Key Takeaways:
- Master the perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza in just 35 minutes
- Create that ideal balance of spicy buffalo sauce and cooling blue cheese
- Makes one 12-inch pizza that serves 4 people perfectly
- Learn pro secrets for crispy chicken and a non-soggy crust
Why This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Beats Takeout Every Time
Have you been craving Buffalo Chicken Pizza but hesitating to make it at home? Many home cooks think this spicy, tangy favorite is too complicated to recreate in their own kitchens.
The good news? This Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the delivery wait or cost. With the right technique, you’ll get that perfect combination of tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and melty cheese on a crisp, golden crust.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza has become a modern classic for good reason. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken with cooling cheese creates a flavor explosion that satisfies every craving. Whether for game day, Friday night dinner, or just because you deserve something delicious, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe has you covered.
Let’s walk through exactly how to make it!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly
Nutrition Facts for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
What You’ll Need for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) | 1 lb (450g) | Room temperature works best |
| Cooked chicken breast, shredded | 2 cups | Rotisserie chicken saves time |
| Buffalo sauce | 1/3 cup + 2 Tbsp | Divided for chicken and finishing |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 2 cups | Low-moisture type recommended |
| Blue cheese, crumbled | 1/2 cup | For authentic buffalo flavor |
| Red onion, thinly sliced | 1/4 cup | Adds color and crunch |
| Celery, diced | 1/4 cup | Traditional buffalo wing accompaniment |
| Ranch dressing | 1/4 cup | For drizzling after baking |
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp | For brushing the dough |
| Cornmeal (for dusting) | 2 Tbsp | Prevents sticking |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | For seasoning chicken |
| Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional) | 2 Tbsp | For garnish |
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Notes for Beginners |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza stone or baking sheet | For baking the pizza | Stone gives better crust but sheet works fine |
| Rolling pin | To roll out the dough | A wine bottle can substitute in a pinch |
| Mixing bowls (2-3) | For sauce and toppings prep | Different sizes for different components |
| Parchment paper | For easy transfer | Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier |
| Pizza cutter | For serving | Kitchen scissors can work too |
| Measuring cups and spoons | For accurate measurements | Both dry and liquid measures |
| Oven mitts | For safety | Essential when working with hot oven |
| Spatula or pizza peel | For transferring pizza | A rimless cookie sheet can substitute |
Possible Substitutions for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Pizza Dough:
- Pre-baked crust or flatbread saves time
- Whole wheat dough adds fiber
- Gluten-free dough for dietary restrictions
- Buffalo Sauce:
- Make your own by mixing hot sauce with melted butter (2:1 ratio)
- Mild buffalo sauce for less heat
- Sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile
- Blue Cheese:
- Substitute with feta for a milder taste
- Use gorgonzola for stronger flavor
- Skip and use extra mozzarella if you don’t like blue cheese
- Ranch Dressing:
- Blue cheese dressing is a perfect alternative
- Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning for lighter option
- Sour cream with herbs for tangy finish
Super Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Preparation Phase
- Get organized before starting:
- Read through the entire recipe first
- Take all ingredients out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before starting (especially the dough)
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C)
- If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating – IMPORTANT: the stone needs at least 30-45 minutes to properly heat
- If using a baking sheet, lightly oil it or line with parchment paper
- Prepare your workspace:
- Clear and clean a large counter space for rolling the dough
- Set up your ingredients in the order you’ll use them
- Have measuring tools readily available
- Place a small bowl of flour nearby for dusting
- Lay out parchment paper if using
- Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture:
- Take a medium mixing bowl
- Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (make sure it’s cooled if freshly cooked)
- Pour in 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper
- Gently mix with a spoon until all chicken is coated evenly
- Set aside for at least 5 minutes to let the flavors combine
- BEGINNER TIP: Taste a small amount to check if you want more sauce or seasoning
- Prepare all toppings before touching the dough:
- Shred the mozzarella cheese if using block cheese:
- Use the large holes on a box grater
- Place shredded cheese in a bowl
- Slice the red onion as thinly as possible:
- Cut onion in half from top to bottom
- Remove skin
- Place flat side down and slice into thin half-moons
- Measure out 1/4 cup and store remainder for another use
