When it comes to bold, irresistible flavor, nothing hits quite like a Buffalo Chicken Pizza. It’s the perfect fusion of two comfort food icons: spicy buffalo wings and cheesy, crispy pizza. With a creamy ranch or blue cheese drizzle, tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all layered over a golden crust—this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re planning a game day feast, a Friday pizza night with family, or just craving something bold and cheesy for a weeknight dinner, this pizza delivers every time. It’s not just delicious—it’s fun, quick, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
What sets this version apart? A balanced flavor profile: spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch or blue cheese, melty mozzarella, and a crispy homemade crust. We’ll even show you how to use your own Classic Pizza Dough Recipe for maximum freshness and flavor.
From casual dinners to party platters, this homemade buffalo pizza fits any occasion—and once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
What Is Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
Buffalo Chicken Pizza is exactly what it sounds like—a creative mashup of spicy buffalo wings and classic cheesy pizza. It takes the best parts of both and transforms them into a handheld, oven-baked masterpiece.
Originating in sports bars and pub menus, this pizza became wildly popular thanks to its crave-worthy flavor combo. Now, home cooks everywhere are recreating it in their kitchens with simple ingredients and a personal twist.
What makes it special is how the flavors layer: spicy buffalo chicken is balanced by creamy ranch or blue cheese, melted into a cheesy base, all on top of crispy crust. It’s bold, satisfying, and totally addictive.
Ingredients Overview
Before we dive into step-by-step instructions, here’s a quick look at the key components that bring this pizza to life:
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Chicken – Cooked and shredded, using either chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
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Buffalo Sauce – The heart of the flavor. Choose mild or hot depending on your spice tolerance.
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Ranch or Blue Cheese – Acts as the creamy base sauce or drizzle on top.
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Cheese – A blend of mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for flavor punch.
This pizza is all about balance—spicy meets creamy, cheesy meets crispy. And once you layer these flavors over a golden crust, it’s pure perfection.
Choosing the Best Pizza Dough for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
The crust is the foundation of your pizza, so starting with the right dough is key. For a crust that’s crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and holds up beautifully under all that buffalo chicken goodness, we recommend using our Classic Pizza Dough Recipe.
Making your own dough might sound intimidating, but trust us—it’s easier than you think and adds an unmatched homemade touch. Plus, you can control thickness, texture, and even flavor (add garlic or herbs!).
If you’re short on time, feel free to use a quality store-bought dough or even naan bread or flatbread as a shortcut. But when possible, homemade always wins.
How to Cook and Season the Chicken
Buffalo chicken is the star of this pizza, and getting it right is easier than you might expect. You can either:
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Cook and shred boneless chicken breasts or thighs
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Or use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut (just remove the skin)
Once your chicken is shredded or chopped, season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika if you like a smoky edge. Then, toss it in your favorite buffalo sauce until fully coated. Some like it mild, some like it hot—you’re in control of the spice level.
For best results, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb that bold, tangy flavor before adding it to your pizza.
Sauce Options: Ranch vs. Blue Cheese
Here’s where opinions can get passionate: ranch or blue cheese?
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Ranch dressing is smooth, herby, and kid-friendly—perfect as a pizza base or drizzle.
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Blue cheese brings that funky tang and works great in crumbles or dressing form.
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Can’t decide? Mix them or use both! Some people use ranch as the base and sprinkle blue cheese on top.
There’s no right or wrong—just go with the flavor combo you love. Both pair beautifully with spicy buffalo sauce.
Cheese Matters: Choosing the Right Melty Blend
When it comes to the cheese, mozzarella is your go-to for that perfect pizza melt. But for more flavor, don’t be afraid to mix it up.
Try:
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Mozzarella + sharp cheddar for a creamy-tangy combo
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Add Monterey Jack for smoothness
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Or provolone for extra richness
A good rule of thumb? Don’t overload the cheese—too much can make your crust soggy. Just enough to get golden, melty bubbles is perfect.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza at Home
This recipe is simple, flexible, and packed with flavor. Follow these easy steps to build your own delicious Buffalo Chicken Pizza from scratch:
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Prep the dough
Start by making your crust using our trusted Classic Pizza Dough Recipe. If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temp for 20–30 minutes before shaping. -
Cook and shred the chicken
Boil, grill, or bake chicken breasts (or use rotisserie chicken). Once cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces. -
Toss chicken in buffalo sauce
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with your favorite buffalo sauce until fully coated. You can adjust the heat level to your liking—mild, medium, or hot. -
Preheat the oven and prep the surface
Preheat to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone or steel, let it heat in the oven for 30 minutes. A baking sheet works too.
