Craving a delicious twist on pizza? This buffalo chicken pizza recipe brings together the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo sauce with shredded chicken and melted cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress anyone who loves bold flavors. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
– 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing (for drizzling)
– Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 18g of protein, 20g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber. This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken.
- If using, add blue cheese crumbles on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with cilantro or green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can swap the buffalo sauce for a milder hot sauce if you prefer less heat. Additionally, use grilled chicken instead of shredded for a different texture, or replace mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Serving and Pairings
This buffalo chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad or celery sticks. For drinks, consider serving it with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade to balance the spice.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This pizza can also be frozen; just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip preheating the oven; a hot oven ensures a crispy crust.
- Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, which can make it soggy.
- Use a pizza stone for an even bake if possible.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to prevent toppings from sliding off.
- Monitor the baking time closely to avoid burning the crust.
Helpful Tips
- For extra crunch, brush the crust with olive oil before baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses to customize flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños to the topping.
FAQs
Can I make buffalo chicken pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble the pizza when ready to bake. Just store the chicken and sauce separately until use.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella cheese is traditional, but you can also mix in cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce used; you can adjust it by using a milder sauce or reducing the amount.
Can I grill this pizza instead?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor; just use a pizza stone or a grill-safe pan.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated and avoid adding too much sauce. Baking on a pizza stone can also help achieve a crispy crust.
Conclusion
This buffalo chicken pizza recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a spicy twist. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a night in, this pizza will be a hit with everyone!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles optional
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing for drizzling
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken.
- If using, add blue cheese crumbles on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with cilantro or green onions before serving.
Nutrition
