Let’s be real—this is the kind of pizza that disappears fast. It’s spicy, cheesy, creamy, and has all those bold buffalo flavors that make you want to go back for another slice.
Perfect for game day, movie night, or just when you’re craving something a little over-the-top.
You’ll love how easy this is to throw together with leftover chicken or rotisserie, and how it tastes like something you’d get from your favorite pizza place—but better because you made it.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting pizza pan)
Why I Love This Recipe
Okay, story time. I made this buffalo chicken pizza for a football watch party a while back, thinking it might be too spicy for some people. Nope. It vanished in like 10 minutes. Everyone asked for the recipe. It’s just that good.
Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- You can use leftover chicken—so easy
- Bold buffalo flavor without being too hot
- Cheesy and saucy in every bite
- Ranch drizzle cools it down perfectly
- Makes you feel like a total kitchen hero
Servings & Time
Servings: 4–6 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Pro Tips
- Use a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for a crispier crust
- Toss the chicken in the sauce ahead of time so it soaks up the flavor
- Don’t overload with cheese—it can get too greasy
- Drizzle the ranch after baking to keep it fresh and creamy
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing
Tools Required
- Rolling pin
- Pizza pan or stone
- Small bowls
- Spoon
- Oven
- Knife or pizza cutter
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap Ranch: Use blue cheese dressing if that’s your thing
- No Buffalo Sauce? Mix ¼ cup hot sauce with 2 tbsp melted butter
- Make it Spicier: Add sliced jalapeños on top before baking
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese and dairy-free ranch
Make Ahead Tips
Let’s Make It
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prep your dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F. If you’re using a pizza stone, let it heat inside the oven. Roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches on a floured surface. Sprinkle a little cornmeal on your pan or stone to keep it from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the chicken and buffalo sauce
In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken with ½ cup buffalo sauce until well coated.
Step 3: Add olive oil to the dough
Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil all over the rolled-out dough to help the crust get golden and crisp.
Step 4: Add the chicken
Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded cheddar evenly on top of the chicken.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Add ranch and green onions
Once out of the oven, drizzle ¼ cup ranch dressing over the top and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped green onions.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover slices in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for the best texture
- Avoid the microwave unless you like soft crust
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Buffalo sauce is a mix of vinegar, butter, and hot sauce. The fat from the butter helps carry flavor and coat the chicken so it doesn’t dry out. Brushing olive oil on the dough creates a barrier that crisps it up in the oven. The combo of mozzarella and cheddar gives the perfect gooey melt and that extra kick of flavor.
Common Mistakes
- Too much sauce: Can make the crust soggy
- Cold oven: A hot oven is key for a crisp crust
- Overloading toppings: Makes it hard to bake evenly
- Cutting too soon: Wait a few minutes so the cheese sets
What to Serve With
- Celery sticks or carrot sticks
- Extra ranch or blue cheese on the side
- A simple green salad
- Iced tea or root beer
FAQ
Can I use precooked crust?
Yes! Just reduce bake time to 8–10 minutes.
What kind of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken or any cooked shredded chicken.
Is it spicy?
It has a kick, but ranch balances it out. You can always use less buffalo sauce.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Totally! Use cooked cauliflower or meatless chicken.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken pizza is a total crowd-pleaser and super satisfying to make at home. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Drop a comment below if you made it or if you have any questions—I’d love to hear how yours turned out!