This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a spicy twist on a classic favorite! With tender, spicy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a must-try for pizza lovers.
Who can resist that wonderful combination? I love making it for game nights or just when I crave something fun. Serve it with extra ranch, and you’re all set! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: A pre-made dough makes this recipe easy. If you want to try making your own, a simple homemade dough can be done with flour, water, yeast, and salt. Gluten-free dough is also a great option!
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is key for texture. Boneless thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken can also work well. If you’re vegetarian, consider using a meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but any hot sauce will do. For mild heat, use a BBQ sauce mixed with a little hot sauce instead. Adjust the flavor to your preference!
Cheese: Mozzarella is traditional for pizza, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a more flavorful kick. A lactose-free cheese is also a great substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
Onions: Sliced onions add a nice bite. If you’re not a fan, try chopping bell peppers for a sweeter option, or skip them entirely!
How Can I Get My Pizza Crust Perfectly Crispy?
Crispy crust is one of the best parts of pizza! Preheating your oven is essential. If possible, use a pizza stone for great heat retention. Here are steps to get that golden crust:
- Preheat your oven to the hottest setting, usually around 450°F (230°C), for at least 30 minutes.
- Brush or spray your rolled-out dough lightly with olive oil to help it crisp up while baking.
- If you have a pizza stone, let it heat in the oven; this helps cook the crust from below, making it nice and crunchy.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly, usually 10-15 minutes.
Letting the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing keeps the cheese intact and helps you avoid a messy first slice!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (about 12-14 inches)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup sliced onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- For the Crust:
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza will take about 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. So, you’ll have a delicious homemade pizza in roughly 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it in the oven to heat up as well; this helps achieve a nice, crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, toss your shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. The sauce gives the chicken its signature spice!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Take your pre-made pizza dough and roll it out or stretch it to your desired thickness. Place the rolled-out dough on a baking sheet or pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone.
4. Prepare the Crust:
Lightly brush the dough with olive oil or use cooking spray. This will help the crust get crispy and golden while baking.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. This forms a tasty base for your delicious toppings!
6. Top with Chicken:
Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken pieces across the cheese layer. Make sure every slice gets a good amount of that spicy goodness!
7. Add More Cheese and Optional Toppings:
If you’re using sliced onions, sprinkle them on top. Then, add a little more mozzarella and cheddar cheese for extra flavor and that cheesy goodness.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. It’s done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. This helps the cheese set a little before slicing.
10. Add the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing in thin stripes over the pizza. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch!
11. Slice and Serve:
Using a pizza cutter, slice your pizza into wedges. Serve it warm and enjoy with extra dressing on the side if you like!
Enjoy your spicy and creamy Buffalo Chicken Pizza! Perfect for sharing or devouring on your own! 🍕🔥
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor. Just shred the desired amount and toss it with buffalo wing sauce before using it on your pizza.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have buffalo sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter for a similar flavor. For a milder version, try a sweet BBQ sauce mixed with a dash of hot sauce.
Can I Make This Pizza in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza up to the baking point. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep the crust crispy!