If you love pizza and have a soft spot for spicy, tangy flavors, you’re in for a treat with this Buffalo Chicken Pizza! Imagine everything you adore about classic buffalo wings—juicy chicken, zippy sauce, creamy dressing—piled generously atop a bubbly, golden crust. With a gooey cheese layer and the option for a blue cheese punch, this pizza makes for an unbeatable game-day snack, a weeknight dinner full of excitement, or simply a way to upgrade your pizza night. The balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch makes Buffalo Chicken Pizza irresistible, and it’s so easy to pull together at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe might taste like it came from your favorite pizzeria, but the ingredient list couldn’t be simpler! Each addition has its own magic, working together to create the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Pizza experience.
- Pizza dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, a good dough is the foundation for a crispy, chewy base.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender and juicy, this soaks up the spicy buffalo sauce for loads of flavor in every bite.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The star component, giving the essential spicy-tangy kick to the chicken topping.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Acts as a cool, creamy “sauce” that balances out the heat perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, yielding a stretchy, gooey layer that brings everything together.
- Crumbled blue cheese or extra mozzarella (optional): Adds a punch of sharp, tangy flavor or an extra-melty finish—choose your favorite!
- Olive oil: Brushed on the crust with garlic powder, it imparts richness and prevents sogginess.
- Garlic powder: Gives a subtle aromatic boost to the crust, making every slice extra savory.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): A fresh garnish for a pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by turning your oven up to 475°F. A hot oven is crucial for a crisp, golden crust and bubbly cheese—you want that pizzeria result! Lightly flour your work surface and roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you’re after a chewier bite, keep it a bit thicker; for a crispier finish, roll it thin. Place the dough on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, or better yet, a preheated pizza stone if you have one for that classic texture.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
Combine your shredded, cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce in a small bowl. Stir it up until the chicken is evenly coated and glowing that signature orange. If you like things super hot, add a splash more. This is the flavor powerhouse of your Buffalo Chicken Pizza, so don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting.
Step 3: Infuse the Crust with Flavor
In a separate bowl, mix olive oil and garlic powder. Brush this mixture right over the edges of your pizza dough before adding any toppings. This step adds a subtle savory backdrop and ensures your crust bakes up with that beautiful sheen and flavor, instead of drying out.
Step 4: Layer with Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing
Using a spoon or spatula, spread the ranch or blue cheese dressing over the center of the pizza dough. This creamy layer acts as the base “sauce” for Buffalo Chicken Pizza and tempers the heat of the buffalo sauce, making every bite balanced and rich.
Step 5: Pile on the Cheese and Chicken
Next, scatter the shredded mozzarella across the pizza, making sure to get some cheese all the way to the edges for those crispy, cheesy bits. Now, top with your buffalo chicken mixture, distributing it generously. If you love blue cheese, sprinkle some crumbles over the top for an extra punch, or add more mozzarella if you prefer a classic melt.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crisp crust and cheese that’s melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown in spots. Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing—trust me, it’s hard to wait, but it helps the toppings set. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley if you like a fresh finish.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Garnishes
This pizza shines with a touch of green on top—try a good pinch of chopped green onions for zesty freshness or parsley for herby brightness. If you’re a fan of even more heat or creaminess, a light drizzle of buffalo sauce or ranch right before serving will make your Buffalo Chicken Pizza pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
While Buffalo Chicken Pizza is bold enough to stand alone, pairing it with a crisp celery and carrot salad or a simple green salad tossed in ranch will keep things feeling light and refreshing. Consider serving with classic sides like oven-baked potato wedges or even a small bowl of blue cheese or ranch for dipping the crust.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pizza into strips for fun party-ready dippers, or bake mini versions on naan or pita bread for crowd-pleasing appetizers! For a full meal, create a Buffalo Chicken Pizza “bar” and let friends or family customize with extra toppings, sauces, and fresh herbs. It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings and game nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra slices, let the pizza cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days; the tangy, cheesy flavors practically deepen overnight, and the pizza holds up beautifully for next-day snacking or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze Buffalo Chicken Pizza easily, either whole or in individual slices. Wrap the cooled pizza tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To keep your Buffalo Chicken Pizza crisp and gooey, reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until heated through and the cheese re-melts. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust chewy. You can also use an air fryer for a super quick, crisp finish!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely—using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and brings plenty of flavor to the table. Just shred, toss with buffalo sauce, and proceed with the recipe as written.
What’s the best buffalo sauce for pizza?
Frank’s RedHot sauce is a classic choice for Buffalo Chicken Pizza, but any buffalo wing sauce you love will work. Choose mild or hot based on your spice preference, or try mixing a little honey for sweetness if you’re heat-sensitive.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular pizza dough for your favorite gluten-free dough. Make sure to check that your buffalo sauce and dressings are also gluten-free for a fully safe and satisfying pizza experience.
Is blue cheese necessary?
Not at all! Blue cheese is traditional but purely optional. If you prefer, leave it out entirely or double up on mozzarella for an ultra-melty, milder finish.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Control the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce to your chicken, or choose a mild sauce to start. You can even offer extra dressing for dipping, which helps mellow out any fiery flavors for more sensitive palates.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Buffalo Chicken Pizza at home, you might never go back to ordinary takeout! Each slice is a flavor explosion—creamy, spicy, cheesy, and so easy to make. Gather your favorite toppings, let your oven work its magic, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a pizza night that brings big smiles and happy tastebuds. Give it a try and see why Buffalo Chicken Pizza has earned a spot on so many family favorites lists!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bring the bold flavors of buffalo chicken wings to your pizza with this easy and delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe. Perfect for a fun twist on pizza night or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 prepared pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Buffalo Chicken Topping:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch or blue cheese dressing
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or extra mozzarella (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Prepare Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until coated.
- Season Crust: Mix olive oil and garlic powder, then brush over the crust.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread ranch or blue cheese dressing on the dough, then top with mozzarella, buffalo chicken, and optional blue cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with green onions or parsley, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce to taste for desired spice level.
- Rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving option for the shredded chicken.
- For extra flavor, consider drizzling with more ranch or buffalo sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
