Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Bring game-day flavor to your dinner table with this spicy buffalo chicken pizza loaded with tangy sauce, bold cheese, and pickled toppings.
With a buttery garlic-Parmesan crust and gooey mozzarella, this buffalo chicken pizza hits every flavor note in just 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Shredded chicken – Soaks up the buffalo sauce for the perfect spicy, tangy bite.
Buffalo sauce – Brings the iconic heat and zing that defines the flavor of this pizza.
Blue cheese dressing – Adds a creamy, tangy richness. Ranch is a great alternative for a milder touch.
Pizza dough – The base for everything. Room temperature dough stretches easier and bakes evenly.
Pizza sauce – Adds a layer of tomato brightness beneath the bold toppings.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, balancing the heat with creamy texture.
Red onions – Offer sharpness and crunch that complements the chicken and cheese.
Banana peppers – Their pickled tang cuts through the richness with just the right zing.
Garlic butter, Parmesan, garlic powder – Brushed on the crust for a golden, flavorful finish.
How to Make This Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Start with marinating shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and a touch of blue cheese. Prep your dough on a greased pan, then layer with pizza sauce and most of the mozzarella.
Add the chicken, onions, banana peppers, and remaining cheese. Drizzle more buffalo sauce and blue cheese before baking. Finish with garlic-Parmesan butter, bake briefly again, and garnish before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pizza
For crispier results, bake your pizza on a preheated stone or cast-iron pan. Letting the dough come to room temp makes it easier to stretch and prevents shrinking.
Customize heat levels by adjusting the buffalo sauce or opting for ranch. Don’t skip patting dry banana peppers—it keeps the crust from getting soggy.
Storing Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Wrap slices in foil or store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F for best texture. Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a quick and flavorful option. Just shred and toss with buffalo sauce.
What kind of dough works best?
Fresh, refrigerated dough gives the best texture. Let it warm to room temperature before using.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep all toppings in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving for best results.
Is there a ranch version of this pizza?
Absolutely. Swap the blue cheese dressing for ranch in the marinade and drizzle for a milder version.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ¼ cup banana pepper rings blotted dry
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ¼ cup blue cheese dressing divided (or substitute Ranch)
- 1 lb. pizza dough at room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce plus additional for topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup prepared pizza sauce
To Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Chopped chives or sliced green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. For optimal results, place a pizza stone inside the oven while it heats to achieve a crisp, evenly browned crust.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and 1 tablespoon of the blue cheese dressing, allowing it to marinate briefly.
- Roll or press the pizza dough onto a greased 12-inch pan or stone, using a fork to prick holes across its surface to deter bubbling. Evenly spread the pizza sauce across the dough, then layer with the majority of the mozzarella cheese.
- Distribute the marinated chicken, followed by the red onions and banana pepper rings. Scatter the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of blue cheese dressing and 1–2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the toppings. Bake for 13 minutes, then remove the pizza from the oven.
- In a small bowl, blend the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture along the crust edges. Return the pizza to the oven for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Finish with a sprinkle of parsley, red pepper flakes, and green onions or chives. Slice and serve immediately.