Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe – Spicy, Cheesy & Easy To Make!

1. Introduction

If you love the bold flavors of spicy buffalo chicken wings and the comforting bite of a cheesy pizza, then Buffalo Chicken Pizza is the ultimate recipe for you! This pizza brings together the heat of buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese on a crispy crust. Whether you’re making it for game day, a casual family dinner, or a weekend treat, it’s a surefire way to impress.

What makes buffalo chicken pizza so popular? It’s the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors. The heat from buffalo sauce is mellowed out by creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, while the gooey melted cheese ties everything together. Best of all, you don’t need to be a pro chef to make it at home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process for making the best homemade buffalo chicken pizza—from choosing the right ingredients to achieving the perfect crispy crust. You’ll also find pro tips, variations, and serving suggestions to customize your pizza just the way you like it.

2. What is Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe?

Buffalo chicken pizza is a fusion of two beloved comfort foods: buffalo chicken wings and pizza. It takes the spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors of buffalo sauce and pairs them with melted cheese, a crispy crust, and a creamy dressing base instead of traditional tomato sauce. The result is a bold, flavorful pizza that’s perfect for spice lovers and those who enjoy a unique twist on classic pizza.

2.1 Origins of Buffalo Chicken Flavor

Buffalo chicken traces its roots back to Buffalo, New York, in 1964, when Teressa Bellissimo, the owner of the Anchor Bar, created the first buffalo wings. She coated deep-fried chicken wings in a buttery, spicy hot sauce made from Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce, creating a dish that quickly became a staple in American cuisine. Since then, the buffalo flavor profile—spicy, buttery, tangy—has been used in various dishes, from wraps to dips and, of course, pizza. Learn more about the history of Buffalo wings here.

Buffalo chicken pizza became popular in pizzerias across the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as restaurants started incorporating bold, spicy flavors into their specialty pizzas. Today, it’s a go-to choice for those who love the kick of buffalo sauce combined with creamy cheese and crunchy toppings.

2.2 Flavor Profile: What Makes It Unique?

What sets buffalo chicken pizza apart from other types of pizza? It’s all about the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch.

Spicy & Tangy – Buffalo sauce delivers heat from cayenne peppers and a tangy kick from vinegar.
Buttery & Smooth – The addition of butter in buffalo sauce gives the chicken a rich, silky texture.
Creamy & Cooling – Instead of tomato sauce, buffalo chicken pizza often features a ranch or blue cheese dressing base that cools down the spice and adds depth.
Cheesy & Gooey – Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture that ties all the flavors together. Some versions include cheddar for sharpness or blue cheese for tanginess.
Crunchy & Satisfying – Many recipes add crunchy red onions, green onions, or celery to balance the softness of the cheese and chicken.

2.3 How Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe Compares to Other Pizzas

Unlike traditional pizzas that use marinara or tomato sauce, buffalo chicken pizza replaces the red sauce with a creamy or spicy base. Additionally, instead of traditional pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers, this pizza focuses on:

Buffalo-style chicken as the main topping.
A blend of cheeses (mozzarella, cheddar, or blue cheese) instead of just mozzarella.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing instead of tomato sauce.
Crunchy veggies like onions or celery to mimic the texture of buffalo wings.

This combination makes buffalo chicken pizza a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional pizza styles like pepperoni, Margherita, or BBQ chicken pizza. It’s bold, spicy, creamy, and perfect for anyone who loves the iconic taste of buffalo wings.

3. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe: Ingredients Needed

Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the essential ingredients that make buffalo chicken pizza flavorful and delicious.

For the Dough:

You can use either store-bought pizza dough for convenience or make your own from scratch. Here’s what you need for homemade dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water (110°F)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt

If you prefer store-bought dough, brands like Pillsbury, Trader Joe’s, or your local pizzeria’s fresh dough work great.

For the Buffalo Chicken Topping:

1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)
½ cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice)
1 tbsp melted butter (for added richness)
½ tsp garlic powder

For the Base & Cheese:

½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing (as the pizza sauce)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup cheddar cheese (optional, for extra sharpness)
¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for tang)

Optional Toppings:

¼ cup sliced red onions (for crunch)
1 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)

4. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe: Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get started with making this spicy, cheesy pizza!

4.1 Preparing the Dough

If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
For homemade dough, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil, flour, and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour, then punch down and roll out into a 12-inch circle.

4.2 Preparing the Buffalo Chicken

If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook until fully done. Let cool, then shred or dice.
In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder, then toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated.

4.3 Assembling the Pizza

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it inside while the oven heats.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spread ranch or blue cheese dressing evenly as the pizza base.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the base.
Evenly distribute buffalo chicken on top.
Add sliced red onions if using.

4.4 Baking the Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe – Spicy, Cheesy & Easy to Make!

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
If using a pizza stone, bake directly on the stone for crisper crust.

4.5 Adding Final Touches

Remove from oven and drizzle extra buffalo sauce for extra heat.
Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onions on top.
Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

5. Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

Want to make buffalo chicken pizza taste just as good—if not better—than restaurant versions? Follow these expert tips to get the perfect balance of spice, cheesiness, and crunch.

5.1 Choosing the Right Chicken

Buffalo chicken pizza works best with pre-cooked, shredded, or diced chicken, but the type of chicken you use can affect the final texture and flavor. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, while baked chicken tenders add a crispy element to your pizza toppings. If you’re looking for a different take on seasoned chicken dishes, try this Alice Springs Chicken recipe for a unique twist.

