Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the irresistible flavors of spicy buffalo sauce and tender chicken on a crispy pizza crust, making it a go-to dish for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in. This recipe blends the beloved taste of buffalo wings with cheesy goodness, creating a rich and mouthwatering treat that you won’t be able to resist. You can dive deep into a culinary adventure by making this pizza from scratch, allowing you to customize every aspect to your liking.
Why We Love This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
One of the reasons we love this Buffalo Chicken Pizza is its versatility. You can serve it at parties, during family movie nights, or even as a quick weeknight meal. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also allows for customization. Want it spicier? Add more buffalo sauce! Prefer it milder? Adjust the amount of sauce to your taste. The creamy ranch or blue cheese dressings complement the spicy chicken perfectly, making every bite an explosion of flavor.
Moreover, the aroma that fills your kitchen while the pizza bakes is simply unbeatable. The melting cheese, combined with scents of the buffalo chicken and spices, creates an inviting atmosphere that makes cooking even more enjoyable. With this recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’re always prepared for when hunger strikes or a craving for something delicious kicks in.
Ingredients about Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Creating the perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza starts with the right ingredients. Below is a list of all you need to whip up this delectable dish.
List of ingredients with measurements
- 3/4 cup warm water (around 110 degrees)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese for serving
With these ingredients ready, you’re set to create a pizza that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Directions
Making Buffalo Chicken Pizza is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by preparing the dough, which serves as the foundation for your delicious creation. Start by pouring the warm water into a mixing bowl and adding the sugar. Then, sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it bloom for approximately 10 minutes. You will notice it becoming frothy, which indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic in your pizza crust.
Next, add in the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough at medium speed until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading process typically takes about 5-7 minutes. If you notice that the dough is sticking too much, feel free to add more flour gradually until you achieve the right consistency.
Once your dough is ready, transfer it into a greased bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. The rising process is crucial as it helps in developing a light and airy crust.
As your dough rises, preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to reach the ideal temperature for a perfectly crisp pizza crust. When your dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, which will become the base of your pizza. Then, place the rolled dough on a pizza stone or a baking pan.
For the next step, you’ll prepare the cream cheese spread. Microwave the cream cheese until it’s soft and pliable, then mix in the ranch seasoning until well combined. With a spatula, spread this creamy mixture over the pizza crust evenly.
Now it’s time to add the fun part. In a bowl, toss the chopped cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce until it’s well coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Top the chicken with 3/4 of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake your pizza in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to melt and the crust to turn a golden-brown shade. The smell wafting from your kitchen will be tempting, so resist the urge to take it out too early!
Once done, take your pizza out of the oven and sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for an extra crunch and freshness. If you’d like, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top or serve on the side for dipping. Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Serving Buffalo Chicken Pizza is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. For the best experience, slice the pizza into equal portions and arrange them on a large platter. You can serve it with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese for dipping, allowing your guests to customize their meals even further.
Another great way to serve this pizza is by pairing it with crispy celery and carrot sticks. These fresh veggies not only offer a nice crunch but also balance the rich and spicy flavors of the pizza.
Also, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad with crisp greens to enhance the meal. The refreshing taste of the salad helps tone down the spiciness from the buffalo sauce, making every bite enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pizza is sure to impress.
Expert Tips: Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Choose the Right Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add great flavor to your pizza. But if you prefer, grilling or baking your chicken with your favorite spices also works wonderfully.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you are sensitive to heat, consider using a milder buffalo sauce or mixing it with a small amount of ranch dressing to tone it down. Alternatively, spice lovers can add extra hot sauce or even jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella is the traditional choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for an exciting twist.
- Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, using a pizza stone can help create that perfect crispy crust. Make sure to preheat it in the oven before placing your rolled dough on it.
- Don’t Overload on Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on all the toppings, too many can result in a soggy crust. Stick with a balanced amount for the best texture.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Storing leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza is quite easy. First, allow the pizza to cool to room temperature before storing it. You can use an airtight container or wrap the pizza slices tightly in aluminum foil. Properly stored, your pizza can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the pizza. Just ensure it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, allow the frozen slices to thaw overnight in the fridge, or you can throw them directly into the oven to reheat.
Variation of Buffalo Chicken Pizza
While the classic Buffalo Chicken Pizza is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with several variations to keep things exciting.
- Barbecue Chicken Pizza: Substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile. You can still use ranch dressing for dipping or as a drizzle.
- Veggie Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Add veggies like bell peppers, red onions, or mushrooms to the chicken mix for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
- Cauliflower Crust Version: For a gluten-free option, try making your pizza with a cauliflower crust. The flavors still shine through, and it’s a lighter alternative.
- Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: If you prefer a quicker option, use a flatbread as your base for a mini version. Bake them individually for a fun appetizer!
- Stuffed Crust Pizza: For a cheesy surprise, create a stuffed crust by wrapping string cheese around the edges of your pizza dough before baking.
FAQ about Buffalo Chicken Pizza
What toppings can I add to Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
You can add various toppings to enhance your pizza, such as bell peppers, red onions, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different cheeses for a unique taste.
How do I make sure my pizza crust is crispy?
To achieve a crispy crust, ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the pizza inside. Additionally, using a pizza stone or baking it on a lower oven rack can help.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza in advance, then refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. Just remember to cover it well to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
You can serve it with a side of crispy celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a fresh salad to balance out the flavors. Ranch or blue cheese dressing makes an excellent dipping sauce.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven for best results or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry.
With this comprehensive guide to making Buffalo Chicken Pizza, you can now confidently whip up this delightful dish whenever the craving hits. Enjoy the process, let your creativity flow, and most importantly, savor every bite of your mouthwatering creation!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup warm water (around 110 degrees)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- to taste Ranch dressing or blue cheese for serving
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- Pour the warm water into a mixing bowl and add the sugar.
- Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it bloom for approximately 10 minutes.
- Add in flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead the dough at medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Baking the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Gently punch down the risen dough, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, and place it on a pizza stone or baking pan.
- Microwave the cream cheese until soft. Mix in the ranch seasoning until well combined and spread over the pizza crust.
- Toss the chopped cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce until coated and spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with 3/4 of the shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the pizza for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust is golden brown.
Finishing Touches
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!