The Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is a mouthwatering fusion of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors that make for an irresistible meal perfect for any occasion. This pizza balances the fiery kick of buffalo sauce with the cool creaminess of ranch and blue cheese, all piled high on a crispy crust. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself to a comforting dinner, this dish hits all the right notes and comes together quickly, making it a fantastic choice for pizza lovers craving something with a bold twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe. Each element plays an important role, from the creamy ranch that adds moisture and tanginess to the buffalo sauce that packs a punch of heat. The cheeses create a melty, savory base, while fresh onions bring just the right amount of crunch and color to make your pizza truly come alive.
- Pre-made pizza crust: A convenient base that crisps nicely without fuss, but you can always go homemade if you prefer.
- Ranch dressing (1/2 cup): Provides a cool, creamy layer that balances the spice perfectly.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (1 cup): Cooked chicken saves time and absorbs the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Buffalo sauce (1/4 cup plus extra): The star ingredient that delivers that signature zesty and spicy flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups): Melts smoothly to give you that classic stringy, cheesy goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp depth and slightly tangy flavor.
- Thinly sliced red onion (1/4 cup): Gives a subtle bite and vibrant color contrast.
- Thinly sliced green onion (1/4 cup, for garnish): Freshens up the final pizza with a mild onion flavor and lovely green pops.
- Crumbled blue cheese (1/3 cup, for garnish): Brings a creamy, bold punch that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crust
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat ensures a perfectly crispy crust without sogginess. Place your pre-made pizza crust onto a pizza pan or baking sheet as your foundation for all those amazing toppings.
Step 2: Layer the Ranch Dressing
Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges. This layer will act like a flavorful sauce base, adding moisture and a cool tang that balances the buffalo heat wonderfully.
Step 3: Add the First Cheese Layer
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the ranch layer. This initial layer of cheese helps bind the other toppings while giving you that irresistible melted texture.
Step 4: Combine and Spread the Buffalo Chicken
In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until every shred is well-coated. Then, spread this spicy, saucy chicken evenly over the cheese. This is where all the bold flavor really kicks in.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Cheese and Onions
Cover your buffalo chicken with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then scatter the thin slices of red onion on top. The onions add a slight crunch and a touch of sweetness that complements the spicy chicken beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pizza in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melty and bubbly, and the crust edges are golden brown and crisp. The aroma in your kitchen will be irresistible at this stage.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once your pizza is out of the oven, drizzle a little extra buffalo sauce over the top for an added kick. Sprinkle with green onions and crumbled blue cheese for freshness and creamy complexity. Slice it up and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this pizza from great to unforgettable. The combination of crunchy green onions and creamy, tangy blue cheese adds layers of texture and flavor that contrast beautifully with the spicy buffalo chicken.
Side Dishes
A simple side salad or crunchy celery sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing make perfect accompaniments. These sides cut through the richness and add a refreshing, light crunch that balances each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a casual feel or add some small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and ranch for dipping. You can even cut the pizza into smaller appetizer-sized squares for parties or game day gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining much of its flavor and preventing the crust from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Frozen pizza is best eaten within 1 to 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven at 375 degrees for about 8-10 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crisp and the cheese gooey, avoiding the mushiness microwave reheating can cause.
FAQs
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe with homemade crust?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a wonderful personal touch. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin enough to cook through within the baking time, and preheat your oven properly for best results.
Is it possible to make this pizza vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with ingredients like roasted cauliflower or buffalo-spiced chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian alternative that still carries that signature spicy buffalo flavor.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe?
The spiciness level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. For a milder option, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or reduce the amount you add. You can also balance heat with extra ranch or blue cheese toppings.
Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?
You can experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for extra kick or gouda for a smoky touch. Just keep a balance so the cheese complements the buffalo sauce and chicken flavors well.
What drink pairs best with Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
A cold beer, especially a light lager or IPA, complements the spicy and tangy flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try a crisp lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing contrast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and excitement in every bite, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is your new go-to. It’s quick, straightforward, and packed with flavor, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give it a try—you might find it becoming one of your favorite recipes to make on repeat!
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A bold and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pizza combining spicy buffalo sauce, tender shredded rotisserie chicken, ranch dressing, and a blend of cheeses on a crispy pre-made crust. Perfect for game day or a quick weeknight meal, this pizza is baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh green onions and tangy blue cheese.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, plus more for garnish
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pizza crust on a pizza pan or sheet pan, preparing it for toppings.
- Spread Ranch Dressing: Evenly spread the ranch dressing across the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges to avoid spills and ensure crisp crust edges.
- Add First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the ranch-coated crust to create a flavorful cheesy base.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce until the chicken is well coated. Spread this mixture in a single, even layer over the cheese.
- Top with Remaining Cheese and Onions: Add the remaining shredded cheeses on top of the buffalo chicken, then scatter the thinly sliced red onions evenly over the cheese.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the crust edges turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle additional buffalo sauce on top, then garnish with sliced green onions and crumbled blue cheese. Slice and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Enjoy and Review: If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review to help others discover this delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza.
Notes
- Using a pre-made pizza crust cuts down on prep time but homemade crust can be used for a fresher taste.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to match your preferred spice level.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy.
- For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone if available.
- Blue cheese and green onions add authentic Buffalo wing flavors and can be omitted if you prefer milder toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
