Get ready to elevate your pizza nights with an exciting and mouthwatering dish that beautifully combines heat, creaminess, and crispy crust. This Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe takes the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken wings and transforms them into a delicious, shareable pizza that’s bursting with bold taste. Tender, spicy chicken bites drenched in buffalo sauce, fresh mozzarella melting atop a perfectly baked crust, with just the right amount of crunch from red onions and optional jalapeños—this recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the soft pizza dough forming a crisp base to the fiery buffalo sauce that delivers a spicy kick, every component counts.
- 18-20 ounces pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the chewy and crispy foundation of your pizza.
- 1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cooked and cubed: Tender pieces of chicken carry the buffalo sauce flavor and add protein and substance.
- 6-7 slices fresh mozzarella (about 8 oz): Melts beautifully to create gooey, creamy pockets of cheese.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The star ingredient, adding that signature spicy tang that makes buffalo chicken irresistible.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunchy contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Fresh sliced jalapeños (optional): Perfect for anyone wanting to dial up the heat even more.
- 1/3 cup flour: Used to dust the surface and pizza peel, ensuring the dough slides easily onto the baking stone.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors, especially the dough.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Classic dipping sauces that cool down the spice and add creaminess when serving.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to a blistering 500°F (260°C) and placing your pizza stone inside to heat up for at least one hour. This is crucial because a piping hot stone ensures a crispy, perfectly cooked crust. While the oven does its magic, sauté the cubed chicken breast over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Toss the cooked chicken with a couple of tablespoons of buffalo sauce to coat every bite with that vibrant, spicy flavor.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your workspace and carefully roll out the pizza dough into about a 12-inch circle. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the dough to subtly boost its flavor. Then, dust your pizza peel with flour and transfer the stretched dough onto it. This step makes sliding the pizza onto the hot stone effortless and prevents sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the buffalo sauce evenly over your rolled-out dough, leaving about a half-inch border for a crust that crisps up nicely. Next, scatter the buffalo chicken pieces on top, then layer with fresh mozzarella slices. Add the thinly sliced red onions for a touch of crunch and mild sweetness. If you love extra heat, scatter fresh jalapeño slices over the pizza for that lively, spicy punch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
With everything assembled, slide your pizza carefully onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese bubbles and melts beautifully. The aroma alone will have you and anyone nearby drooling in anticipation.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes so the cheese sets just enough for clean slices. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side—these cool dressings balance out the spice with their creamy tang, making every bite a perfect combination.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped celery leaves or a handful of chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh bite, reminiscent of classic buffalo wing accompaniments. A light drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing can also boost flavor and add an inviting finish.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a cool side salad featuring crunchy cucumbers and cool ranch dressing. These sides offer a refreshing contrast to the bold, spicy pizza, rounding out your meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the pizza into bite-sized squares for a fun party appetizer or serve it alongside a flight of craft beers, with each beer complementing the spicy, creamy notes in the Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe. You could also make individual mini-pizzas for personalized servings that delight every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pizza, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This pizza freezes quite well. After baking and cooling completely, slice it and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags with parchment paper between layers. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired for an easy, spicy meal anytime.
Reheating
To retain crispness, reheat your Buffalo Chicken Pizza in a hot oven or toaster oven at around 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the crust chewy rather than crispy.
FAQs
Can I use shredded chicken instead of cubed chicken breast?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken works wonderfully and will soak up the buffalo sauce nicely. Just be sure to cook and season the chicken properly before adding it to your pizza.
Is there a substitute for buffalo sauce if I don’t have any on hand?
You can mix hot sauce with melted butter to mimic buffalo sauce’s taste and texture. Adjust the ratio to your preference for spice and creaminess.
How can I make this pizza less spicy for kids or sensitive eaters?
Simply reduce or omit the jalapeños and buffalo sauce, or serve the pizza with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to mellow the heat without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the pizza dough from scratch?
Yes! Homemade dough adds a personal touch. This recipe is flexible with either store-bought or DIY dough, just make sure it’s rolled out nicely to about 12 inches for even cooking.
What cheese works best if I can’t find fresh mozzarella?
Shredded low-moisture mozzarella is a fine substitute and melts well. You can also blend it with a bit of cheddar for extra flavor and melting power.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe is a total game-changer for your homemade pizza nights. It’s spicy, creamy, and packed with vibrant flavors that bring excitement to your table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for entertaining or a cozy night in.
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe offers a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic pizza favorite. Featuring a crispy, golden crust topped with tender buffalo-sauce-coated chicken, fresh mozzarella, red onions, and optional jalapeños for an extra kick, this pizza is baked to perfection on a preheated pizza stone. Served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, it’s perfect for a casual dinner or game day treat.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 18–20 ounces pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup flour (for crust)
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (fully cooked)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (divided: 2 tablespoons for coating chicken, rest for sauce base)
- 6–7 slices fresh mozzarella (about 8 oz)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone inside the oven to heat for 1 hour. This ensures the stone is hot to create a crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken: In a small skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook until fully cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Remove from heat and drizzle 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt over the surface of the dough for extra flavor.
- Transfer Dough to Peel: Lightly dust a pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking, then transfer the rolled-out dough onto the peel carefully to maintain the shape.
- Add Sauce Base: Spread the remaining buffalo sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a ½ inch border around the edges for the crust to rise and crisp.
- Assemble Toppings: Distribute the cooked buffalo chicken pieces evenly over the sauced dough. Layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top, followed by the thinly sliced red onions. Add sliced jalapeños if you want extra heat.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 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.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone and preheating it properly helps achieve a crisp crust similar to pizzeria-style pizza.
- If you prefer extra spicy heat, don’t skip the fresh jalapeños or add an extra drizzle of buffalo sauce before serving.
- The chicken breast should be cooked fully before adding to the pizza to ensure it cooks evenly without drying out.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with shredded mozzarella if preferred, but fresh slices melt differently and add a creamy texture.
- To save time, use store-bought cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, then toss it in buffalo sauce before placing on pizza.
