Buffalo Chicken Pizza

If you’re a fan of spicy chicken wings and cheesy pizza, there’s a high chance you’ve already fallen for Buffalo Chicken Pizza. It’s a fiery, creamy, tangy, and ultra-satisfying mash-up of two American food icons. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just want to spice up your pizza night, this guide will help you master the art of this modern classic.

Originating from the iconic Buffalo wings invented at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, this pizza takes those zesty wing flavors and piles them onto a crispy, cheesy crust. The result? A slice that’s equally comforting and thrilling.

But what really sets this dish apart is the signature use of buffalo sauce, often paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing, melted mozzarella, and savory shredded chicken. You can take it up a notch by using quality sauces like Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Sauce, which has become the gold standard for that unmistakable heat.

🍕 What is Buffalo Chicken Pizza?

At its core, Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a flavorful blend of:

Shredded or grilled chicken
Buffalo sauce (hot sauce + butter)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Mozzarella cheese (or a blend of cheddar/Monterey Jack)
Red onions, banana peppers, or even celery slices
Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

It’s a bold, crave-worthy dish that balances heat from the sauce, coolness from the dressing, and the stretchy richness of cheese, all layered on a crispy or chewy crust.

🏙️ A Brief History of Buffalo Chicken Pizza

The original Buffalo wing was created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar.
By the 1970s, local pizzerias in Buffalo started pairing wings and pizza on the menu.

The next evolution? Combining the two into one dish.
Chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut added Buffalo Chicken Pizza in the late 1990s and 2000s, turning it into a national staple.

🛒 Essential Ingredients Breakdown For Buffalo Chicken Pizza

🐔 Chicken

Cooked and shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
Marinate in buffalo sauce before baking

🌶️ Buffalo Sauce

Use store-bought like Frank’s RedHot or make your own with:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Optional: garlic powder, honey for sweetness

🧀 Cheese

Low moisture, whole milk mozzarella is best
Mix with cheddar or Monterey Jack for richness
Optional: crumbled blue cheese on top

🍕 Dough

Store-bought pizza dough for ease
Homemade dough for purists
Naan, flatbread, or cauliflower crusts work great too

🥗 Sauces

Blue cheese dressing (try Marie’s Blue Cheese)
Ranch dressing as an alternative
Some recipes also use a light pizza sauce base

🔥 Toppings

Red onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Banana peppers
Green onions or chives
Red pepper flakes for added spice
Celery shavings for a wing-style finish

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Ingredients:

1 lb pizza dough
1 ½ cups shredded chicken
⅓ cup buffalo sauce
¼ cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup pizza sauce (optional)
¼ cup red onions
Banana peppers, green onions, parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (if using a pizza stone, preheat it as well).

Marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce and a tablespoon of dressing.
Stretch the dough on a greased pan or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Poke holes with a fork to prevent bubbles.
Spread a layer of pizza sauce (if using) and drizzle on the dressing.

Sprinkle on half the cheese.
Add the buffalo chicken, onions, banana peppers.
Sprinkle remaining cheese.
Drizzle a little more buffalo sauce on top.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Optional: Brush crust with melted butter, Parmesan, and garlic powder.
Garnish with green onions, parsley, and red pepper flakes.

🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Preheat your pizza stone or steel for a crispy base.

Don’t overload with sauce or it’ll get soggy.
Use fresh shredded mozzarella – it melts and browns better than bagged.
Let dough come to room temp before stretching – it prevents tearing.
Double bake crust with garlic-Parmesan butter for a pizzeria-style finish.

🍕 Tasty Variations to Try

One of the best things about Buffalo Chicken Pizza is how versatile it is. While the classic combo of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and mozzarella hits all the right notes, there are so many delicious ways to customize this spicy favorite to match your cravings, diet, or creativity. Here are some of the top variations to try:

🔥 Flatbread Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Use store-bought naan or flatbread, layer on your toppings, and bake for 10–12 minutes. The thinner base gives you a crispy, light version that’s still packed with flavor.

🧀 Buffalo Chicken Dip Pizza

Love buffalo chicken dip? Spread a layer of creamy buffalo dip (made with cream cheese, chicken, hot sauce, and cheese) over the crust instead of sauce. Top with more cheese and bake—ultra decadent!

🍳 Buffalo Breakfast Pizza

Start your day with spice! Add scrambled eggs, buffalo chicken, and shredded cheese over a crust or biscuit base. Top with a light drizzle of ranch or hot sauce.

