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
Scale
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.
