Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe: Spicy, Cheesy Game Day Favorite

I wanted to spice up our regular pizza night, so I gave this Buffalo Chicken Pizza a try—and wow, it was a total hit! The mix of creamy cheese, spicy buffalo chicken, and that golden, garlic-butter crust was irresistible.

It’s one of those recipes that feels like a restaurant dish but is so easy to make at home.

Everyone loved customizing their slice, and I honestly had fun putting it all together. If you’re like me and love bold flavors with a simple prep, this one’s for you!

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients that make this pizza so crave-worthy. Fresh ingredients make all the difference here!

For the Pizza:

1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and great flavor.
¼ cup buffalo sauce: Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any brand works.
2 tablespoons blue cheese dressing (or ranch if you prefer): This adds a creamy balance to the heat.
1 ball pizza dough (12-inch): Room temperature dough is easier to stretch and bakes evenly.
⅓ cup pizza sauce: Keep it light to avoid overpowering the buffalo flavor.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Shred it fresh if possible—it melts better and tastes fresher.
¼ cup thinly sliced red onions: Adds crunch and sweet sharpness.
2 tablespoons sliced banana peppers: Optional, but they give a tangy kick.

For the Garlic Butter Parmesan Crust:

2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushing the crust enhances flavor and helps browning.
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: A little goes a long way for garlicky aroma.

Garnishes:

1 tablespoon chopped green onions
A pinch of red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Note: This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, which serves 2–3 people.

Variations

Here are a few fun ways to switch up the recipe depending on your taste or dietary needs:

Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based chicken or grilled cauliflower instead of meat.
Low-Heat Version: Mix buffalo sauce with more ranch or use a mild wing sauce.
Add More Protein: Toss in chopped bacon or cooked tofu.
Gluten-Free: Use a store-bought gluten-free crust or cauliflower base.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more color and crunch.

Cooking Time

You’ll be surprised how quickly this comes together!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what I used to make the process smooth and simple:

Mixing Bowl – For marinating the chicken with sauce and dressing.
Rolling Pin – Helps roll out the pizza dough evenly.
Pizza Pan or Stone – Gives you that golden, crisp crust.
Small Brush – For spreading garlic butter on the crust.
Grater – To freshly shred mozzarella cheese for the best melt.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza?

This recipe is super straightforward once you have all your ingredients ready. Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

Cut and Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and a spoonful of blue cheese or ranch dressing. Mix well so the chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients—this gives the flavors time to soak in.

Prepare the Pizza Dough

Preheat your oven to 450°F. If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it heats up. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a lightly oiled pizza pan or parchment paper. Poke a few holes with a fork to prevent air bubbles from puffing up during baking.

Layer the Toppings

Spread the pizza sauce thinly over the dough, just enough to coat the base. Sprinkle on about two-thirds of your mozzarella cheese. Then, add the marinated chicken, sliced red onions, and banana peppers evenly across the pizza. Top with the remaining mozzarella for that bubbly finish.

Drizzle and Bake

Add a drizzle of blue cheese dressing and a little extra buffalo sauce over the top for a flavor boost. Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 13 minutes. Meanwhile, mix your melted butter, Parmesan, and garlic powder in a small bowl.

Finish the Crust

After 13 minutes, remove the pizza and brush the garlic butter mix generously onto the crust. Pop it back in the oven for another 2–3 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crispy.

Garnish and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle green onions, red pepper flakes, and parsley over the top. Slice it up and serve while hot—it smells amazing and tastes even better!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some personal tips I picked up while making this recipe that you might find helpful:

Let the dough warm up: Cold dough is stiff and hard to roll—let it sit for 20 minutes before using.
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has added starch and doesn’t melt as nicely.
Use parchment paper if you don’t have a stone: It helps prevent sticking and ensures a crisp bottom.
Don’t overload the sauce: It can make the pizza soggy. A light layer is perfect.
Broil briefly (optional): For extra golden cheese, broil the pizza for 1 minute at the end.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Pizza?

I love making this pizza feel like a full meal with the right presentation. Slice it evenly and arrange the pieces on a wooden board or pizza tray. Add a little sprinkle of parsley or extra buffalo drizzle for a vibrant look. Serve it with a side of celery sticks and a small bowl of ranch or blue cheese for dipping—it’s a fun nod to classic wings!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional breakdown per slice (based on 8 slices):

Calories: 278
Protein: 17g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 11g

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing in Advance

You can marinate the chicken and mix up the garlic butter a day ahead. Keep them in sealed containers in the fridge so you’re ready to assemble and bake the next day.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To keep the crust crispy, reheat in the oven at 275°F for 25–30 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it softens the crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this pizza has become a favorite in my home! Here’s why I think you’ll love it too:

Bold Flavor Combo: The spicy chicken and creamy cheese are just addictive together.
Fast and Easy: You can pull this off in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Totally Customizable: Make it your own with different toppings or sauces.
Kid- and Crowd-Friendly: It’s a winner with family and guests alike.
Restaurant Quality at Home: It tastes gourmet but requires zero fancy skills.

Ash Tyrrell