If you’re craving a delicious twist on traditional pizza, look no further than buffalo chicken pizza. This dish combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese, resulting in a flavor explosion that will satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for game days or casual dinners, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this mouthwatering 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
– Chopped green onions for garnish
– Optional: celery sticks for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately:
– Calories: 300
– Protein: 20g
– Fat: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one slice of pizza.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
3. Transfer the crust to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
5. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the crust.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Remove from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing over the top.
9. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
10. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with celery sticks, if desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute grilled tofu or tempeh for the chicken for a vegetarian option. Additionally, use a gluten-free crust if you have dietary restrictions.
Serving and Pairings
Buffalo chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks, as well as a refreshing salad. For drinks, consider serving it with a cold beer or a tangy lemonade.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Freezing is possible; wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much buffalo sauce can overwhelm the pizza; use it sparingly.
- Not preheating the oven can result in a soggy crust.
- Forgetting to let the pizza cool before slicing can make it messy.
- Using low-quality cheese can affect flavor; opt for fresh mozzarella.
- Overbaking can lead to a hard crust; watch it closely.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce overnight.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispy crust.
- Experiment with toppings like jalapeños or blue cheese crumbles.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for convenience and flavor. Just shred it and mix with buffalo sauce before adding it to the pizza.
Is buffalo chicken pizza spicy?
It can be spicy, depending on the buffalo sauce used. For milder flavor, choose a less spicy sauce or mix it with ranch dressing.
How can I make this pizza healthier?
Opt for a whole wheat crust, reduce the cheese quantity, and use grilled chicken or veggies as toppings for a healthier alternative.
Can I make this pizza in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for a fresh taste.
What other sauces can I use?
Aside from buffalo sauce, you can use BBQ sauce or a mix of both for a unique flavor twist.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken pizza is not just a meal; it’s an experience packed with bold flavors and textures. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe will surely become a favorite. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s a delightful dish that brings the fun of buffalo flavor right to your table.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Optional: celery sticks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface.
- Transfer the crust to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the pizza.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.