If you love bold flavors and crave that perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and crispy, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Combining tender, buffalo sauce-coated chicken with fresh mozzarella, a crunchy crust, and a hint of heat from jalapeños, every bite packs a punch that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s for a game day feast or a casual weeknight treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is easy because the ingredients are straightforward, yet every item plays an essential role. From the dough that forms a crisp foundation to the buffalo sauce adding that signature kick, each component contributes texture, taste, and a splash of color that makes the pizza irresistible.
- 18-20 ounces pizza dough: The base of your pizza, perfect for a golden, crispy crust that bubbles up beautifully in a hot oven.
- 1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes, fully cooked: Tender chicken bites bring protein and soak up all those spicy buffalo flavors.
- 6-7 slices fresh mozzarella (about 8 oz ball): Creamy and melty, mozzarella helps balance the heat while creating that irresistible cheesy pull.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce: This fiery sauce is the heart of the pizza, giving it that bold and zesty flavor punch.
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild bite and a pop of color that brightens each slice.
- Sliced fresh jalapeño (optional): For those who want an extra layer of heat and crunch, jalapeños are the way to go.
- â…“ cup flour (for crust): Keeps the dough from sticking and helps you handle it smoothly during prep.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing falls flat.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving): The perfect creamy dip to mellow out the spice and add a cool finish.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to a scorching 500°F (260°C) to make sure your crust comes out perfectly crisp. If you have a pizza stone, go ahead and place it inside while the oven warms up—it’ll help achieve that professional pizzeria crunchy base that everyone loves.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat, then toss in your bite-sized chicken cubes. Cook them until they’re beautifully golden, which locks in juiciness and adds a lovely texture contrast. Drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce to infuse the spicy flavor right into the chicken before you set it aside for topping later.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out until it reaches about 12 inches in diameter. Sprinkle a pinch of salt across the surface to balance the buttery dough flavor and enhance the overall taste of the crust.
Step 4: Transfer to Pizza Peel
Dust your pizza peel generously with flour to prevent sticking, then carefully move your rolled-out dough onto it. Spread buffalo sauce evenly over the surface but make sure to leave a half-inch border around the edges for that classic crustiness.
Step 5: Add Your Toppings
Now it’s time to layer on all the good stuff: start with your buffalo-coated chicken, then add those fresh slices of mozzarella, scatter your thinly sliced red onions, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss on jalapeño slices for some extra heat.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Slide your pizza carefully from the peel onto the blazing-hot pizza stone in your oven. Bake it for 10 to 15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and cheese that’s bubbling with deliciousness. The aroma alone will have you ready to dig in!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes so the cheese sets slightly and slices hold together. Serve hot alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing—both add that creamy cooling touch that perfectly complements the spicy buffalo flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a fresh, herbaceous twist. A light drizzle of extra buffalo sauce or a few dollops of your favorite dressing can also add visual appeal and extra zing.
Side Dishes
Pair this bold pizza with crispy celery sticks and crunchy carrot slices to balance the heat and add some refreshing crunch. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness of the cheese and spicy chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your pizza into handheld party favorites by slicing it into smaller squares or strips perfect for dipping. Or, serve it family-style on a wooden board garnished with extra buffalo sauce and fresh herbs to wow your guests and keep everyone reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe slices tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy, flavorful meals the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, you can freeze baked pizza slices by placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and wrapping it securely. Frozen slices maintain great flavor and can last up to 2 months for quick, satisfying meals.
Reheating
To reheat, place your leftover pizza on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the crust regains its crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option and will still soak up the buffalo sauce perfectly. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before topping your pizza.
What type of buffalo sauce works best for this pizza?
Classic buffalo wing sauce with a good balance of heat and tanginess works best. If you like it milder, you can mix the sauce with a little melted butter to tone down the spice without losing flavor.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular pizza dough for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some gluten-free doughs may bake faster or slower depending on the brand.
Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?
Not at all, but a pizza stone really helps achieve that crisp, evenly baked crust. If you don’t have one, a preheated baking sheet turned upside down works as a good substitute.
What’s the best way to prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to preheat your oven properly and avoid overloading your pizza with sauce or toppings. Leaving a small border around the edges also helps the crust stay crisp and avoid getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe that brings comfort, spice, and cheesy goodness all in one bite. It’s simple to make, uses ingredients you likely already love, and will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, crank up the heat in your oven, and enjoy every slice of this crowd-pleasing favorite!
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines spicy buffalo sauce-coated chicken, fresh mozzarella, and crisp red onions on a perfectly baked crust. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful twist on classic pizza perfect for game day or a casual dinner.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Base
- 18–20 ounces pizza dough
- â…“ cup flour (for crust)
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
For the Toppings
- 1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes, fully cooked
- 6–7 slices fresh mozzarella (about 8 oz ball)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Sliced fresh jalapeño (optional)
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven and preheat for at least 1 hour to ensure even, crispy baking.
- Cook the Chicken: In a small pan lightly oiled and heated over medium heat, sauté the bite-sized chicken cubes until golden brown. Once cooked, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce to coat evenly and set aside.
- Prepare the Pizza Dough: Lightly dust your working surface with flour and roll out the pizza dough to form a 12-inch round crust. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the dough for enhanced flavor.
- Transfer to Pizza Peel: Dust a pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto the peel. Using the back of a spoon or brush, spread buffalo sauce evenly over the dough surface, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges to form the crust.
- Add Toppings: Distribute the cooked buffalo chicken cubes evenly over the sauced dough. Layer the fresh mozzarella slices, followed by thinly sliced red onions and jalapeño slices if you’re using them, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone inside the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbling, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
- Serve: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes. Cut into slices and serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, enhancing the classic buffalo chicken flavor.
Notes
- Preheating the pizza stone is key for achieving a crisp crust; allow at least 1 hour for the stone to heat properly.
- If fresh mozzarella is too moist, pat dry with paper towels to avoid a soggy crust.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce on the chicken and dough according to your preferred spice level.
- For a quicker option, fully cooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead of cooking chicken breast cubes.
- Use a pizza peel or rimless baking sheet to transfer the pizza safely onto the pizza stone.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in an oven for best texture retention.
