This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a tasty twist on a classic favorite! It’s topped with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and melted cheese, all on a crispy crust.
Who doesn’t love pizza? I like to grab extra napkins for the sauce and maybe a side of celery sticks. It’s a fun meal to share with friends while cheering for your team! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own. If you’re gluten-free, consider using almond flour or gluten-free pizza crust. I love a homemade dough for its freshness!
Shredded Chicken: Any cooked chicken works here! Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease. You can also use turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice, but feel free to use any hot sauce you enjoy. For a milder flavor, mix the hot sauce with some melted butter or olive oil.
Cheeses: While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can mix in pepper jack or cheddar for added flavor. Vegan cheese alternatives also work if you need a dairy-free option.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Use whichever you prefer! Make a homemade version for the best taste, or use a dairy-free dressing if needed. I love a homemade ranch with fresh herbs!
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Crust?
Achieving a crispy, golden crust is all about technique! Here are some steps to follow:
- Preheat your oven really well; hot ovens create that crispy crust.
- If using a pizza stone, preheat it for at least 30 minutes.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to help it crisp up and add flavor.
- Don’t overload the pizza toppings; this keeps the crust from becoming soggy.
Trust me, taking the time to perfect your crust will make all the difference in enjoying your Buffalo Chicken Pizza!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for a 12-inch pizza)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra sharpness)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the crust)
- Optional: celery sticks for serving on the side
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza will take about 20 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it gets nice and hot!
2. Prepare the Buffalo Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the buffalo hot sauce. Mix it well until the chicken is evenly coated. This is your star ingredient, so make sure it’s saucy!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out or stretch your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Once you have it shaped, transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the Crust:
Lightly brush the edges of the pizza crust with olive oil for a nice golden finish once it’s baked. This adds flavor, too!
5. Layer the Cheese and Chicken:
Over the dough, sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, distribute the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the cheese to ensure every bite is full of flavor!
6. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you like, sprinkle the optional cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy goodness. Who doesn’t like extra cheese, right?
7. Bake the Pizza:
Place the pizza in the oven (or on the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling—yum!
8. Add the Dressing:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top. Make it as saucy as you like!
9. Garnish:
Sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
10. Slice and Serve:
Slice your pizza into wedges and serve immediately while it’s hot. Pair it with celery sticks and extra dressing on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Pizza with friends or family—perfect for game nights or any fun get-together!
Can I Use Store-Bought Ingredients for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough, rotisserie chicken, and pre-shredded cheese can save you time and make preparation easy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times according to the package instructions as needed.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder pizza, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a little melted butter or olive oil for a less intense flavor. You can also use a milder hot sauce or add a dollop of ranch dressing directly into the chicken mixture.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza?
Yes, you can! Once cooled, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to bring back the crispy crust!
What Can I Serve as a Side Dish?
Buffalo Chicken Pizza pairs well with a crisp side salad or veggie sticks like cucumber and carrots. You could also serve it with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and a side of celery sticks to capture that classic Buffalo flavor!
