Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the bold flavors of spicy buffalo sauce with tender chicken and creamy mozzarella for a delicious twist on classic pizza. This homemade recipe ensures a soft, airy crust topped with a perfect balance of heat and savory toppings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and irresistible to eat.

A round pizza with eight slices sits on a light brown paper over a white marbled surface, one slice slightly pulled out. The crust is thick and dark brown with some charred spots, showing a crispy texture. The pizza is layered with a rich red tomato sauce, melted white cheese with golden browned spots, chunks of orange chicken, thin slices of green jalapeño peppers, and thin red onion rings, all spread evenly. Nearby, there is a small white bowl with golden olive oil and a small pile of red chili flakes, along with a dark blue glass partially filled with a dark drink. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

18-20 ounces pizza dough (fully proofed)
8 ounces chicken breast, cut into thin bite-sized strips
6 ounces fresh mozzarella (pearls preferred)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce, divided
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Sliced fresh jalapeno
1/3 cup flour (for crust and peel)
Honey (for drizzling)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the dough from the fridge and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and let it rest on the counter for 3-4 hours until it is no longer cool to the touch and nearly doubled in size. This ensures a soft, airy crust.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 500-550°F and place a pizza steel or stone on the middle rack about 8 inches from the top burner. Let it heat for one hour for optimal baking temperature.
Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the chicken strips until fully cooked and lightly golden. Remove from heat and toss with 2-3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce to lightly coat. Set aside.
Step 4: On a floured surface, gently stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. Aim for a thin center about 1/4 inch thick with a slightly thicker outer crust. Use your hands to stretch the dough, avoiding a rolling pin for better texture.
Step 5: Sprinkle flour evenly on a pizza peel to prevent sticking, then transfer the shaped dough onto the peel.
Step 6: Spread the remaining buffalo sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Top with the buffalo-coated chicken, fresh mozzarella pearls, sliced red onion, and jalapeno slices.
Step 7: Slide the pizza onto the preheated steel or stone and bake for 5-6 minutes until about 80% cooked. Then switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the crust chars slightly and cheese bubbles.
Step 8: Remove the pizza from the oven, drizzle honey over the top, and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap jalapenos for banana peppers if you prefer a milder heat.
Use homemade or store-bought pizza dough based on your preference. Just ensure it’s fully proofed for the best crust.
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions after baking for a fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

A round pizza is sliced into eight pieces with a thick, golden-brown crust that has some dark, charred spots, giving it a rustic look. The base layer is a rich red tomato sauce spread evenly over the dough, topped with melted white mozzarella cheese, scattered in soft, bubbly patches. Bright orange chunks of cooked chicken are spread across the pizza along with thin slices of green jalapeño peppers and thin strands of red onion, adding pops of color and texture. The pizza rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and fully proof the dough before stretching for a soft and airy crust.

What can I use instead of buffalo sauce?

If buffalo sauce isn’t available, a mix of hot sauce and melted butter works well as a substitute to keep that classic flavor.