Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a tasty twist on the classic! With spicy buffalo sauce, juicy chicken, and melted cheese, it’s perfect for pizza night.
This pizza always makes me smile, especially when shared with friends while watching a game. Who doesn’t love a little heat with their cheese? 🔥
I enjoy making this pizza with a ready-made crust to save time. Just top it with your favorite ingredients and bake—easy and super fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can either use pre-made dough for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough in stores or use cauliflower crust as a base.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here for added flavor and ease. If you’re short on time, canned chicken is also an option, just drain it well before using.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Adjust the heat level by choosing a milder or hotter sauce. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can mix honey with hot sauce for a homemade version.
Creamy Dressing: Ranch is my go-to for this pizza, but blue cheese is a classic option. For a healthier twist, try yogurt-based dressing for a creamy bite without the extra calories.
How Do I Make Sure My Pizza Crust is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the crust right can be tricky, but with some attention, you can achieve a golden, crispy crust every time. Here are some steps to follow:
- Preheat the oven fully—this helps the crust cook evenly.
- If using a pizza stone, ensure it’s hot before placing your pizza on it. This ensures a crispy bottom.
- Use a light touch when handling the dough so it doesn’t lose its airiness; this will keep it soft on the inside.
- Check on the pizza after 8 minutes; the crust should be golden brown, and the cheese bubbly. You can rotate it halfway to promote even cooking.
Letting it cool for a few minutes before slicing helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to serve! Enjoy your pizza night!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade dough for about a 12-inch pizza)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray or olive oil for the crust
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Buffalo Chicken Pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10 to 12 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun pizza night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it gets nice and hot, which will help your crust cook perfectly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until every piece is coated with that spicy goodness. This will give your pizza its signature flavor!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. If using pre-made dough, it should be ready. Be gentle with the dough to keep it airy and fluffy.
4. Prepare the Pan:
Lightly oil or spray a pizza pan or baking sheet to prevent sticking. If you’re using the hot pizza stone, you can skip this step. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto your prepared pan.
5. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. If you like a little extra flavor, add the cheddar cheese on top of that. Cheese, cheese, and more cheese!
6. Top with Chicken:
Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken pieces over the cheese layer. Make sure to spread them out nicely so every slice has some delicious chicken.
7. Add Flavor:
Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly across the pizza for an extra kick. It pairs wonderfully with the buffalo sauce and cheese!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Bake your pizza in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the crust to be golden brown and the cheese to be melted and bubbly.
9. Dress It Up:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and drizzle the ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top. This adds a creamy touch that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
10. Garnish:
Garnish with the chopped green onions. They add a nice pop of color and freshness to your finished pizza.
11. Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve it up with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping if you like!
Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza with its spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors perfectly balanced! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred it and toss it with the buffalo sauce before using.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Wing Sauce?
No problem! You can make a simple buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce with melted butter. Start with a ratio of 2:1 (hot sauce to butter) and adjust to your taste.
How Do I Make a Healthier Version of This Pizza?
For a lighter option, use whole wheat pizza dough or a cauliflower crust. You can also use less cheese and swap ranch dressing for a yogurt-based dressing or a lighter vinaigrette.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza?
Yes! Simply place slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
