Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
You’ll find that creating restaurant-quality buffalo chicken pizza isn’t as complex as it might seem. By combining classic pizza-making techniques with the bold flavors of buffalo wing sauce, you’re about to craft a crowd-pleasing fusion dish. The key lies in striking the perfect balance between tangy heat and creamy coolness, while maintaining a crispy crust that can support these robust toppings. Let’s explore the precise measurements and proven methods that’ll help you master this popular specialty pizza.
Overview
- Preheat oven to 475°F with pizza stone and stretch 12-inch pizza dough on cornmeal-dusted surface until 1/4-inch thick.
- Mix 2/3 cup buffalo sauce with 1/3 cup ranch dressing for base, spread on dough before adding toppings.
- Layer mozzarella cheese, buffalo sauce-tossed chicken, red onions, and celery on prepared dough.
- Bake pizza for 12-15 minutes until crust becomes golden and cheese bubbles, rotating halfway through.
- Finish with blue cheese crumbles, remaining ranch dressing drizzle, and fresh parsley garnish.
Recipe Overview and Description
Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the bold, spicy flavors of classic buffalo wings with the beloved comfort of pizza. This crowd-pleasing fusion dish features a perfectly crispy crust topped with tender chicken coated in tangy buffalo sauce, melty mozzarella, and creamy blue cheese. Popular at sports bars and pizzerias, this recipe brings the restaurant favorite to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-inch) pizza dough
- 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
- 1 cup buffalo sauce, divided
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing, divided
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cornmeal for dusting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Place pizza stone in oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C).
- On a floured surface, stretch dough to 12-inch circle with 1/4-inch thickness.
- Transfer dough to cornmeal-dusted pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Mix 2/3 cup buffalo sauce with 1/3 cup ranch dressing; spread evenly on dough.
- Toss diced chicken with 1/4 cup buffalo sauce in a bowl.
- Layer mozzarella cheese, buffalo chicken, red onions, and celery.
- Drizzle with remaining buffalo sauce and sprinkle blue cheese.
- Slide pizza onto preheated stone and bake 12-15 minutes, rotating halfway.
- Remove when crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
- Drizzle with remaining ranch dressing and garnish with parsley.
Top Tips
- Allow dough to reach room temperature for easier stretching
- Pre-cook chicken with seasonings for extra flavor
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent soggy crust
- Let pizza rest 2-3 minutes before cutting
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to preferred spice level
- Warm buffalo sauce slightly for easier spreading
Variations
- BBQ Chicken: Replace buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets
- Extra Spicy: Add jalapeños and hot sauce
- Mediterranean: Use feta instead of blue cheese, add oregano
- Ranch Lover’s: Double the ranch dressing, add ranch seasoning
Nutritional Guide
Per 1/8 pizza serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
Additional notes: High in protein from chicken and cheese. Moderate in calories but high in sodium. Can be made healthier using whole wheat crust and light cheese options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Blue Cheese Dressing With Ranch Dressing?
You’ll notice a creamy texture difference when using ranch instead of blue cheese dressing. While it’s perfectly acceptable, the flavor profile contrast won’t be as sharp, but you’ll still achieve that delicious creamy consistency.
How Long Can Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?
When storing buffalo pizza, you’ll want to keep it in an airtight container. For food safety, refrigerating leftover pizza is best for up to 4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
For best results, microwave on low power (50%) for 30 seconds, or oven reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes. You’ll love how the crust stays crispy and the toppings remain moist when using these methods.
Can I Make the Buffalo Sauce Less Spicy?
You can adjust spice level by mixing buffalo sauce with butter at a 1:1 ratio, or customize heat intensity by incorporating ranch dressing. Start with 2 tablespoons ranch per 1/4 cup buffalo sauce.
Is It Possible to Prepare the Chicken and Sauce Ahead of Time?
You’ll save major prep time by cooking chicken and mixing sauce up to 48 hours ahead. Store your sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. Just reheat both components when you’re ready to assemble.
Before You Go
Buffalo chicken pizza combines your favorite wing flavors in a 12-inch pie format. Following precise measurements (1½ cups shredded chicken, ⅔ cup buffalo sauce, 2 cups mozzarella) and proper baking temperature (450°F) guarantees ideal results. You’ll achieve the perfect balance of heat and creaminess when you layer ingredients methodically and bake for exactly 12-15 minutes until the crust’s edge reaches golden-brown perfection.
