If you’re craving the perfect match of spicy, creamy, and cheesy in one slice, this Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Combining tender shredded chicken drenched in zesty buffalo sauce, a rich melty blend of mozzarella and ricotta, with a crisp pizza crust that holds it all together, this pizza delivers that fiery punch balanced with cool, crunchy celery and tangy blue cheese. It’s comfort food elevated and absolutely irresistible whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging in a solo treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the bold flavors and delightful textures that make this pizza unforgettable. From the creamy ricotta to the spicy buffalo sauce, everything works in harmony to create a slice bursting with flavor and color.
- Pizza dough for a 12-inch pizza crust: A sturdy, yet soft base is key for supporting all that cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup chopped or shredded chicken (about 1 chicken breast): Tender, protein-packed, and the perfect carrier for buffalo sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melty cheese that strings with every bite.
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced: Adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly contrasts the spicy sauce.
- 1/3 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it tames the heat and brings a dreamy texture layer.
- 1-2 tablespoons buffalo sauce, plus more for drizzling: For that signature tangy, spicy kick you’re here for.
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles (or parmesan cheese): Adds tons of savory depth and a little extra bite.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by placing your pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 450º F. Let that stone heat up for at least 20 minutes—it’s the secret to a perfectly crispy crust and evenly cooked pizza. Heating the stone thoroughly is worth the wait to get that signature pizzeria crust at home.
Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Base
Once the stone is scorching hot, carefully take it out of the oven and set your pizza dough right on top. Be cautious here because the stone holds a ton of heat—it’s easy to burn yourself, so use oven mitts and a pizza peel or sturdy spatula if you have one.
Step 3: Layer the Ricotta and Buffalo Sauce
Spread the ricotta cheese thinly over your dough, using the back of a spoon or your fingers. This creamy base not only adds richness but also creates a perfect canvas for the buffalo flavor. Next, drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce atop the ricotta—taste dictates how much heat you want. Use a spoon to swirl the sauce gently into the ricotta for a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Mozzarella Cheese
Evenly cover the pizza with shredded mozzarella. This cheese melts into that luscious, gooey layer that makes every bite so delightful. Don’t skimp here; mozzarella is your melty, stringy hero of this dish.
Step 5: Add Chicken, Celery, and Blue Cheese
Scatter your shredded chicken and thinly sliced celery evenly over the cheese. The chicken brings hearty substance while the celery adds crunch and freshness to balance the spicy buffalo flavor. Top with blue cheese crumbles to introduce a tangy, sharp contrast, plus drizzle a bit more buffalo sauce over everything to amp up the flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pizza stone back into the oven with your masterpiece on it. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the crust is crisp and cooked through. Serve immediately for that unbeatable melty, spicy pizza experience!
How to Serve Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra celery slices brightens the look and adds a fresh contrast to the bold buffalo flavors. If you’re a fan of heat, a light drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on each slice makes a cooling pairing that brings everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with classic coup accompaniments. Consider serving with a side of crisp carrot and celery sticks, cool ranch dip, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides help balance the richness and spice, giving your meal a well-rounded feel.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making smaller individual pizzas using this recipe for a party platter. You can also cut the pizza into small squares and serve as appetizers at your next game day gathering. Adding a drizzle of honey over some slices is an unexpected way to mellow the heat while adding a surprising hint of sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2-3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place a paper towel under the pizza slices before sealing, which helps absorb moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze this pizza after baking by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza slices can last up to one month and are perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
For reheating, the best method is to warm slices in a preheated oven at 375º F for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts again and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious crispy crust texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought buffalo chicken instead of making it myself?
Absolutely! Prepared buffalo chicken works wonderfully and is a great shortcut, just make sure it’s shredded finely enough to spread evenly over the pizza.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No problem! Parmesan cheese makes a great swap, adding a nutty and salty punch without the strong tang of blue cheese.
Is there an alternative to using a pizza stone?
You can bake this pizza on a preheated baking sheet or pizza pan if you don’t have a stone, though the crust may not be quite as crisp. Just be sure to preheat the pan for the best results.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular pizza dough with your favorite gluten-free dough. The rest of the ingredients keep everything just as tasty.
How spicy is this pizza?
The heat level depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. Start with 1 tablespoon if you’re sensitive to spice, and increase to 2 tablespoons if you prefer a bolder kick.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe truly has it all—the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, crunchy, and cheesy that makes every bite utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, this pizza brings warmth and excitement to the table. Give it a try soon, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for another slice.
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Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with tender chicken, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella cheese on a crispy pizza crust. Topped with celery slices and blue cheese crumbles, this pizza offers a flavorful balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch that’s perfect for a delicious homemade meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- Pizza dough for a 12 inch pizza crust
Toppings
- 1 cup chopped or shredded chicken (about 1 chicken breast)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons buffalo sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles (or parmesan cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Stone: Place a pizza stone into the oven and preheat it to 450ºF (232ºC), allowing the stone to warm up for at least 20 minutes to achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Pizza Crust: Carefully remove the hot pizza stone from the oven and place the 12-inch pizza crust directly onto it, taking care not to burn yourself on the hot surface.
- Add Ricotta and Buffalo Sauce: Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese evenly over the pizza crust using the back of a spoon or your fingers, then drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce on top. Mix the sauce gently into the ricotta to combine flavors.
- Layer Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta and buffalo sauce layer to cover the pizza surface.
- Add Chicken, Celery, and Blue Cheese: Distribute the cooked, shredded chicken and thinly sliced celery evenly over the cheese. Top with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle with additional buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza stone with the assembled pizza back into the oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Notes
- To ensure a crispy crust, make sure the pizza stone is thoroughly heated before placing the pizza on it.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your heat preference.
- Substitute blue cheese with parmesan if preferred for a milder flavor.
- Use cooked chicken breast, grilled or roasted, shredded for best texture.
- Be cautious handling the hot pizza stone to avoid burns.
