Contents
Introduction
Buffalo chicken pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza recipes that combines the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting base of pizza. This recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or any night when you crave something a little different. With a crispy crust, tender chicken coated in buffalo sauce, and topped with cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Pizza dough (1 pound)
– Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups)
– Buffalo sauce (1/2 cup)
– Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup)
– Blue cheese crumbles (1/2 cup)
– Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling (optional)
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it is hot enough for the pizza.
Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
In a bowl, combine cooked and shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Assemble the Pizza
Spread a layer of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing over the rolled-out dough. Distribute the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top of the dressing.
Add Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the buffalo chicken mixture, covering it well.
Bake the Pizza
Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Finish and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Optionally, drizzle with additional buffalo sauce or ranch dressing.
Notes
Chicken Options
You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
Dough Variations
Feel free to use store-bought pizza dough or pre-made crust if you prefer to save time.
Spice level
Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference; use more for heat and less for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Cook techniques
Cooking Chicken
To achieve tender and juicy chicken for your Buffalo chicken pizza, cook the chicken thoroughly by grilling, baking, or boiling. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Making Buffalo Sauce
Combine hot sauce and melted butter in a bowl to create a rich Buffalo sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preference by varying the amount of hot sauce used.
Preparing the Dough
Use a simple pizza dough recipe or store-bought dough. Roll it out evenly to create a perfect base for your pizza.
Assembling the Pizza
Spread the Buffalo sauce over the base, then layer with cooked chicken and cheese. Add additional toppings like onions or celery if desired.
Baking the Pizza
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, usually around 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, typically 12-15 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover chicken is a great way to save time and adds extra flavor to your Buffalo chicken pizza.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can reduce the amount of hot sauce in the Buffalo sauce or use a milder sauce to make the pizza more suitable for your taste.
Can I make the pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza up to the baking stage in advance. Cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What toppings can I add to Buffalo chicken pizza?
Popular toppings include cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, red onions, green onions, and even ranch or blue cheese dressing.
How can I make the crust crispier?
To achieve a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings, or use a pizza stone to distribute heat more evenly.
Conclusion
Creating a Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a delightful way to combine the classic flavors of buffalo wings with the comforting aspects of pizza. The zingy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese come together to create a dish that is perfect for game day or a casual family dinner. Serve it hot for the best experience, and enjoy the spicy, savory goodness of this delicious pizza!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza
For a vegetarian twist, substitute cauliflower for chicken. Buffalo cauliflower brings the same spicy flavor with a crispy texture.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Switch out buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce and use grilled chicken for a smoky, sweet variation that’s equally satisfying.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Use the same buffalo chicken mixture in slider buns for a fun and easy appetizer perfect for gatherings.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Combine cooked pasta with buffalo chicken, cheese, and a creamy sauce, then bake for a hearty casserole.
Spicy Chicken Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with buffalo chicken, cheese, and veggies for delicious, melty quesadillas that are easy to make and eat.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Transform the flavors into a salad by mixing buffalo chicken with lettuce, tomatoes, and blue cheese for a lighter meal option.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Create a creamy dip version using shredded buffalo chicken, cream cheese, and cheese, perfect for scooping with tortilla chips.
