Buffalo chicken pizza is a flavorful and spicy variation of traditional pizza that combines the tangy heat of buffalo sauce with the comfort of a pizza. This fusion dish has become popular due to its bold flavors and satisfying texture. This article provides a comprehensive guide on what goes on a buffalo chicken pizza, including its components, variations, and tips for creating the perfect pie.
The Base Ingredients
Pizza Dough
The foundation of any pizza is its dough. For buffalo chicken pizza, you can use any type of pizza dough you prefer, whether it’s homemade, store-bought, or pre-baked crust. The choice of dough can affect the final texture and flavor of the pizza, so consider whether you want a thick, chewy crust or a thin, crispy base.
Pizza Sauce
Traditional buffalo chicken pizza uses a base sauce that complements the spicy buffalo chicken. There are a few options to consider:
Buffalo Sauce as a Base: Some recipes use buffalo sauce directly as the pizza base, spreading it evenly over the dough. This approach infuses the entire pizza with a spicy kick.
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Another common approach is to use ranch or blue cheese dressing as the base. These creamy sauces provide a cool contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken and add an extra layer of flavor.
Tomato Sauce with Buffalo Sauce: A blend of tomato sauce and buffalo sauce can offer a balanced flavor profile, combining the tanginess of tomatoes with the heat of buffalo sauce.
See Also: What Is on a Mediterranean Pizza?
The Buffalo Chicken
Preparing the Chicken
The star of the buffalo chicken pizza is, of course, the buffalo chicken. Here’s how to prepare it:
Cooking the Chicken: You can use cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Bake, grill, or pan-fry the chicken until it’s fully cooked and tender. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Tossing in Buffalo Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in buffalo sauce. The amount of sauce can be adjusted based on how spicy you want the pizza to be. Make sure the chicken is well-coated for an even distribution of flavor.
Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is a key ingredient for adding heat and flavor. It typically consists of hot sauce, butter, and various seasonings. You can use store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own by combining:
Hot Sauce: The main component of buffalo sauce, providing the signature heat.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to mellow out the heat.
Vinegar: Provides tanginess and helps balance the flavors.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Enhance the overall flavor.
Cheese Choices
Cheese is an essential component of any pizza, and buffalo chicken pizza is no exception. Here are some cheese options to consider:
Mozzarella Cheese: The most common choice for pizza. Its mild flavor and gooey texture make it an excellent base cheese that complements the buffalo chicken without overpowering it.
Blue Cheese: For a more authentic buffalo flavor, add crumbled blue cheese. Its tangy and creamy profile pairs well with the spicy chicken.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp flavor and a different texture compared to mozzarella. Cheddar can be used alone or combined with mozzarella for a more complex flavor profile.
Cream Cheese: Some recipes use cream cheese for added creaminess, especially when combined with ranch dressing.
Vegetables and Extras
Adding vegetables and other extras can enhance the flavor and texture of buffalo chicken pizza:
Red Onions: Thinly sliced red onions add a bit of sweetness and crunch, balancing the spiciness of the buffalo chicken.
Celery: Diced celery provides a fresh, crisp texture that complements the buffalo chicken. It can be added before or after baking.
Green Peppers: Sliced green peppers add a bit of sweetness and crunch.
Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add a burst of freshness and color.
Additional Sauces: A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top of the baked pizza can enhance the flavors and provide a cool contrast to the spicy chicken.
Assembling the Pizza
Preparing the Dough
Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to a high temperature, usually around 475°F (245°C), to achieve a crispy crust.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Adding the Sauce and Toppings
Spread the Sauce: If using a creamy base like ranch or blue cheese dressing, spread it evenly over the dough. If using buffalo sauce as the base, spread it thinly for a balanced flavor.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. You can also add a layer of cheddar or other cheese of your choice.
Top with Buffalo Chicken: Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken pieces over the cheese.
Add Vegetables: If using vegetables, scatter them on top of the chicken. This can include red onions, green peppers, or any other desired toppings.
Baking
Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Finishing Touches: After baking, you can drizzle additional buffalo sauce or ranch dressing on top for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Variations and Customizations
Buffalo chicken pizza can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences:
Spicy Variations: Adjust the level of heat by using extra hot buffalo sauce or adding chopped jalapeños.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses or combinations to find your preferred flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Dough: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pizza dough or a cauliflower crust.
Low-Calorie Options: Use reduced-fat cheese and a lighter version of buffalo sauce to make a lower-calorie version of the pizza.
Pairing and Serving
Buffalo chicken pizza pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages:
Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp salad, celery sticks, or carrot sticks. A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping is also a popular choice.
Beverages: The spiciness of buffalo chicken pizza pairs well with cold beverages. Consider serving it with a chilled beer, a light white wine, or a refreshing soda.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken pizza is a delicious and versatile dish that brings together the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the comforting elements of pizza. By using a combination of buffalo sauce, cheese, and toppings, you can create a satisfying meal that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or enjoy experimenting with new flavors, buffalo chicken pizza offers a delightful twist on classic pizza recipes.