Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Buffalo chicken pizza is a delicious fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and Buffalo wings. This recipe combines the spicy, tangy flavor of Buffalo chicken with the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza. Below is a detailed guide to making a scrumptious Buffalo chicken pizza from scratch, including the crust, sauce, and toppings.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Buffalo Chicken

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• ½ cup Buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Pizza Sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Making the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top, stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Buffalo Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t done so already, cook and shred or cube the chicken breast. You can poach, bake, or grill the chicken according to your preference.
2. Buffalo Sauce Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the Buffalo sauce and melted butter. Heat over low heat until warmed through. Add the shredded or cubed chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat well. Set aside.

Making the Pizza Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch it into a 12-14 inch circle, depending on your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Add the Sauce: Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
4. Layer the Toppings:
   • Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
   • Distribute the Buffalo chicken evenly over the cheese.
   • Add the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.
   • Scatter the red onion slices and blue cheese crumbles (if using) over the top.

Baking the Pizza

1. Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
2. Cool and Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Serve it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the pizza. For a fun party platter, you can also make mini Buffalo chicken pizzas using the same recipe but with smaller portions of dough.

Tips for Success

1. Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the pizza dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: For a quicker prep time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and mix it with the Buffalo sauce mixture.
3. Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder pizza, use less Buffalo sauce or mix it with a bit of barbecue sauce. For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the Buffalo mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the pizza before baking.
4. Crispier Crust: For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for about 5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. This helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: Use flatbread instead of pizza dough for a quicker version. Simply assemble the toppings on the flatbread and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
2. Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets. Toss the cauliflower in the Buffalo sauce mixture and proceed with the recipe as usual.
3. Buffalo Chicken Calzone: Make individual calzones by folding the dough over the Buffalo chicken filling. Seal the edges and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza crust mix or pre-made gluten-free pizza crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken pizza is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best elements of Buffalo wings and pizza. With a homemade crust, tangy Buffalo chicken, and gooey melted cheese, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a game day snack, or a party, this pizza is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors in every bite!

Source: kitchenswagger.com