Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Introduction

There’s something about a homemade pizza night that brings the family together in a way few meals can. Recently, I decided to shake things up and make Buffalo Chicken Pizza, a dish that perfectly balances spicy buffalo sauce with tender chicken and gooey mozzarella. My family was excited—especially my kids, who love anything that adds a little heat to their dinner plate. The result? A flavorful explosion that left everyone raving about the meal long after the last slice was devoured. If you’re looking for a fun and tasty dinner option, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• For the Pizza:
• 18-20 ounces pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (fully cooked)
• 6-7 slices fresh mozzarella (about 8 oz)
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/3 cup flour (for crust)
• Pinch of salt
• For Serving:
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone in the oven to preheat for 1 hour. This helps create a crispy crust that you’ll love.

Cook the Chicken

In a small skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until they’re fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove them from the heat and drizzle 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Set this aside as you prepare the pizza.

Prepare the Dough

On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the dough for flavor.

Assemble the Pizza

1. Lightly dust a pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking and transfer the rolled-out dough onto it.
2. Spread the remaining buffalo sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border for the crust.
3. Add the cooked buffalo chicken on top of the sauce, followed by slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
4. Top with thinly sliced red onions and, if desired, some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Bake

Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. The pizza is done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Remember, ovens can vary, so check around the 10-minute mark.

Serve

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• Pair it with:
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• A crisp side salad to balance the spice.
• Fresh cut veggies like celery and carrots for crunch.

Additional Tips

1. For an Extra Crispy Crust: Ensure the pizza stone is preheated for at least an hour.
2. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
3. Add Toppings: Feel free to include your favorite pizza toppings, like bell peppers or mushrooms.
4. Use Quality Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
5. Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pizza to avoid burning, especially if your oven runs hot.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Buffalo Pizza: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower and add more veggies.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce and use cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
• Buffalo Veggie Pizza: Top with assorted vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza with:
• A classic Caesar salad.
• Garlic knots for a delicious side.
• Cold beverages like iced tea or soda to complement the spice.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze, let the pizza cool completely, slice it, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating:
• Oven: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices in the microwave, but be mindful that this may make the crust softer.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen pizza dough?

• Yes, frozen pizza dough works well. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

1. Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?

• Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.

1. What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

• A baking sheet can work; just preheat it in the oven before placing the pizza on it.

1. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

• Yes, use a gluten-free pizza crust and make sure your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.

1. How can I make the pizza spicier?

• Add more buffalo sauce, or include sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.

1. Can I prep this pizza ahead of time?

• Yes, you can assemble the pizza and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking.

1. What type of buffalo sauce should I use?

• Any store-bought buffalo sauce will work, or you can make your own for a personalized touch.

1. Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella?

• While fresh mozzarella is recommended for its meltiness, you can use shredded mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand.

1. What are some good side dishes?

• Consider serving with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or carrot and celery sticks.

1. How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
   • Prebake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings, or ensure your sauce is not too watery.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or enjoying a cozy night in, this pizza is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese creates a delightful medley of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. So, roll out that dough and get ready for a fun, flavorful dinner that your family will love! Enjoy every bite!

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