Name: Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 recipe pizza dough; 1 lb boneless chicken breast; 1 cup hot sauce of choice; 1 bottle blue cheese dressing; 1 lb Mozzarella cheese; 1 stalk celery

Buffalo chicken pizza combines the tangy spice of buffalo wings with the comfort of homemade pizza. This fusion of flavors is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a unique twist to your regular pizza night.

Photos of Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are readily available in any regular supermarket. However, the hot sauce of choice should be tailored to your liking. Traditional Buffalo sauce is recommended for the authentic Buffalo flavor, but feel free to get creative with your favorite hot sauce. Likewise, go for a high-quality blue cheese dressing for a more savory taste.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Pizza dough: The base of any pizza recipe, it can be homemade or store-bought.

Boneless chicken breast: Lean and tender, it absorbs the hot sauce well, providing the Buffalo kick.

Hot sauce: The key ingredient that gives the Buffalo chicken its distinctive flavor. Pick one as per your heat preference.

Blue cheese dressing: It offers a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken.

Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving your pizza a delightful cheese pull.

Celery: Adds a refreshing and crispy element to the pizza.

One reader, Emlen Appel says:

This buffalo chicken pizza recipe is a game-changer! The spicy chicken and tangy hot sauce combined with creamy blue cheese dressing make for a mouthwatering flavor explosion. The addition of celery adds a refreshing crunch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a little heat on their pizza!

Emlen Appel

Mastering the Art of Buffalo Chicken Pizza

How to sauté chicken in hot sauce: Dice the chicken into cubes and sauté in the hot sauce until fully cooked and coated with the sauce.

How to spread blue cheese dressing on the prepared pizza dough: Use a spoon or spatula to evenly spread the blue cheese dressing over the prepared pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

How to top with mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza, covering the chicken and blue cheese dressing.

How to top with chicken hot sauce mixture and celery: Spread the sautéed chicken and hot sauce mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese. Then, top with thinly sliced celery for added crunch and flavor.

How to bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

How to let the pizza sit for five minutes before slicing: Allow the pizza to rest for five minutes after removing it from the oven. This will help the cheese set and make it easier to slice into perfect portions.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza

This buffalo chicken pizza is topped with tons of cheese, spiced chicken, and celery for a savory snack that joins two all-time faves in one packed slice!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1recipepizza dough
1lbboneless chicken breast
1cuphot sauce of choice
1bottleblue cheese dressing
1lbmozzarella cheese
1stalkcelery

Instructions

Dice chicken into cubes; sauté in the hot sauce.
Spread the blue cheese dressing on the prepared pizza dough.
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Top with chicken hot sauce mixture and celery.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees F.
Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 828.85kcal
Fat: 69.94g
Saturated Fat: 18.63g
Trans Fat: 1.36g
Monounsaturated Fat: 19.28g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 28.75g
Carbohydrates: 20.92g
Fiber: 1.32g
Sugar: 4.61g
Protein: 28.09g
Cholesterol: 116.85mg
Sodium: 1985.59mg
Calcium: 394.66mg
Potassium: 337.65mg
Iron: 1.60mg
Vitamin A: 142.25µg
Vitamin C: 21.93mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza

When sautéing the chicken in hot sauce, ensure to keep the heat at a medium level. This will allow the chicken to cook thoroughly without burning the sauce. Also, stirring occasionally will help distribute the heat evenly, ensuring all pieces of chicken are well-coated and infused with the spicy flavor.

Time-Saving Hacks for Buffalo Chicken Pizza Preparation

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken in the hot sauce the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Pre-made dough: Use store-bought pizza dough to save time on making the dough from scratch.

Pre-cut ingredients: Purchase pre-shredded mozzarella cheese and pre-cut celery to cut down on prep time.

Multi-task: While the pizza is baking, prepare a side salad or appetizer to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from raw.

Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible to save time searching for them later.

Substitute Ingredients For Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

pizza dough - Substitute with store-bought pizza crust: Store-bought pizza crust can be a convenient substitute for homemade pizza dough, saving time and effort in the cooking process.
boneless chicken breast - Substitute with tempeh: Tempeh is a plant-based protein that can be marinated and cooked to mimic the texture and flavor of chicken, making it a suitable substitute for chicken breast in this recipe.
hot sauce of choice - Substitute with barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce can provide a sweet and smoky flavor as an alternative to the heat of hot sauce, offering a different flavor profile for the pizza.
blue cheese dressing - Substitute with ranch dressing: Ranch dressing can be used as a milder alternative to blue cheese dressing, providing a creamy and tangy flavor to complement the other ingredients on the pizza.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella, offering a rich and sharp flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients on the pizza.
celery - Substitute with bell pepper: Bell pepper can provide a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor as a substitute for celery in the recipe.

Plating Ideas for an Impressive Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Elevate the pizza dough: Instead of a traditional round shape, consider shaping the pizza dough into a rustic oval or rectangle for a more sophisticated presentation.
Artful drizzling of hot sauce: Instead of simply mixing the hot sauce with the chicken, consider drizzling it in an artistic pattern over the top of the pizza for a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with delicate celery leaves: Instead of using diced celery, consider garnishing the pizza with delicate celery leaves for a more refined and elegant touch.
Create a blue cheese dressing swirl: Instead of spreading the blue cheese dressing evenly, consider creating a beautiful swirl pattern on the pizza for an elevated visual presentation.
Use high-quality mozzarella: Opt for fresh, high-quality mozzarella and tear it into irregular pieces for a more artisanal and upscale look.
Consider individual portions: Instead of a large pizza, consider presenting individual-sized pizzas for a more elegant and personalized dining experience.

Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Making Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for various kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Sauté pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying.
Pizza stone: A flat, natural stone used to evenly distribute heat while baking pizza, resulting in a crispy crust.
Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for pizza crust.
Tongs: A kitchen tool with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot items.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking and roasting in the oven.
Pizza cutter: A sharp wheel blade tool used to slice pizzas into portions.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for recipes.

Storing and Freezing Buffalo Chicken Pizza for Later

To store leftover buffalo chicken pizza, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For best results, reheat refrigerated pizza in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
To freeze, wrap the cooled pizza tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the frozen pizza for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. No need to thaw before reheating.
For a crispy crust, place the pizza directly on the oven rack for the last 5 minutes of reheating. For a softer crust, keep it on the baking sheet throughout.
Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the crust may become soggy. For best results, reheat in the oven or toaster oven.

How To Reheat Buffalo Chicken Pizza for Optimal Taste

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover slices of buffalo chicken pizza on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method will help restore the crispiness of the crust while evenly heating the toppings.
For a quicker option, use a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the crust is crispy. The lid will help trap the heat and moisture, ensuring the toppings are heated through without drying out.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your buffalo chicken pizza. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. The air fryer will provide a quick and crispy result without the need to preheat a full-sized oven.
For a crispy crust and gooey cheese, try reheating your pizza in a cast-iron skillet. Preheat the skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the crust is crispy. The cast-iron skillet will provide even heat distribution and help create a crispy crust.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover buffalo chicken pizza, try brushing the crust with a mixture of melted butter and garlic powder before reheating. This will give the crust a delicious garlic butter flavor and help it crisp up nicely in the oven or skillet.

Surprising Trivia About Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo chicken pizza is a popular dish that combines the flavors of spicy buffalo chicken with the classic elements of a pizza. It's a delicious fusion of two beloved foods, offering a unique and satisfying taste experience.

Budget-Friendly Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Is It Possible?

This buffalo chicken pizza recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the chicken, hot sauce, and mozzarella cheese. The use of affordable ingredients like pizza dough, blue cheese dressing, and celery balances the cost. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for variations to suit budget constraints. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-25.

Is Buffalo Chicken Pizza Healthy or Unhealthy?

This buffalo chicken pizza recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are the high amounts of saturated fat and sodium present in the ingredients. The blue cheese dressing, mozzarella cheese, and hot sauce all contribute to the elevated levels of saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, the hot sauce and blue cheese dressing are likely to be high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Use a whole wheat or cauliflower pizza crust instead of a regular pizza dough to increase fiber content and reduce carbohydrates
Opt for a low-fat or fat-free blue cheese dressing to cut down on saturated fat
Reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese used, or choose a low-fat variety
Replace some of the mozzarella with a more nutritious option, such as crumbled feta or goat cheese
Use a hot sauce with lower sodium content, or make your own using fresh ingredients like hot peppers, garlic, and vinegar
Add more vegetables to the pizza, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
Serve the pizza with a side salad to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on Buffalo Chicken Pizza

This buffalo chicken pizza recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The spicy chicken, tangy hot sauce, and creamy blue cheese dressing create a perfect balance of heat and richness. The addition of celery adds a refreshing crunch, while the mozzarella cheese ties everything together. The baking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a mouthwatering pizza that is sure to impress. It's a perfect choice for a casual gathering or a cozy night in.

Enhance Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a flavorful garlic parmesan topping.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad: A creamy and delicious potato salad loaded with all the classic baked potato toppings.

Grilled Pineapple with Honey Lime Glaze: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey lime glaze.

Delicious Alternatives to Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Chicken: This recipe combines the savory flavors of parmesan and garlic with crispy chicken for a delicious main course.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Enjoy a refreshing and tangy salsa with the perfect combination of sweet mango and creamy avocado.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Indulge in a comforting and creamy tomato basil soup that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Treat yourself to a decadent and rich chocolate lava cake that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and flavorful dip by combining spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses. Serve with crispy tortilla chips or toasted bread for a satisfying appetizer option.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Create a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. Top it with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.

Why trust this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience, using buffalo chicken for a spicy kick, complemented by the creamy richness of blue cheese dressing. The mozzarella cheese adds a gooey, indulgent layer, while the celery provides a refreshing crunch. The hot sauce infuses the chicken with bold flavor, creating a perfect balance of heat and tang. Trust in the harmony of these ingredients to deliver a pizza that's sure to impress your taste buds.

Share your thoughts on this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough if you're short on time. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gorgonzola, or a blend of your favorites to customize the flavor to your liking.

How can I make this pizza less spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce used or choose a milder hot sauce variety. You can also mix the hot sauce with a bit of melted butter to reduce the spiciness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with your favorite meat alternative or adding more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the pizza ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking to ensure even cooking.