Introduction
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and classic comfort food, this Buffalo Chicken Pizza is sure to become a favorite in your household. Combining the tangy heat of Buffalo sauce with creamy blue cheese and tender chicken, this pizza offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza recipes. Perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or a delicious weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– ⅓ cup Buffalo sauce
– 2 tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting)
– 1 pound pizza dough
– ¼ cup blue cheese dressing
– 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
– ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1 rib celery, diced small
– Hot sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Prep Time
The prep time for this delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza is approximately 15 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time is around 9-13 minutes. In total, you can have this tasty pizza ready in about 30 minutes. This recipe yields one 12-inch pizza, perfect for sharing or satisfying your cravings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 500°F (or as hot as it will go). Place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet on the middle rack to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with the Buffalo sauce until it is well coated. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Dust the Dough
Dust a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper heavily with cornmeal. Stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. For a crispier crust, make it larger; for a thicker crust, keep it smaller.
4. Transfer the Dough
Carefully place the shaped dough onto the prepared pizza peel or parchment paper, ensuring it is evenly spread.
5. Spread Blue Cheese Dressing
Quickly spread the blue cheese dressing over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
6. Add Buffalo Chicken
Evenly distribute the Buffalo chicken mixture over the blue cheese dressing, ensuring an even coverage for flavor in every slice.
7. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken layer, followed by the crumbled blue cheese for an added richness.
8. Bake the Pizza
Using the pizza peel or parchment paper, slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
9. Monitor Baking Time
Bake the pizza for 9-13 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust has turned a golden brown color.
10. Cool the Pizza
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes to make slicing easier.
11. Add Final Touches
Top the baked pizza with the diced celery for a fresh crunch and drizzle with hot sauce if desired for extra heat.
12. Slice and Serve
Slice the pizza into pieces and serve immediately while it is still warm and delicious.
Notes
Buffalo Sauce Choice
Choose your favorite brand of Buffalo sauce for varying heat levels, or make your own for a personalized flavor.
Blue Cheese Dressing
Adjust the amount of blue cheese dressing based on personal preference, as some may prefer it lighter while others enjoy a richer flavor.
Crust Thickness
Experiment with the thickness of the dough. A thicker crust will require slightly more baking time, so keep an eye on it.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving with extra celery sticks and additional hot sauce on the side for guests who enjoy more spice.
Cook techniques
Tossing Chicken with Sauce
To evenly coat shredded cooked chicken, combine it with Buffalo sauce in a bowl. Use a gentle tossing motion to ensure every piece is well covered.
Dusting with Cornmeal
Before placing pizza dough on a peel or parchment paper, dust it generously with cornmeal. This prevents the dough from sticking and helps create a crispier crust.
Stretching Pizza Dough
To shape your pizza dough, use your hands to gently stretch or roll it into a circle. For a thinner crust, aim for a larger diameter, and for a thicker crust, keep the size smaller.
Laying a Base with Blue Cheese Dressing
Spread blue cheese dressing evenly on the pizza dough, ensuring to leave a 1-inch border around the edges. This adds flavor and serves as a base for the toppings.
Layering the Toppings
When adding toppings, layer the Buffalo chicken mixture first, followed by mozzarella cheese and crumbled blue cheese. This ensures an even melt and distribution of flavors.
Baking the Pizza
Use a pizza peel or parchment to slide the assembled pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake in a hot oven (500°F) for 9-13 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden brown.
Cooling and Topping
After baking, allow the pizza to cool for 2-3 minutes. This helps firm up the crust and makes slicing easier. Top with diced celery and extra hot sauce if desired.
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
No, the recipe requires shredded cooked chicken for flavor and safety. If using raw chicken, you would need to cook it thoroughly before shredding.
What if I don’t have Buffalo sauce?
If you don’t have Buffalo sauce, you can substitute it with other hot sauces mixed with butter for a similar flavor, but the spiciness may differ.
How can I make the crust crispier?
To achieve a crispier crust, stretch the dough thinner and bake it on a preheated pizza stone at maximum temperature.
Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer for up to three months.
What can I substitute for blue cheese dressing?
For a different flavor, you can use ranch dressing or any creamy dressing of your choice as a substitute for blue cheese dressing.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza that combines the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce with creamy blue cheese and tender chicken. The combination of textures and flavors creates an irresistible dish that is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy making this flavorful pizza as a main dish or as part of a larger spread.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Try a vegetarian alternative by tossing cauliflower florets in Buffalo sauce and roasting them until crispy. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with Buffalo chicken, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings like jalapeños and green onions. Bake until the cheese melts and serve with blue cheese dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Wrap shredded Buffalo chicken, diced celery, and blue cheese dressing in a tortilla for a quick and easy meal on the go.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Serve mini sandwiches with shredded Buffalo chicken on slider buns, topped with blue cheese and sliced celery for a fun appetizer.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with Buffalo chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of blue cheese for a hearty and satisfying dish.
