Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic pizza, combining spicy buffalo sauce with creamy ranch and tender chicken. Perfect for game day or a flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your craving for bold flavors and melty cheese.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup warm water (around 110 degrees)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 cups flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• Ranch dressing or blue cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it bloom for about 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook, knead on medium speed until the dough forms a smooth ball, adding extra flour a few tablespoons at a time if needed.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover, and place it in an oven with the light on. Let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: About 30 minutes into rising, preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
5. Step 5: After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently.
6. Step 6: On a well-floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it on a pizza stone or baking pan.
7. Step 7: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft and melty. Stir in the ranch seasoning until combined.
8. Step 8: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pizza crust.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle all but 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella over the cream cheese layer.
10. Step 10: Toss the chopped cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, then spread it evenly over the cheese.
11. Step 11: Top the pizza with the remaining 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese.
12. Step 12: Bake the pizza for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Step 13: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
• If you prefer less heat, use mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount.
• Try adding sliced red onions or diced celery for extra crunch and flavor.
• Substitute blue cheese crumbles for ranch seasoning for a stronger flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling it out. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with ricotta or a soft goat cheese for a different but still creamy base.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 108 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Pizza features a homemade dough topped with creamy ranch-seasoned cream cheese, spicy buffalo chicken, and melted mozzarella. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a delicious blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, finished with fresh green onions and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough

• 3/4 cup warm water (around 110 degrees)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Toppings

• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup cooked, chopped chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

Instructions

1. Bloom yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over and let it bloom for about 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make dough: Add flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead on medium speed with the dough hook until a smooth dough forms, adding extra flour if needed. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl.
3. First rise: Place the bowl in the oven with the light on and let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven: About 30 minutes into the rise, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
5. Prepare dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle and transfer to a pizza stone or pan.
6. Prepare cream cheese topping: Microwave the cream cheese until soft and melty, then stir in the ranch seasoning until combined.
7. Assemble pizza: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle all but 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella over the crust.
8. Add chicken: Toss the chopped chicken with buffalo sauce and distribute evenly over the cheese.
9. Finish topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Bake: Bake the pizza for about 10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish and serve: Remove pizza from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over it before serving if desired.

Notes

• Ensure the water is warm (about 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• You can use either all-purpose or bread flour; bread flour will make a chewier crust.
• If you don’t have a pizza stone, a pizza pan or baking sheet will work.
• For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top.
• Leftover pizza can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken pizza, homemade pizza, spicy chicken pizza, buffalo sauce pizza, ranch seasoned pizza