If you have a craving for something with bold, tangy flavors and a fantastic kick of heat, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Picture a golden, crispy crust layered with creamy blue cheese dressing, gooey melted mozzarella, spicy buffalo chicken, and just the right touch of crumbled blue cheese for that iconic zing. It’s comfort food elevated, combining the best of pizza night and game day snacks into one unforgettable dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors while adding texture and color that makes this pizza as stunning as it is delicious.
- Pizza dough: A sturdy base, either homemade or store-bought, that crisps up beautifully without getting soggy.
- Blue cheese dressing: Adds creamy richness and tang, acting as a flavorful sauce foundation.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts to a dreamy, stretchy layer that balances the spicy chicken.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here for juicy, tender meat.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Brings the signature spicy, vinegary Buffalo heat that wakes up the palate.
- Crumbled blue cheese: Adds bursts of sharp, salty tang that contrast perfectly with the heat.
- Optional garnishes: Sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for freshness and color.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to get it nice and hot—this helps the crust bake evenly and become delightfully crisp. Roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, ready to be loaded with all the delicious toppings.
Step 2: Assemble the Base Layers
Spread a generous layer of blue cheese dressing over the dough, which acts as a rich and tangy canvas. Then sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a melty, cheesy foundation that will hold all your toppings together.
Step 3: Add the Buffalo Chicken
In a bowl, toss your shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce until every piece is coated with that signature spicy glaze. Spread the saucy chicken evenly over the mozzarella, building layers of flavor and heat.
Step 4: Top and Get Ready to Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the chicken, then finish with crumbled blue cheese to give you those occasional bursts of bold flavor. Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the heated pizza stone or baking sheet—parchment paper comes in handy here.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust turns golden brown and everything is bubbling beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese has melted into gooey, irresistible layers and the aroma fills your kitchen with mouthwatering promises.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Garnish
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes to set the toppings before garnishing. This brief wait makes slicing easier and ensures each bite stays perfectly balanced without sliding toppings.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness on a spicy pizza is key, so top off with a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing to mellow the heat. Add sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for a punch of color and a bright, herbal lift that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Pizza pairs wonderfully with crisp celery sticks or a simple side salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette. These sides provide a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy richness of the pizza and help balance out the spicy heat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra buffalo sauce, blue cheese dressing, and ranch. This not only looks inviting but allows everyone to customize each slice to their perfect flavor balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza, cool it completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When stored properly, frozen pizza stays good for up to 1 month without losing its delicious flavor.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain the perfect texture and flavor of this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese dressing?
Absolutely! Ranch dressing is a great alternative if you find blue cheese too strong or simply prefer a milder, creamier base. It still complements the buffalo chicken beautifully while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Is rotisserie chicken necessary for this recipe?
While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, any cooked shredded chicken will work. You can even poach or bake your own chicken breasts for a fresh protein base tailored to your taste.
How spicy is the pizza, and can I adjust the heat level?
The heat depends on the buffalo wing sauce you choose—some are milder, others pack a punch. You can adjust the spiciness by using less sauce or pairing it with extra blue cheese or ranch dressing to tone down the heat for sensitive palates.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular pizza dough with a gluten-free version available at many stores or try making your own gluten-free crust for a delicious and safe alternative.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can shred and toss the chicken in buffalo sauce a day ahead and even roll out the dough in advance. Assembling and baking just before serving keeps everything fresh and ensures the pizza tastes its absolute best.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles and happy bellies. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for sharing with friends. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your household—spicy, creamy, and utterly satisfying.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A zesty and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Pizza featuring a crispy homemade or store-bought pizza crust, topped with tangy blue cheese dressing, shredded mozzarella, spicy buffalo chicken, and crumbled blue cheese. Perfect for fans of buffalo wings looking to enjoy their favorite flavors in a delicious pizza form.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound homemade or store-bought pizza dough, room temperature
Toppings
- ⅓ cup blue cheese dressing (or ranch dressing)
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce, plus more for serving (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat up as well. Meanwhile, roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it onto a pizza peel if available, or place it on parchment paper or a baking sheet for baking.
- Add Toppings: Spread a generous layer of blue cheese dressing evenly over the dough. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with buffalo wing sauce until well coated, then distribute the chicken evenly over the cheese. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese and crumbled blue cheese over the top.
- Bake: Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated pizza stone using a pizza peel or slide it onto the stone along with the parchment paper or use the baking sheet directly in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly to set for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, additional blue cheese or ranch dressing, and a drizzle of extra buffalo wing sauce if desired. Slice and serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing if preferred.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but cooked chicken breast can also be used.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, a baking sheet will work perfectly fine.
- For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce on top after baking.
- Letting the pizza cool slightly before slicing helps the cheese to set and prevents toppings from sliding off.