Rotisserie Chicken – A great time-saver with juicy, flavorful meat. Just shred and toss in buffalo sauce.
Grilled Chicken – Adds a smoky, slightly charred taste to the pizza.
Baked Chicken Breast – Ideal if you want leaner meat with a mild flavor.
Air-Fried or Fried Chicken – For extra crunch, try using crispy fried chicken pieces.

🔹 Tip: If using raw chicken, season it lightly before cooking to enhance flavor. Avoid overcooking, as dry chicken won’t absorb the buffalo sauce as well.

5.2 Balancing the Buffalo Sauce

Buffalo sauce is the heart of this pizza, but too much can overpower the other ingredients or make the crust soggy.

Coat the chicken well – Instead of drenching the pizza in buffalo sauce, mix the sauce directly with the chicken for even distribution.
Use the right ratio – A good balance is ½ cup buffalo sauce per 1 ½ cups of chicken.
Add butter for richness – Mixing melted butter with buffalo sauce helps cut the sharpness and adds depth.
Drizzle extra sauce after baking – This prevents the pizza from getting soggy in the oven.

🔹 Tip: For a milder pizza, mix buffalo sauce with ranch or add a spoonful of honey to mellow out the heat.

5.3 Achieving a Crispy, Golden Crust

A great buffalo chicken pizza needs a crispy yet chewy crust. Here’s how to get the best texture:

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) – A hot oven ensures even cooking and a golden crust.
Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet – This helps crisp up the bottom of the pizza.
Roll the dough thin – Thinner dough bakes faster and gives a crispier bite.
Brush the edges with olive oil – This creates a golden, slightly crunchy crust.
Don’t overload with toppings – Too much cheese or sauce can make the crust soggy.

🔹 Tip: If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This prevents shrinkage when baking.

5.4 Selecting the Best Cheese Combination

Cheese is just as important as buffalo sauce in this recipe. For the best melt and flavor, try using a combination of cheeses instead of just mozzarella.

Mozzarella – A must-have for meltiness. Use low-moisture, part-skim for best results.
Cheddar – Adds sharpness and pairs well with buffalo sauce.
Blue Cheese Crumbles – If you love the classic buffalo wing pairing, sprinkle some on top for tanginess.
Provolone or Monterey Jack – For an extra creamy, smooth texture.

🔹 Tip: Avoid using fresh mozzarella, as its moisture content can make the pizza too wet.

5.5 Adding Crunchy & Cooling Toppings

Since buffalo sauce is bold and spicy, adding fresh toppings can help balance the heat. Try these:

Red onions – Adds a mild crunch and sweetness.
Green onions – Provides a pop of color and freshness.
Celery slices – Mimics the classic buffalo wing pairing.
Ranch or blue cheese drizzle – Enhances creaminess and cools down the spice.

🔹 Tip: If adding fresh toppings, sprinkle them after baking to maintain their crisp texture.

5.6 Resting & Serving for the Best Flavor

After removing the pizza from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This prevents the cheese from sliding off.
Use a sharp pizza cutter or chef’s knife for clean slices.
If you love extra heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or extra buffalo sauce before serving.

6. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe: Variations and Customizations

Buffalo chicken pizza is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Pizza (Cauliflower Crust)

Swap traditional dough for a cauliflower crust to make it low-carb.
Reduce the ranch/blue cheese dressing to keep it from becoming too moist.

2. Keto-Friendly Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Use almond flour or cheese-based dough for a keto-approved crust.
Skip the ranch dressing and use extra cheese to keep the fat content high.

3. Buffalo Chicken Flatbread or Naan Pizza

Instead of pizza dough, use naan, flatbread, or pita for a quick, thin-crust option.
Bake for 8-10 minutes at 400°F instead of the usual pizza bake time.

4. Adjusting Heat Levels

If you like it spicier, add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
If you prefer it milder, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter to tone down the heat.

7. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe: Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken pizza is already packed with bold flavors, but pairing it with the right sides and drinks can make your meal even better. Here’s what goes best with it:

Best Side Dishes:

Celery & Carrot Sticks – Just like buffalo wings, crunchy veggies balance out the heat.
Garlic Parmesan Fries – A crispy, cheesy side that complements the spiciness.
Side Salad with Ranch Dressing – A fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pizza.
Mozzarella Sticks – More cheese? Yes, please! Serve with marinara sauce.

Perfect Drink Pairings:

Beer – A cold lager or pale ale balances the spice.
Iced Lemonade – A refreshing, sweet contrast to the heat.
Milkshakes – Creamy vanilla or chocolate milkshakes help cool your palate.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Just shred it and toss it in buffalo sauce before topping the pizza.

2. What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

The most popular choice is Frank’s RedHot Sauce, but you can use any brand you like. If you prefer homemade sauce, mix hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and a dash of vinegar.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for a crispy crust.

4. Can I make buffalo chicken pizza in an air fryer?

Yes! Roll out the dough, assemble the pizza, and air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy and bubbly.

5. How do I make it less spicy for kids?

Mix buffalo sauce with more butter or ranch dressing to reduce the heat.
Use mild buffalo sauce or BBQ sauce instead.
Skip the red pepper flakes or spicy toppings.