This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a tasty twist on the classic favorite! It features spicy chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese all on a crispy crust. Yum!
I love that it’s super easy to make at home—you just layer everything on the dough, pop it in the oven, and enjoy. Perfect for game night or a fun dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use pre-made dough for convenience, but making homemade dough can be fun too! If you’re short on time, store-bought is perfectly fine. Gluten-free dough is also available if needed.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and mix with sauce. Leftover chicken works well too, or you can use shredded store-bought chicken if you’re in a hurry.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to try other brands or make your own sauce using hot sauce and melted butter for a richer flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella is essential for that gooey texture, while cheddar adds sharpness. You can swap cheddar with pepper jack if you like it spicy. Vegan cheese options are also available for a dairy-free pizza.
Dressings: Ranch dressing is the favorite topping, but blue cheese dressing suits Buffalo flavors well too. If you prefer lighter options, consider yogurt-based dressings.
How Can I Make Sure My Pizza Crust Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting a great crust can be tricky but rewarding. Here’s what to do:
- Start with a hot oven—475°F (245°C) is perfect for crisping up the crust.
- Roll your dough evenly to avoid thick spots that won’t cook through.
- Consider pre-baking the crust for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings for an extra crispy base.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure it’s hot; this helps achieve a nice bottom crust.
And don’t forget to brush the edges with olive oil for that golden finish. Happy pizza making!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade dough for about 12-inch pizza)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions), for garnish
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll have a delicious homemade pizza ready in about half an hour! Perfect for a quick dinner or a snack while watching the game!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven so it gets nice and hot while you prepare everything else. This will help make the crust crispy.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, shred your cooked chicken breast. Then, pour in the buffalo wing sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce. This spicy mixture is what makes your pizza so flavorful!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Next, on a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness—about 12 inches works well. Once rolled out, carefully transfer your dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling.
4. Prep the Crust:
If you want extra flavor and color on your crust, brush the edges of the dough lightly with olive oil. This step is optional, but it really enhances the browning!
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the dough. Be sure to leave a small border all around the edge for a nice crust. Go cheese crazy—who doesn’t love a cheesy pizza?
6. Layer the Chicken:
Now, take that spicy buffalo chicken mix and evenly distribute it over the cheese. Make sure every bite gets some of that delicious chicken!
7. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza into the oven (on the stone or baking sheet). Bake it for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once your pizza is out of the oven, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top in pretty stripes. This adds extra creaminess and flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the sliced green onions evenly over the pizza for a fresh crunch. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice it up and dig in!
Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza with a side of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping! It’s packed with flavor and sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for This Pizza?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen pizza dough, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before rolling it out.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Buffalo Chicken Pizza gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pizza dough, which is available in many grocery stores. Ensure that all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free, especially the sauces and dressings.
Can I Prepare This Pizza in Advance?
You can prep the pizza ahead of time! Assemble the pizza without baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
What Should I Do with Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture!
