If you love the bold, tangy kick of buffalo wings but want a fun and delicious twist, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy pizza crust loaded with spicy buffalo chicken, melty mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and just the right touch of ranch or blue cheese drizzles—each bite bursting with flavor and comfort. This recipe is incredibly simple but feels so special, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe that hits all the right notes in taste, texture, and even color. Each item plays a role in creating that irresistible balance of spicy, creamy, and crunchy sensations that make this dish stand out.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the crispy, chewy base of your pizza.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushing this on the dough gives it a beautiful golden crust and an extra layer of flavor.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The heart of the recipe, delivering that signature spicy and tangy buffalo flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: The perfect protein packed with flavor when tossed in buffalo sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that luscious, stretchy cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the cheesy blend.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion: Offers a sweet and crisp contrast to the spicy toppings.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For those who love an extra punch of tangy richness.
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions: These fresh herbs add a pop of color and brightness as a finishing touch.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling (optional): Creamy accents that tame the heat and bring it all together.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Preheat your oven to a sizzling 475°F, which is essential for getting a wonderfully crispy crust. Lightly flour your pizza stone or baking sheet to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle or rectangle to create the perfect canvas for your toppings. Don’t forget to brush the dough with olive oil to ensure a golden, flavorful crust as it bakes.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
In a medium bowl, give your cooked, shredded chicken a good toss with 1/2 cup of buffalo wing sauce until every bite is coated in that spicy, tangy goodness. This step is what transforms plain chicken into the star of the pizza.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza
Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce over the oiled dough, adding an extra layer of heat and flavor from the start. Next, evenly distribute the buffalo chicken, then sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Add thinly sliced red onions for crunch and a slight sweetness. If you love blue cheese, sprinkle it on now for that classic buffalo touch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your carefully assembled pizza into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it as the crust turns golden and the cheese melts into bubbly, slightly browned perfection. This is when all the magic happens—expect irresistible aromas filling your kitchen!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool just a bit—this helps the cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce or your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing to elevate those flavors even more.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or sliced green onions not only brightens up the pizza visually but adds a fresh, mild bite that balances out the spiciness from the buffalo sauce. A few extra drizzles of ranch or blue cheese dressing can cool things down and add a creamy contrast that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This pizza shines as a hearty main course, but pairing it with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a crisp green salad creates a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and spicy flavors. A side of chips and guacamole or a light coleslaw also work beautifully for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe cut into smaller, bite-sized squares as finger food at your next party. Alternatively, try building mini personal pizzas using the same toppings for a fun and interactive dinner option that kids and adults will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the crust from drying out and preserves the fresh flavors of the toppings.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked pizza by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to two months. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe slices in the oven at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor, making this recipe even easier to pull off on busy days.
How spicy is the pizza?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. You can go mild or extra hot depending on your preference. For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or use a hotter wing sauce.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go. The toppings are naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No worries! Blue cheese is optional and can be skipped or replaced with more cheddar or mozzarella. Ranch dressing drizzle especially complements the buffalo flavor if you prefer something milder.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can shred and toss the chicken in buffalo sauce ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to a day. Just assemble and bake the pizza right before serving for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the best of spicy buffalo wings with the comfort of pizza. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion where you want something a little different but always delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo wing sauce with tender shredded chicken, melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for game day or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this homemade pizza is easy to prepare and customizable with toppings like blue cheese and fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly flour a pizza stone or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or rectangle to fit your baking surface. Transfer the dough onto the prepared stone or sheet, then brush the top with olive oil to help create a golden crust.
- Coat Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cooked, shredded chicken breast with 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce until it is fully and evenly coated, infusing the chicken with spicy flavor.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce over the oiled pizza dough. Evenly spread the buffalo chicken atop the sauce followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the top, and if using, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese for a tangy bite.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Bake until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops slight browning on the edges.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for freshness, then drizzle with extra buffalo sauce or ranch/blue cheese dressing if desired. Slice the pizza and serve hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For ease and speed, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast yourself.
- Increase the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or using extra-hot buffalo sauce.
- To make this pizza gluten-free, substitute the regular dough with gluten-free pizza dough.
- Blue cheese is optional but adds a classic tang that pairs well with buffalo sauce.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispiness.