Pro Tip: Use parchment paper for easy transfer to the hot stone or oven rack. -
Assemble the pizza
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Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.
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Spread ranch or blue cheese dressing as the base.
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Sprinkle with shredded cheese (mozzarella + cheddar).
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Top with buffalo chicken.
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Bake to perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling. -
Garnish and serve
Finish with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Sprinkle fresh parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
Optional Toppings and Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Want to take your buffalo pizza to the next level? Here are some flavorful toppings to mix things up:
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Red onions – add bite and sweetness
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Banana peppers or jalapeños – for a tangy or spicy kick
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Bacon crumbles – because bacon makes everything better
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Shredded carrots or celery slaw – echo the classic wing sides
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Fresh cilantro or scallions – bright, herbaceous garnish
Feel free to get creative—this is a pizza that welcomes personality!
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza Every Time
For a consistently delicious pizza, keep these expert tips in mind:
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Don’t overload with sauce or cheese
Too much moisture can make the crust soggy. -
Use a pizza stone or steel
They help achieve that crispy, chewy pizzeria-style crust. -
Let it rest before slicing
Give the pizza 2–3 minutes after baking to settle and avoid cheese sliding off. -
Broil briefly
Want those perfect golden-brown cheese bubbles? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch closely!
Variations and Serving Ideas
Make it your own with these fun twists and serving suggestions:
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Buffalo Chicken Flatbread – great for appetizers or lunch
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Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls – roll up the ingredients and slice into spirals for party bites
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Buffalo Chicken Dip Pizza – spread a layer of buffalo chicken dip on the crust before adding cheese
Serve with:
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Carrot and celery sticks
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Ranch or blue cheese dip on the side
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A cold beer or sparkling lemonade for balance
Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime cravings hit!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Buffalo Chicken Pizza makes amazing leftovers (if you have any!).
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Storage: Let it cool, then store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheating:
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Air fryer or oven: Reheat at 350°F until warm and crispy (about 5–7 mins).
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Avoid the microwave: It can make the crust rubbery and soggy.
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FAQs About Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works fine, but homemade delivers the best flavor and texture. Try our Classic Pizza Dough Recipe if you have the time.
What’s the best cheese for buffalo chicken pizza?
A mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar creates the perfect combo of melty and flavorful. Add provolone or Monterey Jack for variety.
How spicy is this pizza?
It depends on your buffalo sauce. Use mild, medium, or hot to suit your taste. You can also mix with a little ranch to tone it down.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use buffalo cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust. Just make sure all ingredients (including sauces) are gluten-free certified.
More Pizza Recipes to Try
Love this Buffalo Chicken Pizza? Don’t stop here—check out these other fun and flavorful pizza-inspired recipes from the site:
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Taco Pizza Recipe – A Tex-Mex twist with seasoned beef, cheddar, and crunchy lettuce on a pizza crust.
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English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas Recipe – Quick, kid-friendly breakfast pizzas ready in minutes.
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Garlic Breadstick Pizza Recipe – Buttery garlic bread meets cheesy pizza toppings—perfect for snacking.
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Pizza Pockets Recipe – Handheld, melty, and freezer-friendly! Great for lunchboxes or easy dinners.
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Tater Tot Pizza Casserole Recipe – A fun mashup of pizza and tater tots baked into a comforting casserole.
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Pizza Stuffed Pasta Shells – Jumbo shells stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, and pizza sauce.
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Cheesy Pizza Burger Pie – A hearty, meaty pie that combines all your favorite pizza and burger flavors.
Each one brings a new twist on pizza night—perfect for mixing up your meal plan or feeding a crowd!
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- Spoon or ladle (for sauce)
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough see Classic Pizza Dough Recipe
- 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken breast or rotisserie
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced red onion jalapeños, crumbled bacon, scallions, cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
- Roll out pizza dough on floured surface to desired thickness.
- In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.
- Spread ranch or blue cheese dressing over pizza dough as the base.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly.
- Top with buffalo chicken and any optional toppings.
- Transfer to a pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven, drizzle extra ranch or blue cheese, garnish with scallions or herbs if desired.
- Let rest 2 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce heat level based on preference.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Reheat in air fryer or oven for best texture.
- Add veggies or swap dressing to customize!
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is bold, cheesy, and everything a comfort food lover could want. It’s:
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Spicy, creamy, and crispy in every bite
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Perfect for parties, pizza night, or game day
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Totally customizable and super satisfying
With the right crust, flavorful chicken, and your favorite drizzle on top, this pizza is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.