Crispy edges, a tangy kick, and that classic creamy blue cheese touch—this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is a total game changer when you want a slice that’s got personality. Trust me, once you try this, your pizza nights will never be the same.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve always been a sucker for anything buffalo chicken, and this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe combines all those bold, spicy, and creamy flavors in one easy-to-make pie that you’ll crave again and again. It’s the kind of meal that impresses friends and feels like a special treat, without any complicated steps.
- Bold Flavor Combo: Tangy buffalo sauce and cooling blue cheese mingle perfectly with melty mozzarella for that crave-worthy taste.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something impressive but hassle-free.
- Customizable: Love it spicy, mild, or loaded with extras? This recipe welcomes all your personal tweaks.
- Perfect Crust Finish: The garlic butter parmesan crust twist adds a little indulgence that takes it over the top.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe has a purpose—and trust me, each one elevates the final pie. From the spicy buffalo sauce to the crispy crust topped with garlic butter, these flavors meld so well you’ll want to make this more than once!
- Shredded Chicken: Using cooked shredded chicken lets you infuse it easily with buffalo sauce, adding moisture and flavor right from the start.
- Buffalo Sauce: This is your flavor hero—warm, tangy, and spicy. I always use Frank’s for that perfect balance.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Adds that cool, creamy contrast to the spicy sauce. Marie’s Chunky Blue Cheese dressing is a personal favorite for the right texture.
- Pizza Dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, the dough gives you that crispy foundation and chewy bite we all want.
- Pizza Sauce: It adds a subtle background depth without stealing the show from buffalo flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella holds everything together with just the right stretchy texture—shredded from a block works best.
- Red Onions: Thinly sliced, they bring a mild crunch and a hint of sweetness to balance spiciness.
- Banana Pepper Rings: These add a little extra zing and texture that pairs beautifully with buffalo chicken.
- Garlic Butter Parmesan Crust: This combo brushed on at the end adds savory richness and a crisp finish you’ll love.
- Garnishes (Chives, Red Pepper Flakes, Parsley): Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of heat brighten the whole thing to perfection.
Make It Your Way
I’m a big fan of keeping it classic, but I’ve also swapped in Ranch dressing sometimes when blue cheese feels too bold. Feel free to play with the spice level or change up the toppings to suit your mood—you can’t go wrong!
- Variation: One time, I added crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch that totally elevated the vibe. If you like smoky flavors, definitely give that a shot!
- Heat Level: If you want to turn down the spice, swap buffalo sauce for a milder wing sauce or add extra blue cheese to mellow it out.
- Crust Options: For gluten-free friends, you can use a gluten-free dough and still get that satisfying crispness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and a spoonful of blue cheese dressing. I like to let the chicken marinate a bit while I prep everything else—it soaks up the flavor and stays juicy when baked.
Step 2: Shape the Dough and Add Pizza Sauce
Stretch or roll your dough onto a greased 12-inch pizza pan or stone. Don’t forget to poke holes with a fork—that little trick stops giant bubbles from ruining your crust. Then, spread out the pizza sauce evenly for a base layer that adds subtle sweetness behind the buffalo kick.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Toppings
Start with a layer of mozzarella, then spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly on top. Scatter the red onions and banana pepper rings for crunch, and add a little more mozzarella over everything to help meld the flavors together during baking.
Step 4: Add Final Sauces and Bake
Drizzle with blue cheese and a little extra buffalo sauce before sliding the pie into a hot oven at 450°F. I bake mine for about 13 minutes until bubbling and melty.
Step 5: Garlic Butter Parmesan Crust Finish
While the pizza bakes, mix melted butter, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture all around the crust, then pop it back in the oven for 2-3 minutes to brown lightly. That crust coating is a total game changer—it adds flavor and a luxurious crisp.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve!
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, and red pepper flakes on top for fresh color and a final hint of spice. Slice it while it's hot and enjoy every melty, zesty bite.
