The best Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe
Indulge in the perfect harmony of spice, tang, and crunch with this irresistible Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Featuring tender buffalo chicken, gooey mozzarella, and crisp banana peppers, it’s a bold and flavorful twist on a classic favorite.
Elevate your pizza night with a garlic butter Parmesan crust that delivers a savory crunch in every bite. Topped with blue cheese or ranch drizzle and fresh garnishes, this pizza promises a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or craving a quick dinner fix, this recipe is your go-to for effortless indulgence. Slice it up, serve it hot, and watch it disappear in no time!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor
- Shredded Chicken: The tender, juicy foundation that absorbs the bold tang of buffalo sauce, creating the perfect protein-packed topping.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show, delivering a fiery kick balanced with tangy undertones that define the pizza’s bold character.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty, it binds the ingredients together while adding indulgent richness to every bite.
- Pizza Dough: A soft, golden canvas that bakes to perfection, providing the ideal base for all the vibrant toppings.
- Banana Pepper Rings: Crisp and zesty, these vibrant slices add a subtle tang that brightens the flavor profile.
Recipe Tips
- Perfecting the Dough: Allow the pizza dough to reach room temperature before stretching it out. Cold dough tends to tear easily and resists shaping. A well-rested dough ensures a soft, pliable base that bakes into a golden, crispy crust.
- Balance the Heat: If you prefer a milder kick, use a mix of buffalo sauce and barbecue sauce for the chicken marinade. This tweak balances the spice while maintaining the signature tangy flavor of the pizza.
- Even Cooking with a Pizza Stone: Preheat a pizza stone in the oven for a more evenly cooked, crispy crust. This simple trick mimics the effects of a professional pizza oven, giving your pizza a restaurant-quality finish.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Crisp Garden Salad: Pair your pizza with a refreshing garden salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The crispness and acidity complement the bold flavors of the pizza beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun and flavorful contrast, serve sweet potato fries on the side. Their natural sweetness balances the spicy buffalo chicken and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
- Cooling Dips: Offer extra blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. It enhances the creamy, tangy flavors of the pizza and provides a cooling element to balance the heat.
FAQ
1. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, marinate the chicken, and slice the toppings in advance. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for the freshest taste.
2. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time. Just let it rest at room temperature before stretching it out.
3. What can I use instead of blue cheese?
Ranch dressing is an excellent substitute if you’re not a fan of blue cheese. It delivers a creamy texture and tangy flavor that pairs well with buffalo chicken.
4. Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular pizza dough with your favorite gluten-free dough or crust. Ensure all other ingredients, like the buffalo sauce, are also gluten-free.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- For the Pizza:
- 1 lb. pizza dough brought to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken shredded
- â…“ cup buffalo sauce plus extra for drizzling
- ÂĽ cup blue cheese dressing divided; ranch may be substituted
- ÂĽ cup red onions thinly sliced
- ÂĽ cup banana pepper rings patted dry
- For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Crust:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese grated
- ÂĽ teaspoon garlic powder
- To Garnish:
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it preheats to ensure optimal crust texture and even baking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and 1 tablespoon of blue cheese dressing. Allow the flavors to meld while preparing the pizza base.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly grease a 12-inch pizza pan or stone. Roll out the dough evenly, then pierce it with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming during baking.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, followed by most of the mozzarella cheese. Evenly distribute the marinated chicken, red onions, and banana pepper rings. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add Additional Sauce: Drizzle the pizza with 3 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing and 1-2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 13 minutes. Remove it from the oven once the crust begins to firm and the cheese is bubbly.
- Enhance the Crust: Mix the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture onto the crust, then return the pizza to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the crust achieves a golden-brown hue.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the pizza with chopped chives, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Slice into portions and serve immediately.
- Enjoy the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors with every bite!
