza out of the oven, drizzle a little more Buffalo sauce on top for a fresh burst of heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a bright, fresh contrast that makes the flavors pop visually and on your palate.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like green onions or parsley add a vibrant color contrast and a mild sharpness that balances the richness of the cheese and heat of the Buffalo sauce. Crumbled blue cheese on top is also fantastic if you love tangy bursts in every bite.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with crisp celery sticks or carrot sticks and a cool dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese dressing. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or even some sweet potato fries make great companions that round out the meal without overpowering the bold pizza flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the pizza into smaller pieces for casual entertaining or stack a few slices to show off the layers of melty cheese and saucy chicken. You can also serve with individual ramekins of extra Buffalo sauce and ranch on the side for dipping, turning your meal into a fun, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy those zesty flavors again without any loss of texture if reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked slices individually on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe anytime you want, with the freezer stash lasting up to 2 months without significant flavor loss.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, the oven or toaster oven is your best friend. Heat at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes to restore that crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact, as it can turn the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. It’s already cooked and seasoned slightly, which saves time while maintaining great flavor. Just shred it and toss with your Buffalo sauce as directed.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe?
The heat level depends mainly on the Buffalo wing sauce you choose. You can adjust the spice by using a milder sauce or adding more if you like it hot. The ranch or blue cheese dressing also helps cool things down if it gets too fiery.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free variety. Many stores sell ready-made gluten-free dough or crusts that work perfectly with this recipe without compromising taste or texture.
What cheese is best for Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
Moist, mild mozzarella is essential for that stretchy, melty goodness, while cheddar adds a sharp bite. Blue cheese is optional but highly recommended if you love its tangy flavor, creating that classic Buffalo wing vibe.
Is it better to bake on a pizza stone or a baking sheet?
Both work well, but a preheated pizza stone will give your crust an extra crisp, chewy texture that’s hard to beat. If you don’t have a stone, a parchment-lined baking sheet is a convenient alternative with excellent results.
Final Thoughts
You simply can’t go wrong with this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that offers bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a fast turnaround, making it perfect for any occasion that calls for comfort and spice. Gather your friends, roll out that dough, and get ready to dive into a slice of tangy, cheesy heaven that you’ll want again and again.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines spicy Buffalo wing sauce-coated chicken with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and optional blue cheese on a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for game day or a flavorful dinner, this easy homemade pizza offers a delicious twist on classic flavors.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- flour for dusting
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). Lightly flour a clean work surface to prevent sticking. Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or shape it to fit your pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Place Dough and Brush: Transfer the rolled dough onto a parchment-lined pizza pan or preheated pizza stone for extra crispiness. Brush the surface evenly with olive oil to create a golden crust during baking.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce until every piece is well coated, ensuring a spicy flavor throughout.
- Assemble Pizza Base: Spread the ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. This dressing adds creaminess that counters the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the dressing. Evenly distribute the Buffalo chicken on top, followed by the thinly sliced red onion, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar. If using, add crumbled blue cheese on top for added tanginess.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle with extra Buffalo wing sauce to increase the heat and flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley to add a fresh, vibrant touch before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient alternative to cooked chicken breast.
- Adjust the amount of Buffalo wing sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Optional crumbled blue cheese can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