- Dice the celery into small pieces:
- Wash celery stalk thoroughly
- Trim ends
- Cut lengthwise into thin strips
- Cut across strips to create small dice
- Measure out 1/4 cup
- Measure out blue cheese crumbles and place in a small bowl
- Pour ranch dressing into a container with a spout for easy drizzling later
- Shred the mozzarella cheese if using block cheese:
Dough Preparation and Assembly
- Prepare the pizza dough:
- Sprinkle your work surface with cornmeal (about 1 tablespoon) to prevent sticking
- Place the room-temperature dough on the cornmeal
- Dust your hands lightly with flour to prevent sticking
- Gently press the dough into a disc shape with your fingers
- For a 12-inch pizza:
- Use a rolling pin to roll from the center outward in all directions
- Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness throughout
- Create a slightly thicker edge for the crust
- BEGINNER TIP: If the dough springs back or resists rolling, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then try again
- Transfer the dough to baking surface:
- If using parchment paper:
- Gently lift edges of dough and slide parchment underneath
- Adjust dough to center on parchment
- If using a pizza peel or baking sheet:
- Add another tablespoon of cornmeal to the peel/sheet
- Carefully lift dough with both hands, supporting underneath
- Quickly transfer to the cornmeal-dusted surface
- Reshape into a circle if needed
- BEGINNER WARNING: Move quickly but carefully – the more the dough stretches, the thinner and potentially tearable it becomes
- If using parchment paper:
- Add base layers to your Buffalo Chicken Pizza:
- Brush the entire dough surface with olive oil:
- Focus on the edges to help them brown
- Use about 1/2 tablespoon for the edges and 1/2 tablespoon for the center
- Spread 1 tablespoon of buffalo sauce over the dough:
- Use the back of a spoon in a circular motion
- Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edge for the crust
- Apply a thin, even layer – BEGINNER TIP: too much sauce will make your pizza soggy
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese (1 cup) evenly over the sauce:
- This first cheese layer creates a barrier between the sauce and toppings
- Distribute evenly, avoiding piling too much in one area
- Brush the entire dough surface with olive oil:
- Add your Buffalo Chicken Pizza toppings:
- Distribute the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the pizza:
- Use a fork or your fingers to break up any large chunks
- Spread in a single layer for even cooking
- Sprinkle diced celery across the chicken:
- Distribute evenly for consistent flavor in every bite
- Add red onion slices:
- Separate any stuck-together pieces
- Scatter evenly across the pizza
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese (1 cup):
- This seals in the toppings and prevents them from drying out
- Finish with blue cheese crumbles:
- Focus on distributing them evenly
- BEGINNER TIP: If you’re unsure about blue cheese, start with less – you can always add more after tasting the finished pizza
- Distribute the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the pizza:
Baking Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Bake the pizza:
- If using a pizza stone:
- Make sure it’s been preheating for at least 30 minutes
- Use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to slide the pizza (with parchment if using) onto the hot stone
- SAFETY WARNING: Be extremely careful, as the oven and stone are very hot (475°F/245°C)
- If using a baking sheet:
- Place the prepared pizza on the sheet directly into the preheated oven
- Bake for 12-15 minutes:
- Look for these signs of doneness:
- Crust is golden brown
- Cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble/brown
- Edges are crisp and slightly darkened
- Look for these signs of doneness:
- BEGINNER TIP: Start checking at 10 minutes since ovens vary. If the crust is browning too quickly but toppings aren’t done, reduce temperature to 450°F and continue baking
- If using a pizza stone:
Finishing Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Add final touches:
- Carefully remove pizza from oven using oven mitts and a pizza peel or large spatula
- SAFETY WARNING: Place hot pizza on a heat-safe surface
- Immediately drizzle with:
- Remaining 1 tablespoon buffalo sauce in a zigzag pattern
- Ranch dressing in the opposite direction
- BEGINNER TIP: For cleaner drizzling, put sauces in squeeze bottles or use a spoon and drizzle from a height of about 6 inches
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired
- Rest and serve your Buffalo Chicken Pizza:
- Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes:
- This allows the cheese to set slightly
- Makes cutting cleaner and easier
- Prevents burning your mouth on extremely hot cheese
- Cut into 8 slices using a pizza cutter or large knife:
- Make one clean cut down the middle
- Rotate 90 degrees and cut down the middle again
- Cut each quarter in half for 8 even slices
- Transfer slices to plates using a spatula
- SERVING SUGGESTION: Serve with extra buffalo sauce and ranch on the side for dipping the crusts
- Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes:
Troubleshooting Common Buffalo Chicken Pizza Problems
Problem: Pizza Dough Sticking to Surface
Solution: Use plenty of cornmeal or flour on your work surface. If it’s already sticking, carefully slide a thin spatula underneath with a bit of flour to release it.
