If you’re craving a pizza that packs a punch, look no further than this buffalo chicken pizza recipe! This delightful dish combines spicy, tangy buffalo chicken with a cheesy base and cool ranch dressing, making it a favorite for game days or casual dinners. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this pizza is bound to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, with 12g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 15g of protein. This nutritional breakdown is for one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare your pizza crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
- Evenly distribute thinly sliced red onions over the cheese.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Additionally, a cauliflower crust can be used for a gluten-free alternative. Feel free to adjust the level of buffalo sauce based on your heat preference.
Serving and Pairings
This buffalo chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or celery sticks and carrots. For drinks, consider serving it with a refreshing lemonade or a cold beer to balance the spicy flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This pizza can also be frozen, but it’s best consumed fresh for optimal taste and texture.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings; it can become soggy.
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated for a crispy crust.
- Use shredded chicken to ensure even distribution and flavor.
- Be cautious with the buffalo sauce; adjust to your heat preference.
- Allow the pizza to cool slightly before cutting to prevent toppings from sliding off.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce before cooking.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like blue cheese or cheddar.
- Use a pizza stone for an extra crispy crust.
- Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for added texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?
Yes, store-bought buffalo sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just choose a brand that suits your taste preference for spice level.
Is it possible to make this pizza vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or plant-based chicken alternatives to create a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes, you can make homemade pizza dough if you prefer. There are many recipes available that guide you through the process of making the perfect crust.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings or use a pizza stone for better heat distribution.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Conclusion
This buffalo chicken pizza is a fantastic way to spice up your pizza night. With its combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it during a game or a casual dinner, this recipe is easy to make and utterly delicious!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare your pizza crust on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Spread the buffalo chicken evenly over the pizza crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
- Evenly distribute thinly sliced red onions over the cheese.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
