How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pizza is one of the most loved foods around the world, and mixing it with spicy buffalo chicken makes it even better! If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your pizza night, this recipe is for you. Don’t worry—making spicy buffalo chicken pizza at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can create a mouthwatering pizza that will wow your family and friends. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the dough:
– 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the buffalo chicken topping:
– 1½ cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
– ⅓ cup buffalo hot sauce (adjust based on spice level)
– 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
For the rest of the pizza:
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
– ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
– ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, for added flavor)
– ½ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
– Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional, for drizzling)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the buffalo chicken topping. If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, you can quickly grill, bake, or boil some chicken breasts and shred them into small pieces using two forks. If you’re pressed for time, you can also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, melted butter, and buffalo hot sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the spicy, buttery sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less hot sauce, or add a touch of honey to balance the heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough into a flat circle and place it on a greased baking sheet or pizza stone. If you’re using homemade pizza dough, make sure to let it rise beforehand. Pre-made dough from the store works well, too—you can usually find it in the refrigerated section.
Tip: For extra crispy crust, lightly brush olive oil around the edges of the dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce or ranch dressing across the base of the pizza dough. This will add flavor and help keep the toppings in place.
Next, sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce base. Then, add the buffalo chicken pieces, spreading them evenly so every bite has some delicious meat. Over the top of the chicken, add the remaining mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese.
If you love strong flavors, sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese across the pizza. Blue cheese pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce, but if you’re not a fan, skip this step.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes. Keep an eye on it while it’s in the oven to make sure the cheese gets bubbly and slightly golden. The crust should be fully cooked, crisp on the outside, and soft inside.
Tip: For an extra crispy crust, preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet for a couple of minutes before adding the dough.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
When you pull the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes so the cheese sets and doesn’t slide everywhere when you cut it. Once cooled, garnish the pizza with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor. If you’re a fan of creamy toppings, drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the pizza for a restaurant-style finish. This step is optional but highly recommended!
Step 6: Slice and Serve!
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the pizza into wedges. Serve your spicy buffalo chicken pizza with extra dressing on the side for dipping, and don’t forget ice-cold drinks to cool off the spiciness.
Bonus Tips
- Adjust the spice level: Buffalo hot sauce can be pretty fiery, so use less if you’re not a fan of spice. If you’re a spice lover, kick things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Use other toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings like diced red onions, jalapeños, or even crispy bacon.
- Make your own pizza dough: If you have extra time, making homemade pizza dough from scratch can add a personal touch to your recipe. You just need flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
Conclusion
Spicy buffalo chicken pizza is perfect for parties, game days, or any night you’re craving something bold and flavorful. The tangy buffalo sauce, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken make every bite a winner. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your spice tolerance and topping preferences.
So, next time you’re in the mood for pizza, skip ordering out and try making your own spicy buffalo chicken pizza at home. It’s fun, fast, and oh-so-delicious. Happy cooking!