Problem: Soggy Pizza Crust
Solution: Don’t overload with sauce. Pre-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F.
Problem: Buffalo Chicken Drying Out
Solution: Mix the chicken with enough buffalo sauce to keep it moist, and add it as the last topping before the final cheese layer to seal in moisture.
Problem: Uneven Cooking
Solution: Rotate the pizza halfway through baking. Make sure toppings are evenly distributed and not piled in the center.
Problem: Too Spicy Buffalo Flavor
Solution: Use a mild buffalo sauce or cut it with a bit of ranch in the chicken mixture. Balance the heat with extra cheese and more of the cooling toppings like celery.
Problem: Cheese Burning Before Crust is Done
Solution: Start with a lower oven rack position. If you notice cheese browning too fast, tent loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Variations & Substitutions
Vegetarian Buffalo “Chicken” Pizza
Replace the chicken with:
- Cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce and roasted until crispy
- Firm tofu, pressed and crumbled, then pan-fried with buffalo sauce
- Plant-based chicken substitute tossed in buffalo sauce
BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Mix equal parts BBQ sauce and buffalo sauce for a smoky-spicy combination
- Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the chicken mixture
- Top with crispy bacon pieces and red onion
- This variation pairs perfectly with other creative options from our pizza recipes collection
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pizza
- Use ranch dressing as the base sauce instead of buffalo sauce
- Top with the buffalo chicken mixture, bacon bits, and a three-cheese blend
- Finish with fresh green onions after baking
- For the ultimate experience, check out our complete Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza recipe
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Burger Mashup
Combine two comfort foods by using this buffalo chicken mixture on our popular pizza burgers for an exciting flavor twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator:
- Let pizza cool completely
- Place slices in an airtight container with parchment between layers
- Store for up to 3 days
- BEGINNER TIP: Don’t stack warm slices or they’ll steam and get soggy
- Freezer:
- Cool pizza completely
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer bag or container
- Remove as much air as possible
- Freeze for up to 1 month
- Label with date and contents
Reheating Methods:
- Oven Method (Best Results):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Place pizza on a baking sheet
- Bake refrigerated slices for 8-10 minutes, frozen for 15-20 minutes
- BEGINNER TIP: Add a few drops of water to the baking sheet (not on the pizza) and cover with foil for the first few minutes to create steam that helps revive the crust
- Skillet Method (Quick & Crispy):
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat
- Place pizza slice in the skillet
- Cover with a lid
- Heat for 4-5 minutes until cheese is melty
- BEGINNER TIP: Add a few drops of water to the pan (not on the pizza) and immediately cover to create steam
- Microwave (Fastest Option):
- Place slice on a microwave-safe plate
- Heat for 30 seconds, check, and add 10-second intervals if needed
- NOTE: The crust will be softer with this method
- BEGINNER TIP: Place a cup of water in the microwave alongside the pizza to prevent the crust from becoming too chewy
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Safety Notes & Expert Tips
Food Safety:
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) during initial cooking
- Don’t leave the finished Buffalo Chicken Pizza at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken before touching other ingredients
- Keep all perishable toppings refrigerated until ready to use
Expert Buffalo Chicken Pizza Tips:
- For extra crispy crust: Brush the edge with olive oil mixed with a pinch of garlic powder
- Perfect chicken texture: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds moisture and flavor
- Balance the heat: Layer milder ingredients between the buffalo chicken and the top cheese layer to reduce spiciness
- Even cooking: Let the dough come to room temperature before stretching for even cooking
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate
- Flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of ranch seasoning to the olive oil before brushing the crust
- Serving suggestion: Pair with celery and carrot sticks with extra blue cheese dressing on the side for the complete buffalo wing experience
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza brings all the flavors of your favorite buffalo wings to a delicious homemade pizza. With these detailed instructions, even beginners can create a restaurant-quality pizza at home. Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and cheesy flavors in every bite!