Top Tip
From my experience making this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe a handful of times, these little tweaks make all the difference in nailing that perfect balance of flavors and textures every time.
- Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Shredding mozzarella from a block helps melt without making the pizza soggy, unlike fresh mozzarella which is too wet.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic Butter Crust: Brushing this on after your first bake takes the crust from good to next-level tasty and prevents it from getting too hard.
- Let Your Chicken Marinate: Even just 10 minutes soaking in buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing makes the chicken much juicier and more flavorful.
- Use a Pizza Stone if You Have One: Preheating a stone improves crust crispiness and browning—makes a big difference in texture.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding freshly chopped chives and parsley on top for vibrant color and a little herbal lift. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds some subtle heat to match the buffalo sauce kick. These simple garnishes tie the whole flavor profile together perfectly.
Side Dishes
For me, celery sticks instantly bring back classic buffalo wing vibes, so I often serve these alongside. A crisp green salad or some crunchy carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dip round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this for a party, try cutting it into smaller squares appetizer-style or serve alongside mini buffalo chicken sliders for a fun combo. I’ve also layered this pizza on flatbread for a crowdsome sharing platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for 3-4 days without losing that melty texture or flavor punch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover slices wrapped individually in foil then placed in a freezer bag. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat surprisingly well—perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is popping slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and melts the cheese beautifully. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the crust chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ranch is a great swap if you prefer a milder, creamier flavor that pairs well with buffalo sauce. Just use the same amounts and adjust to taste.
Use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella shredded from a block. It melts beautifully without releasing too much moisture, keeping your pizza from getting soggy. Avoid fresh mozzarella here.
Yes, you can assemble the pizza ahead and refrigerate it for up to a few hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before popping it in a hot oven for the best crust rise and texture.
Pre-baking the crust a few minutes before adding the toppings helps reduce sogginess. Also, poking holes in the dough before baking prevents large bubbles. Using low-moisture mozzarella and not overloading with wet ingredients is important too.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is one of those meals I go back to time and again because it hits all the right notes—spicy, cheesy, crunchy, and downright comforting. Making it at home gives you the freedom to dial up the heat or keep it mild, so it’s always spot-on for whoever you’re feeding. So grab your dough, turn up the oven, and get ready for a pizza night that feels like a celebration. You’re gonna love it!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines spicy buffalo chicken with creamy blue cheese and melted mozzarella on a crispy pizza crust, making a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for game day or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken
- ⅓ cup buffalo sauce, plus more to drizzle on top
- ¼ cup blue cheese dressing, divided (can substitute ranch)
- 1 lb. pizza dough, at room temperature
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup banana pepper rings, patted dry
Garlic Butter Parmesan Crust
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
- Chives or green onions
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats for a crisper crust.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ⅓ cup buffalo sauce, and 1 tablespoon of blue cheese dressing. Let it marinate briefly as you prepare the other ingredients.
- Prepare Dough: Spread the pizza dough onto a lightly greased 12-inch pizza pan or pizza stone. Use a fork to poke holes in the dough to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Add Toppings: Spread ½ cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle most of the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the buffalo chicken mixture, sliced red onions, and banana pepper rings. Finish by adding the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the toppings.
- Drizzle Sauces: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing and 1 to 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the pizza for extra flavor.
- Bake Pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 13 minutes, then remove it carefully.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix the melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder together. Brush this mixture over the crust edges of the pizza.
- Finish Baking: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions or chives, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and serve hot.
Notes
- Use Marie's Chunky Blue Cheese dressing for authentic flavor or substitute with ranch dressing if preferred.
- Franks Buffalo Sauce is recommended for the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
- Use low-moisture whole milk shredded mozzarella for the best melt; avoid fresh mozzarella as it is too wet.
- Store-bought refrigerated pizza dough is a convenient option or try homemade dough for a personal touch.
- For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Try pairing this pizza with a fresh green salad to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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