Buffalo pizza is a savory twist on traditional pizza, combining the flavors of spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and creamy cheese, all served on a crispy pizza crust. It’s a delicious blend of heat, tang, and rich flavors that appeals to fans of buffalo wings and pizza lovers alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making buffalo pizza, from choosing the right ingredients to tips for perfecting the cooking process. This article will also cover variations, pairing suggestions, and essential cooking techniques.
Whether you’re preparing buffalo pizza for a casual family dinner, game day, or a fun weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
See Also: What Is Ohio Style Pizza?
Ingredients for Buffalo Pizza
Before you begin making buffalo pizza, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a well-balanced pizza with just the right amount of spice and creaminess. Here’s a list of the essential ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough
Pizza Dough (Store-bought or Homemade):
You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own. The homemade dough gives you more control over the texture and flavor, but store-bought is convenient.
If you prefer making your own dough, you’ll need flour, water, yeast, olive oil, sugar, and salt.
For the Buffalo Chicken Topping
Chicken Breasts:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used for buffalo pizza. They are tender and soak up the buffalo sauce well.
Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Buffalo Sauce:
The star of this pizza! Buffalo sauce is a combination of hot sauce and butter, giving it its signature tangy and spicy flavor. You can make it at home or use a bottled version from the store.
Butter:
Melted butter is mixed with the hot sauce to create buffalo sauce. The butter helps balance the heat and adds richness.
Garlic Powder:
Adds depth to the buffalo sauce and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
For the Pizza Sauce
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing:
Instead of traditional pizza sauce, buffalo pizza uses a base of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. This creamy layer contrasts perfectly with the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
For the Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese:
Freshly shredded mozzarella is the ideal choice for buffalo pizza. It melts well and complements the spicy flavors without overpowering them.
Blue Cheese Crumbles (Optional):
For fans of blue cheese, adding crumbles on top gives the pizza an extra punch of tanginess.
Toppings
Red Onion:
Sliced red onion adds a sweet, crisp contrast to the richness of the buffalo sauce and chicken.
Cilantro or Parsley:
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add brightness and color to the finished pizza.
Green Onions (Optional):
Sliced green onions provide an additional layer of flavor, adding a mild onion taste.
Celery (Optional):
Diced celery adds a crunchy, refreshing bite to balance the spiciness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buffalo Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought dough, follow the instructions on the packaging for preparation. If you’re making dough from scratch, here’s a basic recipe to follow:
Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active.
Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Buffalo Sauce:
In a saucepan over low heat, melt ¼ cup of butter. Add ½ cup of hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
Toss the shredded or diced chicken in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you prefer a crispier crust, roll it thinner; for a chewier crust, keep it a little thicker.
Prepare the Pizza Base:
Spread a layer of ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza. If you’re using blue cheese crumbles, add them at this stage as well.
Add Buffalo Chicken:
Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken across the pizza. Make sure each bite will get some of that delicious spicy chicken.
Add Toppings:
Sprinkle sliced red onion over the pizza. You can also add green onions or celery if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
Transfer to the Oven:
If you’re using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto it. If not, place the pizza on a baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Add Fresh Herbs:
Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top to add brightness.
Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Variations on Buffalo Pizza
There are many ways to customize buffalo pizza to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some popular variations:
1. Vegetarian Buffalo Pizza
Skip the chicken and use buffalo cauliflower instead. Coat cauliflower florets in buffalo sauce and roast them until crispy. Use them in place of the chicken for a vegetarian version of this pizza.
2. Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Pizza
For an extra layer of savory goodness, add crumbled cooked bacon on top of the buffalo chicken before baking. The salty bacon pairs perfectly with the spicy sauce.
3. Buffalo BBQ Pizza
Combine buffalo sauce with a hint of barbecue sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor combination. You can use half buffalo sauce and half barbecue sauce when tossing the chicken.
4. Buffalo Chicken and Ranch Stuffed Crust Pizza
Take your buffalo pizza to the next level by stuffing the crust with mozzarella cheese. After rolling out the dough, line the edge with string cheese and fold the dough over it before adding the toppings.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Pizza
Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, use less hot sauce in the buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit more butter. You can also serve it with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
Crisp the Crust: For an extra crispy crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or place it directly on the oven rack (with a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips).
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the pizza a creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella, which often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Don’t Overload the Pizza: While it’s tempting to pile on the buffalo chicken and toppings, too much can make the pizza soggy. Spread everything evenly and in moderation.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo pizza pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks:
Sides: Serve your buffalo pizza with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks, just like traditional buffalo wings. You can also offer a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the spicy pizza.
Dipping Sauces: Offer ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping the pizza crust or drizzling on top.
Drinks: A cold beer, especially a light lager or pale ale, pairs perfectly with buffalo pizza. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try lemonade or iced tea to balance the heat.
Conclusion
Buffalo pizza is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best of spicy buffalo wings and classic pizza. With its tangy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and creamy cheese, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be customized to suit any preference. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious buffalo pizza at home that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, buffalo pizza is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.