Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A Bold, Spicy Twist on Pizza Night

If you love the heat of buffalo wings and the cheesy comfort of pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza is your perfect match. This crave-worthy fusion combines tender chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and melty mozzarella—all baked on a crispy crust. It’s bold, tangy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy.

Whether you’re hosting game night, switching up your pizza routine, or simply feeding a crowd, buffalo chicken pizza is a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser that delivers a kick with every bite.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Pizza

This pizza is more than just a novelty—it’s a delicious combination of:

• Savory shredded chicken

• Creamy, tangy dressing (ranch or blue cheese)

• Fiery buffalo sauce

• Stretchy mozzarella cheese

• A crispy, chewy crust

It’s a pizza-night upgrade that’s spicy, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust (use one of the following):

• 1 homemade pizza dough (or store-bought)

• 1 pre-baked pizza crust (like naan, flatbread, or thin crust)

• 1 refrigerated dough (like Pillsbury or Trader Joe’s)

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)

• ⅓ cup buffalo wing sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

• ½ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

• 1 ½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional for more flavor)

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, to mellow the buffalo sauce)

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions

• Chopped parsley or cilantro

• Extra ranch or buffalo drizzle

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. For a slightly milder flavor, melt in a tablespoon of butter with the sauce before tossing.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

• Roll or stretch your dough onto parchment paper or a floured surface.

• Spread ranch or blue cheese dressing over the dough as your sauce base.

• Add the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across the pizza.

• Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and optional crumbled blue cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer the pizza (on parchment if using) to the hot baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for a couple minutes. Top with green onions, parsley, or a drizzle of ranch or extra buffalo sauce. Slice and serve hot!

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Pizza

• Use cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is perfect—it’s fast and flavorful.

• Don’t overload with sauce. Too much can make the crust soggy.

• Crisp the crust. Preheating your pan or stone makes the bottom extra crisp.

• Adjust the spice. Add more buffalo sauce for heat or mellow it with ranch or butter.

• Customize your base. Blue cheese for tang, ranch for creaminess—choose your favorite!

Fun Variations to Try

Buffalo chicken pizza is highly customizable. Try one of these ideas:

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread

Use naan or pita bread as the base for personal-sized pizzas.

Buffalo Chicken White Pizza

Swap ranch for a garlic cream sauce, add red onions and mozzarella.

Keto or Low-Carb Buffalo Pizza

Use a cauliflower or almond flour crust and keep toppings low-carb.

Buffalo Chicken & Bacon Pizza

Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the buffalo chicken before baking.

Buffalo Chicken BBQ Combo

Blend buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky-spicy fusion.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken pizza is bold, so pair it with cool, refreshing sides:

• Celery and carrot sticks

• Ranch or blue cheese dip

• Side salad with ranch or vinaigrette

• Iced tea, lemonade, or light beer

It’s also perfect for serving as an appetizer or party bite when sliced into squares.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Mix the chicken and sauce in advance and store in the fridge up to 2 days.

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F or in an air fryer for a crisp crust.

• Freeze: Freeze cooked slices between parchment in a freezer bag. Reheat in oven without thawing.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza for Parties and Game Day

Buffalo chicken pizza is a game-day favorite and a must-have at casual get-togethers. It has all the bold, zesty flavor of buffalo wings—without the mess.

• Slice it into squares and serve as finger food.

• Pair with beer or soda for a sports-night vibe.

• Offer a variety of sauces on the side: ranch, blue cheese, and extra buffalo sauce.

• Add a veggie tray or coleslaw to cool things down.

It’s the kind of party food that disappears fast—so consider making more than one!

Making It Kid-Friendly

Want to make buffalo chicken pizza more family-friendly?

• Use a milder buffalo sauce or mix it with extra ranch to reduce the heat.

• Skip blue cheese if your kids aren’t fans and stick with mozzarella or cheddar.

• Let kids help spread the sauce and sprinkle cheese—it’s fun and interactive.

• Offer dipping sauces like ketchup or ranch for younger palates.

It’s a great way to introduce bold flavors in a familiar format.

Using Different Crusts

Buffalo chicken pizza works on any crust. Here are a few ideas:

• Thin crust: Extra crispy, fast-cooking, and light.

• Thick crust or pan pizza: Fluffier and more filling—great for big appetites.

• Cauliflower crust: Lower-carb and gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

• Gluten-free pizza dough: Available in most grocery stores for allergen-friendly meals.

• Tortilla or flatbread base: Fast and easy for single servings.

Choose the crust that fits your preferences—or use what you already have on hand.

