Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

If you love Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipes, you’re in for a treat! This mouthwatering recipe combines the irresistible flavors of buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese on a crispy pizza crust. It’s perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or simply when you’re craving something with a kick. The Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe is easy to make and will have your family or guests coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into how to create the ultimate buffalo chicken pizza at home.

To get the most out of this guide, I’ve included detailed instructions, tips for enhancing flavors, and even a section on frequently asked questions. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to please.

Learn more about buffalo sauce and its history and how to make the perfect homemade pizza dough if you need more details before getting started.

What is Buffalo Chicken Pizza Made Of?

The Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe combines classic ingredients that everyone loves, but gives it a twist with buffalo sauce for an extra flavor punch. Here are the core components:

• Pizza Dough: You can either use store-bought or make it at home.
• Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken is best to absorb the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Buffalo Sauce: This is key! It’s what gives the pizza its signature spicy taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey factor that makes every slice irresistible.
• Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy element that balances out the heat.
• Optional Toppings: Sliced onions, celery, or even jalapeños to add a personal touch.

The buffalo sauce is typically made with hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot) and melted butter. However, you can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce.

If you’re curious about how Buffalo Chicken Pizza compares to traditional pizza, check out this comprehensive guide on different pizza styles. It explains various pizza types and their unique flavor profiles, which will give you a greater appreciation of what makes buffalo-style pizza stand out.

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pizza Domino’s Style

If you’ve ever tried Domino’s Buffalo Chicken Pizza, you might wonder how they achieve that perfect combination of flavors. To recreate it at home, you’ll need the following:

• Pizza Crust: Thin and crispy is best for that Domino’s vibe.
• Buffalo Sauce: Their version includes a mix of tangy and buttery elements.
• Grilled Chicken: Well-seasoned and juicy.
• Onions: Domino’s uses finely sliced onions to enhance flavor.
• Cheese Blend: A mix of mozzarella and provolone for that extra creaminess.

Domino’s adds a slight sweetness to balance the heat, so adding a pinch of sugar to the sauce can help replicate that special taste. It’s also crucial to bake the pizza at high temperatures for the perfect crispiness.

How to Make the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: If making your own, prepare the dough at least an hour before you start cooking to allow it time to rise.
• Buffalo Sauce: Mix together 1/2 cup of hot sauce with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Taste and adjust according to your desired spice level.
• Cooked Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook them in a skillet until done. Once cooled, shred the chicken and toss it in half of the buffalo sauce mixture.

2: Roll Out the Dough

• Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. If you prefer a crispier crust, make it even thinner.

3: Assemble the Pizza

• Sauce the Dough: Spread a thin layer of the remaining buffalo sauce over the rolled-out dough.
• Add Toppings: Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken. If desired, add thin slices of red onion and some blue cheese crumbles.
• Bake: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.

4: Garnish and Serve

• Once out of the oven, let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza

• Temperature Matters: Baking at a high temperature (475°F or above) helps achieve that crisp crust and bubbly cheese.
• Balance the Heat: If you love spice, use extra buffalo sauce. For a milder version, mix in some extra butter or ranch.
• Cheese Mix: While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with adding cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

Variations on Buffalo Chicken Pizza

One of the great things about the Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some variations you can try:

• Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: Use flatbread instead of pizza dough for a quicker, thinner option.
• Vegetarian Buffalo Pizza: Swap the chicken for cauliflower florets roasted in buffalo sauce. It’s a tasty alternative that’s packed with flavor.
• BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce to add a smoky sweetness to the buffalo chicken flavor.

Creative Buffalo Chicken Pizza Toppings

For those who like to get a bit adventurous with their toppings, here are some fun ideas to take your Buffalo Chicken Pizza to the next level:

• Sliced Jalapeños: If you love extra heat, fresh jalapeños add a spicy crunch.
• Bacon Crumbles: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the buffalo sauce.
• Caramelized Onions: The sweetness of caramelized onions provides a wonderful contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
• Avocado Slices: For a creamy, cooling effect, add freshly sliced avocado after baking.
• Fresh Arugula: Toss fresh arugula in a little olive oil and place it on top after baking for a peppery freshness.
• Pineapple: Although controversial, pineapple’s sweetness can be a delightful complement to the tangy buffalo sauce.

