If you love the fiery kick of buffalo wings but crave something a bit more shareable and downright delicious, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is your next culinary obsession. Imagine a perfectly crisp pizza crust laden with tender, buffalo-sauce-coated chicken, gooey mozzarella, tangy blue cheese, and just the right touch of zesty banana peppers and onions. Every bite delivers an incredible balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch that feels both comforting and exciting. This recipe brings together classic flavors in a fun, innovative way that’s sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is the secret behind a perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, contributing texture, or adding that pop of color that makes every slice irresistible.
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken: Use cooked chicken for tender bites that soak up the buffalo sauce wonderfully.
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce: The soul of the pizza, bringing that signature spicy tang.
- ¼ cup blue cheese dressing (divided): Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect counterpoint to the heat; ranch works well as a substitute.
- 1 lb. pizza dough (at room temp): A sturdy base that crisps up beautifully in a hot oven.
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture that complements the buffalo flavors.
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese: Melts into a luscious, stringy layer that binds everything together.
- ¼ cup red onions (thinly sliced): Adds a mild sharpness and a bit of crunch.
- ¼ cup banana pepper rings (patted dry): Their tangy brightness cuts through the richness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Gives the crust a golden finish and adds a rich buttery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese (grated): Boosts umami and adds a subtle nuttiness.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the crust with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Chives/Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor for garnish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for an extra hint of heat.
- Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh pop of green.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 450° F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it heats up alongside, which helps create a perfectly crispy crust that’s just the right amount of brown and chewy. This little step makes a big difference in the texture of your pizza.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and one tablespoon of blue cheese dressing. This quick marination step infuses every shred with that irresistible buffalo flavor, making the chicken both spicy and creamy. Let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients so the flavors meld nicely.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Roll or stretch your pizza dough onto a lightly greased or floured 12-inch pizza pan or your preheated stone. Before adding any toppings, poke small holes across the dough with a fork; this prevents bubbles from forming as it bakes and keeps the crust nice and even.
Step 4: Layer Your Toppings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough as the base, then sprinkle most of your mozzarella cheese on top to create a melty foundation. Distribute the buffalo chicken evenly next, followed by the thinly sliced red onions and banana pepper rings for that zesty crunch. Finally, add the remaining mozzarella on top to seal in all those flavors.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches Before Baking
Drizzle the pizza with three tablespoons of blue cheese dressing and another one to two tablespoons of buffalo sauce for that extra punch of creamy heat. These additions ensure every bite has a perfect balance of spice and cooling richness.
Step 6: Bake Your Pizza
Pop the pizza into the oven and bake for 13 minutes. This initial bake melts the cheese and cooks the dough to a wonderful golden-brown just before the finishing touches.
Step 7: Brush the Crust
Mix the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder together, then brush this savory blend over the crust. This step is about elevating your crust from good to gourmet by adding a flavorful, garlicky crispness that makes every bite unforgettable.
Step 8: Final Bake
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust as it browns beautifully and becomes slightly crispier, sealing in all the flavors and textures you’ve expertly layered.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the top with chopped green onions or chives, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat, and fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Slice it up and serve immediately while it’s piping hot and melty.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing the pizza is more than just decoration; green onions add a mild oniony crunch, red pepper flakes boost the heat, and parsley brings a fresh, herby note that balances the richness perfectly. These final touches brighten both the look and flavor of your buffalo chicken pizza.
Side Dishes
Keep things classic or get creative with sides like crunchy celery sticks, creamy ranch or blue cheese dip, or a crisp green salad to refresh the palate. These sides complement the spicy, cheesy flavors and add varied textures to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving your Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe as mini rounds or even as flatbread strips for easy sharing. You can also arrange it on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of assorted dipping sauces to create an inviting, informal dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. Buffalo Chicken Pizza leftovers keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or easy snacks.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this pizza by placing it on a baking sheet to freeze individually before wrapping tightly in foil and storing in a freezer bag. When frozen, it can last up to 2 months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 375° F for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain the crispy crust, melty cheese, and keeps that buffalo chicken juicy — much better than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese?
Absolutely! Ranch dressing is a popular substitute if you’re not a fan of blue cheese. It adds a creamy, cooling element that balances the spicy buffalo sauce just as well.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Leftover roasted or shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here. You just want cooked, shredded chicken that easily absorbs the buffalo sauce.
Is there a way to make this pizza less spicy?
Definitely. Use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount of sauce you drizzle on top. You can also omit red pepper flakes and balance the heat with extra cheese or ranch dressing.
Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
While this is a chicken-based recipe, you can easily substitute with cauliflower that’s been tossed in buffalo sauce for a tasty vegetarian version that still has all the spicy, tangy goodness.
How do I get a crispier crust at home?
Using a preheated pizza stone or baking steel is the best way to achieve a crispy crust. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with too many wet ingredients which can weigh down the dough.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is everything you want in a comforting, flavorful dish — spicy, creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. It’s perfect for a casual dinner, game day, or whenever you’re craving a little excitement on your plate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over again for friends and family who’ll thank you every time. Give it a whirl and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of blue cheese and mozzarella on a crispy homemade pizza crust, topped with banana peppers and red onions for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for a quick and flavorful dinner that delivers a fun twist on classic pizza.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (plus more to drizzle on top)
- 1 tablespoon blue cheese dressing
Pizza Base and Sauce
- 1 lb. pizza dough (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup blue cheese dressing (divided, can substitute ranch)
- ¼ cup red onions (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup banana pepper rings (patted dry)
Crust Finish and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chives or green onions
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450° F (232° C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating for better heat distribution and a crispier, browner crust.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and 1 tablespoon of blue cheese dressing. Let this marinade sit while you prepare the other ingredients to infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Shape Dough: Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan or pizza stone. Spread the pizza dough evenly on the pan, then poke holes in the dough with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle most of the mozzarella cheese on top, then evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture, red onions, and banana pepper rings. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Add Blue Cheese and Buffalo Sauce: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing and 1-2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the assembled pizza for an extra punch of flavor.
- Bake First Round: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 13 minutes, then carefully remove it.
- Brush Crust: Mix the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the edges of the pizza crust to add flavor and promote browning.
- Bake Second Round: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the crust edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or chives, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a better crust texture but is optional.
- You can substitute blue cheese dressing with ranch dressing if preferred.
- Pat banana peppers dry to prevent soggy pizza.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control the spice level.
- Letting the chicken marinate in the sauce enhances flavor penetration.
- Brush the crust with butter mixture for a richer, golden finish.
