Name: Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded); 1/2 cup buffalo sauce; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 1/4 cup blue cheese (crumbled); 1/4 cup ranch dressing; Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish

Craving something bold and flavorful? This buffalo chicken pizza recipe is the perfect fusion of spicy buffalo sauce and savory chicken, topped with gooey cheese and drizzled with ranch dressing. Ideal for game day or a cozy night in, this pizza is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients

1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup ranch dressing
Chopped green onions and cilantro (for garnish)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes 4 servings, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, and 30g carbohydrates. This nutritional value is based on a serving size of 1/4 of the pizza.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the pizza dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken.
Add crumbled blue cheese on top of the mozzarella.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the top and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or use a vegetarian alternative like cauliflower for a meat-free version. Additionally, swap blue cheese for feta if you prefer a milder flavor.

Serving and Pairings

This buffalo chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, carrot sticks, or celery. For drinks, consider serving with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The pizza can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Cooking Mistakes

Using too much sauce can make the pizza soggy.
Not preheating the oven can lead to an undercooked crust.
Overloading with toppings may prevent even cooking.
Not letting the pizza cool can lead to messy slices.
Using cold dough can make it difficult to roll out.

Helpful Tips

For extra spice, add jalapeños to the pizza.
Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
Let the dough rest before rolling for easier handling.
Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe. Just roll it out and follow the same steps!

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

You can use a mix of hot sauce and melted butter or try a spicy barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile.

Is this pizza spicy?

Yes, the buffalo sauce gives this pizza its signature spice. You can adjust the amount of sauce to suit your taste.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

You can prepare the pizza and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before baking.

What are good toppings for buffalo chicken pizza?

Besides ranch dressing, consider adding diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This buffalo chicken pizza recipe brings together bold flavors and comforting pizza goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With its spicy kick and cheesy layers, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite!