If you love bold flavors with a bit of a spicy kick, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Combining the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with creamy blue cheese and tender shredded chicken atop a golden, crispy crust, this pizza is a perfect crowd-pleaser for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you crave a fun twist on classic comfort food. Every bite is a delightful balance of spicy, creamy, and savory that invites you to dig in and savor each mouthwatering slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know the ingredients for this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is half the fun. Each element brings something special to the table, whether it’s the creamy tang of blue cheese dressing, the zing of buffalo sauce, or the melty goodness of mozzarella. Together, they create a symphony of flavors and textures that make this pizza so addictive.
- Pizza dough: Whether you choose refrigerated or homemade, the dough forms the crispy, chewy foundation of the pizza.
- Blue cheese dressing (¾ cup, divided): Adds a creamy, tangy layer that complements the spicy buffalo chicken perfectly.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): The hearty protein base that soaks up the spicy buffalo sauce wonderfully.
- Buffalo sauce (½ cup): The fiery star of the show that delivers that classic buffalo chicken flavor we crave.
- Thinly sliced red onion (2 tbsp): Offers a crisp bite with a hint of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully, creating that gooey layer everyone loves on pizza.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): A sharp, nutty accent that enriches the cheesy top layer.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tbsp): Adds a fresh, vibrant contrast and a burst of color.
- Thinly sliced green onion (1): Enhances flavor with a mild onion punch and brightens the look of your finished pizza.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven temperature to 475°F. While it warms up, place your baking sheet or pizza stone inside—this helps ensure the crust crisps up beautifully from the moment the pizza hits the heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a sheet of parchment paper into a smooth 14-inch circle. This step shapes your pizza and makes transferring to the oven effortless later on.
Step 3: Spread the Dressing
Take half of your blue cheese or ranch dressing and spread it evenly across the dough. This creamy foundation will infuse each bite with tangy flavor and keep the crust moist and rich.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce until every piece is well coated. Then, scatter the buffalo chicken and thinly sliced red onion evenly over the dressed dough—this ensures every slice gets a spicy, savory punch.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses generously on top, creating a luscious, bubbly layer that binds all the flavors together once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Carefully slide the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto your preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese bubbles invitingly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onion for a fresh kick. Drizzle with the remaining blue cheese or ranch dressing, slice up, and get ready to enjoy an incredible homemade feast.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your pizza with fresh cilantro and green onions adds not only vibrant color but also a burst of fresh flavor that balances the spicy richness of the buffalo chicken beautifully. Don’t skip the drizzle of extra blue cheese or ranch dressing—it’s like the cherry on top for this savory treat.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Pizza pairs wonderfully with simple, crunchy sides like celery sticks or carrot sticks with extra blue cheese dip. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also refresh the palate and make the meal beautifully balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pizza as individual mini-pizzas or flatbread rounds for a fun party platter. You could also cut the pizza into bite-sized squares for a finger-food style perfect for gatherings and casual snacking. Adding extra toppings like sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of honey can introduce exciting new layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust from getting soggy and preserves the taste.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing your cooked pizza slices works wonderfully. Place slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer into a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring your leftover pizza back to life, reheat it in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave to keep the crust crisp and the cheese melty. A few minutes in a 375°F oven usually does the trick perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese in this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Ranch dressing offers a milder, creamier option that pairs just as well with the spicy buffalo chicken. It’s a great choice if blue cheese isn’t your favorite.
What type of chicken works best for this pizza?
Cooked, shredded chicken is ideal because it absorbs the buffalo sauce well and distributes evenly over the pizza. You can use leftover roast chicken, grilled chicken, or even a quick poached chicken breast.
Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free alternative. Just keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free doughs sometimes require slightly different cooking temperatures or durations.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe?
The heat primarily comes from the buffalo sauce, which is moderately spicy. You can adjust the spice level by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce based on your preference.
Can I prepare the pizza in advance and bake later?
You can assemble the pizza ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just let the dough rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to help it cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes that truly brings comfort and excitement to the dinner table all at once. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself, it delivers big flavor and satisfying texture every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite for all kinds of occasions.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pizza featuring a crispy crust topped with spicy buffalo chicken, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, fresh red onions, and a creamy blue cheese dressing, garnished with cilantro and green onion. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 roll refrigerated pizza dough or ½ pound homemade pizza dough
Sauce and Dressing
- ¾ cup blue cheese dressing (divided) or ranch dressing
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
Toppings
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper into a 14-inch circle to create an even base.
- Spread the Dressing: Spread ½ cup of blue cheese or ranch dressing evenly over the rolled-out dough to create a flavorful base sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated, then evenly distribute it over the dressed dough along with the thinly sliced red onions.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the buffalo chicken and onions to ensure a cheesy topping.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza on the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onion, then drizzle with the remaining blue cheese or ranch dressing for an extra burst of flavor before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute buffalo sauce with your preferred hot sauce for different heat levels.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust, but a baking sheet works fine as well.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- If you prefer a less spicy pizza, use ranch dressing and reduce the buffalo sauce amount.