Experimenting with different toppings can really make your Buffalo Chicken Pizza unique, giving it an entirely different profile based on your preferences.

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with some side dishes can make for a complete meal. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing provide a refreshing balance to the spiciness of the pizza.
• Garlic Breadsticks: A side of warm, buttery garlic breadsticks is perfect for dipping into extra buffalo or blue cheese sauce.
• Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy texture of coleslaw helps counterbalance the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked until crispy make for a great complement to the pizza, adding a satisfying crunch.
• Celery and Carrot Sticks: Keeping with the buffalo theme, serve celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. This adds a cooling element that contrasts the heat.

Perfect Beverage Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Pairing the right beverage with your Buffalo Chicken Pizza can make a big difference in enhancing the overall experience. Here are some great options:

• Beer: A crisp, cold lager or IPA pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo flavors, helping to cleanse the palate.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lime can help balance the heat.
• Sweet Tea: The sweetness of iced tea can offset the spiciness of the buffalo sauce and is particularly refreshing.
• Margaritas: If you’re looking for a cocktail, margaritas with a salted rim provide the perfect balance of citrus and sweetness to match the bold flavors of the pizza.

History of Buffalo Chicken Pizza

The origin of Buffalo Chicken Pizza is tied closely to the creation of Buffalo wings, which were first made in Buffalo, New York, in 1964. Teressa Bellissimo, owner of the Anchor Bar, created the iconic buffalo wings by tossing fried chicken wings in a sauce made from hot sauce and butter. The flavor quickly became popular and inspired numerous other dishes, including Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

In the 1980s, pizzerias started experimenting with different pizza toppings to create unique flavors beyond the traditional pepperoni and sausage. It was during this time that the Buffalo Chicken Pizza was born. By combining the beloved buffalo sauce with pizza, chefs found a way to fuse two iconic American foods into one irresistible dish. Today, Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a staple in many pizzerias and home kitchens alike, celebrated for its tangy, spicy flavor and versatility.

Making Buffalo Sauce from Scratch

While store-bought buffalo sauce works well, making buffalo sauce from scratch can elevate your Buffalo Chicken Pizza even further. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade buffalo sauce:

Ingredients for Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined, stirring frequently.
3. Once smooth, remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

This homemade buffalo sauce is perfect not only for pizza but also for wings, sandwiches, and even as a dipping sauce for veggies.

Storing and Reheating Buffalo Chicken Pizza

If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here are some tips for storing and reheating your Buffalo Chicken Pizza:

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crispy.
• Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, then add a slice of pizza. Cover with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy while melting the cheese evenly.
• Microwave: Place a slice of pizza on a microwave-safe plate with a cup of water (to keep it from drying out). Heat for about 1-2 minutes, though this method can make the crust a bit soggy.

Nutritional Information for Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content for a slice of Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Keep in mind these values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

• Calories: 280-350 per slice
• Protein: 16-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 12-18 grams
• Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugar: 1-3 grams
• Sodium: 600-800 mg

To make your pizza healthier, consider using whole wheat crust, reducing the cheese, or using a lighter version of buffalo sauce with less butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buffalo Chicken Pizza Made Of?

Buffalo Chicken Pizza typically includes ingredients like pizza dough, cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also add onions, celery, or other toppings to personalize it.

What Makes Buffalo-Style Pizza?

Buffalo-style pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust and the use of buffalo sauce, which is a mix of hot sauce and melted butter. The sauce gives it a tangy, spicy flavor that differentiates it from other pizza styles.

Why is Buffalo Chicken Pizza So Good?

Buffalo Chicken Pizza is beloved because it perfectly balances spicy, tangy, creamy, and savory flavors. The combination of hot buffalo sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and the crisp crust creates an exciting and satisfying experience in every bite.

What Are the Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pizza Domino’s?

To replicate Domino’s Buffalo Chicken Pizza, you’ll need a thin pizza crust, grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, provolone cheese, and onions. Domino’s version often has a slight sweetness that balances the heat of the buffalo sauce, achieved by adding a small amount of sugar.