The Ultimate Flavor Combo

Buffalo chicken pizza is all about balance:

• Heat from buffalo sauce

• Creaminess from ranch or blue cheese

• Meltiness from mozzarella

• Tang from crumbled blue cheese or extra vinegar in the sauce

• Freshness from green onions or herbs on top

Each bite hits multiple flavor notes—making it addictively good.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza as Meal Prep

This pizza stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep:

• Pack cooled slices in lunchboxes or containers.

• Wrap individually in foil or parchment for grab-and-go lunches.

• Reheat in an oven or air fryer for that just-baked texture.

• Enjoy hot or cold—it tastes great either way.

It’s a convenient way to enjoy bold flavors throughout the week.

Buffalo-Inspired Meal Ideas

If you love the flavor profile of buffalo chicken, try using it in other meals:

• Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Use leftover pizza chicken in tortillas with lettuce and ranch.

• Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Sandwich between tortillas with extra cheese and grill.

• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir into creamy pasta for spicy comfort food.

• Buffalo Chicken Salad: Add on top of a romaine salad with celery and carrots.

Once you master the sauce and seasoning, the possibilities are endless.

Closing Inspiration

Buffalo chicken pizza is more than a fun twist on a classic—it’s a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that checks all the boxes: spicy, cheesy, creamy, and customizable. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, game night, or your next party, this pizza delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza for Special Diets

With a few tweaks, you can make buffalo chicken pizza suit nearly any dietary need:

• Low-Carb/Keto: Use a cauliflower crust or almond flour crust and avoid sugary sauces. Use full-fat cheese and grilled chicken.

• Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free crust and double-check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a vegan ranch or buffalo-style dressing.

• High-Protein: Load it up with extra chicken and cheese, or use a high-protein flatbread base.

These adaptations ensure you can enjoy this spicy favorite while sticking to your lifestyle goals.

Pairing Drinks with Buffalo Chicken Pizza

The heat and tanginess of buffalo sauce pair well with cool, crisp beverages. Here are some top drink pairings:

• Beer: Light lagers, pale ales, or wheat beers balance the spice and richness.

• Cider: Crisp apple or pear ciders complement the bold flavors.

• Sparkling water or soda: Something bubbly and refreshing helps cleanse the palate.

• Milk or ranch dressing shooters (for fun): Great for cooling down between bites.

• Mocktails or cocktails: Try a cucumber-lime cooler, ginger beer, or a light mojito.

Choosing the right drink elevates the whole meal experience.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Around the Table

One of the great things about buffalo chicken pizza is how well it fits in to so many occasions:

• Casual dinners at home

• Game-day snacks for sports fans

• Potluck or party food that travels well and serves many

• Teen-friendly meals that feel fun and indulgent

• Late-night eats when you’re craving something bold and satisfying

It’s one of those dishes that works whether you’re lounging in sweatpants or entertaining friends.

Storing and Reheating Like a Pro

To maintain texture and flavor when storing leftovers:

• Wrap slices in parchment paper or foil before storing in containers. This prevents sogginess.

• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes for a crisp finish.

• Air fryer method: Reheat for 3–4 minutes at 350°F.

• Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crust and dulls the flavor.

Proper reheating ensures your pizza tastes just as good the next day.

Final Notes: Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Buffalo Chicken Pizza blends two classic American comfort foods into one unbeatable dish. It’s exciting, customizable, and easy to prepare at home—even if you’re not a seasoned cook. From the fiery sauce to the creamy drizzle, every bite is a flavor explosion.

This recipe is:

• Quick enough for a weeknight

• Bold enough for entertaining

• Flexible for any dietary need

• Perfect for pizza lovers who crave something different

Pairing Ideas for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Pizza Night

Buffalo chicken pizza is bold, spicy, and ultra-satisfying. But pairing it with the right sides or complementary meals can truly elevate your pizza night.

Looking for something hearty and balanced? Don’t miss our Loaded Grilled Chicken Bowl: A Flavor-Packed, Nutritious Meal — it’s a great option when you want to add a protein-packed, veggie-rich bowl to the table alongside your pizza.

And for even more creative twists, check out this expert-approved Buffalo Chicken Pizza recipe by Serious Eats — a fan-favorite known for its authentic flavor and perfect spice balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hot sauce instead of buffalo sauce?
Yes, but mix it with melted butter to mimic true buffalo flavor.

What cheese works best?
Mozzarella for meltiness, blue cheese for bold flavor, or a mix of both.

Is ranch or blue cheese dressing better?
It’s personal preference—ranch is creamier, blue cheese is tangier.

Can I grill buffalo chicken pizza?
Absolutely. Grill the dough on one side, flip, then add toppings and finish with the lid closed.

Print