Save This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is for anyone who wishes they could marry their favorite wings and comfort-food pizza into one ultra-satisfying bite. The smoky heat of buffalo sauce clings to tender chicken, then melts into creamy dressing and golden bubbling cheese atop a crispy crust. It is absolutely my go-to for game days or when my husband asks for “something spicy and cheesy” in a single dinner.
The first night I made this was a snowy Friday when takeout was not happening. It was a home run with everyone and now, it’s requested for birthdays and last-minute get-togethers alike. There is something so fun about pizza night, but this version feels like a party every time.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: either store-bought or homemade A well-made dough makes or breaks your pizza Higher-protein flours give the best chewy texture
- Olive oil: adds a touch of richness Look for vibrant golden color and fruity aroma
- Cooked chicken breast: shredded Leftovers or rotisserie chicken work perfectly Choose organic or free-range for juicier meat
- Buffalo wing sauce: this brings the signature tangy heat Go for a brand that lists cayenne and butter high on the label
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: creamy cooling balance to spicy sauce High-quality dressings made in the refrigerated section taste freshest
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: the ultimate melt Choose whole milk mozzarella for richer flavor and gooier texture
- Crumbled blue cheese: completely optional but adds sharp bite Pick a blue cheese that is creamy and aromatic for best results
- Sliced green onions: fresh pop of color and flavor Look for firm, vibrant stalks
- Chopped cilantro: bright herbal finish optional but recommended for extra fresh zip
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Stone or Sheet:
- Preheat your oven all the way to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to heat with the oven. This step gives you the hot surface needed for that classic crispy crust.
- Mix the Buffalo Chicken:
- In a medium mixing bowl, coat your shredded chicken totally in buffalo wing sauce. Toss and let it sit for a minute or two so every piece soaks up the spicy tang.
- Shape the Dough:
- On a surface dusted lightly with flour, gently stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If you want a classic pizzeria look, lift the edge as you turn the dough and let gravity help. Once shaped, transfer it to parchment on a baking sheet or onto a pizza peel sprinkled with cornmeal so it will not stick.
- Brush with Olive Oil:
- Dip a pastry brush or silicone brush in the olive oil and brush the surface of the dough lightly. It helps the crust get golden and prevents sogginess from the toppings.
- Add the Dressing Base:
- Dollop your ranch or blue cheese dressing onto the dough and spread it out evenly to within half an inch of the edge. This creamy base is going to mingle with the cheese and sauce for maximum flavor.
- Layer the First Cheese:
- Evenly sprinkle about half your mozzarella over the dressing. This cheese layer melts and bubbles underneath the chicken, holding everything together.
- Add the Buffalo Chicken:
- Scatter your coated chicken generously over the cheese, getting a little in every bite.
- Finish with the Remaining Cheeses:
- Top all of this with the second half of your mozzarella and, if you love it, a handful of crumbled blue cheese for sharpness.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Slide your pizza into the hot oven. Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown in spots, the cheese is bubbly, and everything looks irresistibly melty. Rotate once halfway through for even browning.
- Cool Briefly and Garnish:
- Once out of the oven, let the pizza sit for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to come together. Sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions and cilantro if you like. Slice and serve while it is piping hot.
Pin it The blue cheese on this pizza wins every time at my house There was one night my youngest insisted on topping the whole pie herself She got blue cheese on every single slice and our laughter just made the meal taste even better
Storage Tips
Store leftover pizza slices in a tightly sealed container or wrapped in foil in the fridge They keep fresh for up to three days Reheat in a hot oven directly on the rack to revive that crisp crust If you want to freeze slices arrange in a single layer between parchment and seal in a zip bag They reheat from frozen in ten to twelve minutes at four hundred degrees
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to make it lighter use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning instead of bottled dressing No chicken in the fridge Try cooked turkey or even sautéed mushrooms For dairy free swap in vegan mozzarella and your favorite plant based creamy dressing
Serving Suggestions
Cut smaller squares for party appetizers or pair with a big crunchy salad for a weeknight dinner Add fresh celery sticks and carrot ribbons for a full-on buffalo wing vibe A cold beer or a chilled glass of white wine always completes the table at our house
Cultural and Historical Context
Buffalo chicken pizza jumped from the menus of upstate New York pizzerias to nationwide favorite in no time It captures the best of two iconic foods spicy tangy wings and the cheesy comfort of a slice There is just something about this pairing that feels right for both casual gatherings and feeding a hungry crowd
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer try topping the finished hot pizza with thin slices of ripe tomato and extra fresh herbs For cold months a scattering of roasted squash or sweet red peppers adds warmth For spring I love adding little shreds of raw carrot for veggie crunch
Success Stories
After serving this at a birthday party where even picky eaters grabbed seconds I now double the recipe for any group My friend’s family uses gluten free dough and swears it is just as craveworthy It truly brings people together no matter who comes to the table
Freezer Meal Conversion
Bake your pizza completely let cool and slice tightly wrap each slice in parchment and stash in an airtight container Frozen slices reheat beautifully on the oven rack for a quick after school snack or a future pizza craving Just add fresh green onions or dressing after reheating for that just made taste
Pin it You can make this recipe with any cooked chicken from grilled to poached For extra zest add a squeeze of lemon juice at the table If you are heat-shy dial down the buffalo sauce and let everyone drizzle more at the table
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for this pizza?
Mozzarella provides great melt and gooey texture. A sprinkle of blue cheese adds tangy richness.
- → Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, both store-bought and homemade dough create a crisp base. Choose according to your preference and time.
- → How spicy is the buffalo sauce?
Most buffalo sauces are moderately spicy. Adjust heat by using mild or extra hot sauce, or adding more dressing.
- → What sides pair well with this pizza?
Serve with celery sticks, a simple salad, or chilled drinks like lager or Sauvignon Blanc to complement flavors.
- → How can I make this pizza extra crunchy?
Add thinly sliced red onions or diced celery before baking, or finish with fresh greens for texture.
- → Is a pizza stone required?
No, you can bake on a sheet, but a pizza stone produces extra-crispy results if you have one available.