Buffalo Chicken Pizza

My roommate used to order this from our local spot every Friday night until I finally asked the kitchen what made their version sing. Turns out the secret was tossing the chicken in sauce before it even hit the cheese. Game changer.

Last Super Bowl, I made three of these and disappeared into the kitchen just to keep up with the demand. People were actually hovering near the oven waiting.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough: Store-bought works beautifully but let it come to room temperature for easier stretching
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushing the edges gives them that gorgeous golden finish
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here already tender and seasoned
• 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce: Franks RedHot is the gold standard for that authentic vinegary kick
• 1/3 cup ranch dressing: Creates the creamy base that balances all that heat perfectly
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melt factor that holds everything together
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds extra sharpness and beautiful color
• 1/4 small red onion: Thin slices provide a little crunch and sweetness
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles: Optional but highly recommended for that authentic wing flavor
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives: Finish with these for color and fresh bite

Instructions

Heat things up properly:

Crank your oven to 475°F and if you have a pizza stone get it in there now A screaming hot surface is what creates that restaurant style crust

Prep your canvas:

Roll that dough on a floured surface until you have a 12 inch circle Transfer it to a parchment lined sheet and brush the edges with olive oil

Coat the chicken:

Toss your cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce in a bowl until every piece is covered and glossy

Build the base:

Spread the ranch dressing evenly across the dough leaving about an inch bare around the edges

Layer it all on:

Arrange that sauced chicken over the ranch then shower it with both cheeses Scatter on the red onion slices and blue cheese crumbles if you are using them

Bake to perfection:

Slide it into that hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes You want the crust deeply golden and the cheese bubbling with those gorgeous brown spots

Finish with flair:

Let it rest just a couple of minutes then sprinkle with fresh chives before slicing

Save

My partner now requests this for their birthday instead of cake which tells you everything about how addictive it is.

Making It Your Own

Switch up the heat level by adjusting the buffalo sauce ratio or try different hot sauces. I have experimented with adding roasted red peppers for sweetness and it works beautifully.

Perfect Pairings

Celery sticks on the side are not just for authenticity they really do help cool your palate between bites. A cold crisp lager or ranch based coleslaw balances the heat beautifully.

Getting Ahead

You can shred the chicken and mix it with buffalo sauce up to two days ahead. The flavors actually get better as they sit together.

• Keep all toppings prepped and ready in separate containers
• Preheat that oven early so it is thoroughly hot when you are ready to bake
• Have your cutting board and pizza cutter ready before the pizza comes out

Save

This pizza has ruined me for takeout forever in the best possible way.

Recipe FAQs

→ How spicy is this pizza?

The spice level primarily comes from the buffalo wing sauce. You can adjust it by choosing a milder or hotter sauce, or by drizzling a little extra sauce on top after baking for an added kick.

→ Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves prep time. Any cooked chicken breast, whether baked, grilled, or poached, can be used after shredding or chopping.

→ What kind of crust is best for this?

A store-bought pizza dough is convenient and works perfectly. If you prefer, a homemade dough can also be used. The key is to achieve a crispy base that can support the flavorful toppings.

→ I don't like blue cheese. Can I omit it?

Yes, the blue cheese crumbles are entirely optional. If you're not a fan, simply leave them out. The pizza will still be incredibly flavorful with the other cheeses and buffalo chicken.

→ What are some good accompaniments for this dish?

This pizza pairs well with crisp celery sticks, much like traditional buffalo wings. A fresh green salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. A side of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping is also popular.

→ Can I make any components ahead of time?

You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. If using homemade dough, you can also prepare it in advance. This helps speed up the assembly process when you're ready to bake.