Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of melted cheese. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, all atop a crispy, golden crust. Ready in just 22 minutes, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The tender, shredded chicken pairs beautifully with the gooey mozzarella, while a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a cool, creamy finish.
This pizza is a crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying mix of textures and flavors in every slice. The heat from the buffalo sauce is tempered by the cheesy goodness, making it irresistible for spice lovers and comfort food fans alike. With 15g of protein per slice, it’s as hearty as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this quick and easy dish promises to deliver big on taste without keeping you in the kitchen for long.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- 1 homemade pizza dough (or use pre-made dough for convenience)
- Olive oil (for brushing the pizza)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ranch dressing
- ¼ cup (60 ml) buffalo sauce
- 1 ½ cups (200 g) shredded chicken breast (cooked and shredded)
- ⅓ cup (33 g) thinly sliced red onion (divided)
- ½ cup (60 g) fresh diced tomato (seeds removed, divided)
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings:
- 2 Tablespoons ranch dressing (for drizzling)
- 2 Tablespoons buffalo sauce (for drizzling)
- 2 Tablespoons sliced green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out pizza dough into a 12” (30 cm) circle and transfer to a pizza pan. Brush lightly all over with olive oil and parbake on the center rack of the oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the crust just begins to turn a light golden brown.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup ranch dressing and ¼ cup buffalo sauce until combined.
- Spread a thin, even layer of the ranch and buffalo mixture over the parbaked crust (about 2 Tablespoons).
- Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the remaining ranch/buffalo mixture and toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Scatter the chicken over the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle half of the red onion and tomato over the chicken. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza, followed by the remaining onion and tomato.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and, if desired, drizzle with additional ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, and sprinkle with sliced green onions.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Spice It Up: Sauce and Topping Ideas
For a twist on the classic Buffalo Chicken Pizza, try swapping ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing for a tangier flavor. Add a kick with extra buffalo sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the finished pizza. For a fresh touch, top with avocado slices or a handful of arugula after baking.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Pizza with a side of crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo wing experience. Pair it with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea to balance the heat. For a complete meal, add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick fix, microwave slices for 30-45 seconds, though the crust may lose some crispiness.
Quick Fixes: Time-Saving Tips
Use store-bought pizza dough or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time. Pre-shredded mozzarella cheese and pre-sliced veggies can also speed things up. If you’re in a rush, skip the parbaking step and bake the pizza for an additional 2-3 minutes instead.
Get Creative: Recipe Variations
Swap mozzarella for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a richer flavor. For a low-carb option, use a cauliflower crust instead of traditional dough. Vegetarian? Replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu for a protein-packed alternative.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 homemade pizza dough (click the link to make mine, or use a pre-made dough)
- Olive oil for brushing pizza
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (60 ml)
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce (60 ml)
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken breast (200 g)
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced red onion (33 g) divided
- ½ cup fresh diced tomato (seeds removed) (60 g) divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (170 g)
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons ranch dressing
- 2 Tablespoons buffalo sauce
- 2 Tablespoons sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450F (230C).
- Roll out pizza dough into a 12” (30cm) circle and transfer to a pizza pan. Brush lightly all over with olive oil and parbake on pizza pan in center rack of 450F (230C) oven for 8-9 minutes, or until crust just begins to turn a light golden brown.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and buffalo sauce until combined.
- Spread a thin, even layer of ranch and buffalo mixture over pizza crust (about 2 Tablespoons).
- Add the chicken into the bowl with the remaining ranch/buffalo and toss until chicken is coated with the sauce. Scatter chicken evenly over the pizza dough.
- Sprinkle approximately half of the onion and tomato over the chicken. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the pizza, then top with remaining onion and tomato.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, until cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and, if desired, top with additional drizzles of ranch and buffalo and green onion.
- Serve warm.