Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Introduction

When it comes to family dinners, finding a dish that pleases everyone can be a challenge. Enter Buffalo Chicken Pizza—a flavorful combination of zesty buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and creamy mozzarella cheese. I introduced this dish on a casual Friday night, and the reaction was nothing short of enthusiastic. My kids loved the kick from the buffalo sauce, while my partner couldn’t get enough of the melty cheese and crispy crust. We all enjoyed the thrill of spicy flavors paired with cooling ranch dressing for dipping. This pizza has quickly become a go-to recipe in our home, perfect for fun dinners or game nights.

Ingredients

• 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
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone in the oven to preheat for at least 1 hour. This will help create a crispy crust.

1. Cook the Chicken:

• In a small skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and drizzle 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Set aside.

1. Prepare the Dough:

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

1. Assemble the Pizza:

• Lightly dust a pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking and transfer the rolled-out dough onto it.
• Spread the remaining buffalo sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border for the crust.
• Distribute the cooked buffalo chicken evenly on top of the sauce, followed by slices of fresh mozzarella. Finish with thinly sliced red onions and, if desired, sliced jalapeños for added heat.

1. Bake:

• Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times can vary based on your oven.

1. Serve:

• 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 calories

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Active Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve hot straight from the oven.
• Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
• Consider serving with a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Perfect for game nights or casual family dinners.

Additional Tips

1. Preheat the Stone: For an extra crispy crust, ensure the pizza stone is preheated for at least an hour.
2. Buffalo Sauce Levels: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level—less for a milder taste, more for extra kick.
3. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and better melt.
4. Cook the Chicken in Advance: You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the pizza.
5. Leftover Pizza: Reheat any leftover slices in the oven rather than the microwave for a crispy crust.

Recipe Variations

• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce and top with red onions and cilantro.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with a mix of bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, using the same buffalo sauce for flavor.
• Meat Lover’s Delight: Add cooked bacon or sausage along with the buffalo chicken for a hearty twist.
• Cheesy Garlic Crust: Brush the edges of the crust with garlic butter before baking for an added layer of flavor.
• Spicy Ranch Drizzle: Mix ranch dressing with a bit of buffalo sauce for a spicy dipping option.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer Platter: Slice into smaller pieces for a fun appetizer at parties.
• Movie Night: Serve alongside popcorn and other snacks for a cozy movie night at home.
• Picnic Treat: Pack slices for a picnic—easy to transport and enjoy outdoors.
• Game Day Snack: Serve with a variety of dips during game day gatherings.
• Pair with Drinks: Consider pairing with cold beers or refreshing iced tea.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Baking from Frozen: Bake straight from the freezer, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Storing Leftovers: Baked pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen pizza dough?

• Yes, just thaw it according to package instructions before using.

1. What type of buffalo sauce should I use?

• You can use any store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own for a customized flavor.

1. Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?

• While it helps create a crispy crust, you can also bake directly on a baking sheet.

1. Can I add other toppings?

• Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings.

1. How do I know when the pizza is done?

• Look for a golden brown crust and bubbly cheese.

1. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

• You can prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble it when you’re ready to bake.

1. What can I substitute for ranch dressing?

• Blue cheese dressing works great or you can serve with a yogurt-based dressing.

1. Is this recipe gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.

1. How can I adjust the heat level?

• Reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add more ranch/blue cheese dressing.

1. Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
   • Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a fun and flavorful dish that brings a spicy twist to traditional pizza night. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and zesty buffalo sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or simply craving something delicious, this pizza is sure to impress. So roll out the dough, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!*

Print