🥦 Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza (Vegetarian)

Swap chicken for roasted buffalo cauliflower florets. It delivers the same spicy crunch with a plant-based twist. Great with vegan cheese and a cauliflower crust for a full-on healthy makeover.

🍳 Cast Iron Skillet Buffalo Pizza

Cook your pizza in a preheated cast iron skillet for an ultra-crispy, deep-dish-style crust. Add extra cheese and a buttered crust for indulgence.

🍽️ Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls or Bombs

Wrap your ingredients inside pizza dough balls or crescent rolls. Bake and serve as bite-sized party snacks—perfect for game days and appetizers.

Experiment with these variations and make Buffalo Chicken Pizza your own signature dish!

🥗 What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Celery sticks with blue cheese dressing
Simple side salad (Caesar or ranch-based)
Garlic knots or cheesy bread
Potato wedges for hearty meals
Drinks:
- Beer: IPA, wheat beer, lager
- Soda: cola, ginger ale, or sparkling water

❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

Properly storing and reheating your Buffalo Chicken Pizza ensures that every slice tastes just as good the next day—crispy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’ve made a large batch or have a few leftovers, these tips will help you keep your pizza fresh and delicious.

🧊 Storage:

Refrigerator: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap slices tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Pro Tip: Label and date your containers so you know when they were stored.

🔥 Reheating:

To bring back that crispy crust and gooey cheese, skip the microwave when possible.

Oven (Best Method):
- Preheat to 275°F (135°C)
- Place slices on a rimmed baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil
- Bake on the lower oven rack for 25–30 minutes
- This slow method prevents drying out and preserves texture
Skillet (Quick Method):
- Heat a skillet over medium heat
- Add slice and cover with a lid
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps

Microwave (Last Resort):
- Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel underneath
- Microwave for 30–45 seconds
- The crust may become soft, but it works in a pinch

Enjoy your leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza with all the flavor and texture intact!

🔢 Nutrition Breakdown (Approximate per slice)

Calories: 278 kcal
Protein: 17g
Carbs: 29g
Fat: 11g
Sodium: 1050mg
Calcium: 131mg

To lighten it up:

Use light cheese
Opt for Greek yogurt-based dressing
Swap in cauliflower crust

Tender braised short ribs slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, served over pasta for a hearty and comforting meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buffalo Chicken Pizza

What goes on a Buffalo Chicken Pizza?

Chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, onions, dressing (blue cheese or ranch), and optional toppings like banana peppers or celery.

Is Buffalo Chicken Pizza spicy?

Yes, it has a mild-to-medium kick. You can adjust the heat with more or less hot sauce.

What cheese goes best?

Mozzarella for stretch, with optional cheddar, blue cheese, or Monterey Jack for depth.

Can I use ranch instead of blue cheese?

Absolutely! Ranch is a common and popular alternative, especially for those not fond of blue cheese.

What’s the best crust to use?

Store-bought dough is convenient, but homemade or flatbread offer great alternatives. Cauliflower crust works for gluten-free diets.

🌱 Buffalo Chicken Pizza for Special Diets

Gluten-Free? Use GF pizza crusts (cauliflower, almond flour-based)
Dairy-Free? Choose dairy-free mozzarella and vegan ranch/blue cheese
Vegetarian? Sub chicken with buffalo-roasted cauliflower

🌀 Leftover Twist Ideas

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Quesadillas – Fold in a tortilla and grill
Pizza Bombs – Use biscuit dough to make mini stuffed pizzas

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Wraps – Roll up with lettuce in a flour tortilla

🎯 Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Pizza is the perfect fusion of spicy, creamy, and cheesy—all layered over a crispy crust that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a weeknight dinner idea, or simply craving something indulgent, this pizza checks all the boxes. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can go traditional with blue cheese and Frank’s RedHot, or swap in ranch and custom toppings to suit your taste.

What makes this pizza truly shine is its balance of textures and flavors: the heat from the buffalo sauce, the tang from blue cheese or ranch, and the richness of melted mozzarella all come together to create a slice worth savoring. Plus, it’s easy to customize for different dietary needs, from gluten-free crusts to dairy-free cheeses or even vegetarian alternatives like buffalo cauliflower.

By following the pro tips and recipe variations provided, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality Buffalo Chicken Pizza right from your own kitchen. So next time you’re in the mood for something exciting, skip the delivery and make your own unforgettable version of this modern classic. Your tastebuds—and your guests—will thank you. 🍕🔥