Buffalo chicken pizza has become a beloved menu item across pizzerias in America. This creative fusion combines the spicy, butter flavor of traditional buffalo wings with the cheesy goodness of pizza. But what exactly makes buffalo chicken pizza “buffalo” and what is it that has made this dish so popular? Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding all the elements that make this specialty pizza a tangy, creamy, and addictive modern classic.
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken Pizza
While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint buffalo chicken pizza is believed to have been invented in the United States specifically in the Buffalo, New York area where traditional buffalo wings were created. Pizza makers started experimenting with bringing the addictive flavors of Buffalo wings to pizza as an innovative way to offer customers something new and exciting.
The creativity of fusing spicy buffalo sauce with melty cheese atop a pizza crust took off in the 1980s and 1990s when buffalo wings were surging in popularity across the country. The pairing just made sense – who wouldn’t want that iconic buffalo flavor transformed into cheesy pizza form? It was a genius mashup of two of America’s favorite foods.
What Makes It “Buffalo” Style?
The key ingredient that gives buffalo chicken pizza its name and distinguishes it from a regular chicken pizza is the spicy, buttery buffalo wing sauce used as the base sauce This sauce provides that signature zesty, buttery buffalo flavor
Authentic buffalo wing sauce used on pizza is typically a blend of hot sauce (often Frank’s RedHot), butter vinegar and spices. The exact ratio and ingredients can vary, but that tangy, creamy, and moderately spicy profile is key. Some recipes may include extras like Worcestershire sauce, but the foundation is that quintessential buffalo flavor.
Without real buffalo wing sauce, it’s just a chicken pizza. The sauce is fundamental to making it “buffalo chicken” style.
Components of Buffalo Chicken Pizza
While improvisation is welcomed, most buffalo chicken pizzas contain some classic standard ingredients that balance and complement each other into something greater than the sum of its parts. Here is what goes into crafting the quintessential buffalo chicken pizza:
The Crust: Thin to medium thickness crusts are common, as thick crusts can overwhelm the toppings. Crispy, chewy crusts provide textural contrast.
The Sauce: Buffalo wing sauce provides spice, tang, and creaminess. Ranch or blue cheese drizzles add extra richness.
The Chicken: Cooked shredded or diced chicken breast allows maximum buffalo sauce coating.
The Cheese: Melty mozzarella binds the ingredients together. Blue cheese crumbles offer tangy bursts.
The Toppings: Celery, green onions, blue cheese dressing, and ranch dressing help cool heat and add crunch.
While simple, the combination of flavors and textures is skillfully balanced, making each bite dynamic.
Why Buffalo Chicken Pizza Became So Popular
There are several factors that explain why buffalo chicken pizza has become a menu staple across the country:
Unique Flavor Profile: The mix of creamy, tangy, and spicy is bold and addictive in an indulgent yet comforting way. The flavors simply grab your attention.
Textural Interest: The crunch of the crust and celery tops, the creaminess of the sauce and cheese, and the tenderness of the chicken makes for dynamic mouthfeel.
Customization: Diners can usually request spice level, extra ranch or blue cheese drizzle, etc. to perfectly tailor it.
Satisfies Cravings: It appeases buffalo wing and pizza lovers alike!
American Pride: It celebrates two distinctly American culinary icons.
Creative Concept: The innovation of fusing wing sauce and pizza has a fun, trendy appeal.
While a seemingly simple combination on paper, properly executing buffalo chicken pizza requires skillfully balancing flavors and textures. When done right, every element sings together in perfect harmony.
How to Make Restaurant-Quality Buffalo Chicken Pizza at Home
With the right techniques and ingredients, you can recreate that scrumptious pizzeria-style buffalo chicken pizza taste in your own kitchen:
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Use a thin, crispy crust for best results. Homemade or store-bought works.
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Choose a traditional buffalo hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot as the sauce base.
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Shred or dice cooked chicken breast and coat it in sauce for maximum coverage.
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Layer on melty mozzarella cheese and consider adding tangy blue cheese crumbles.
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Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top after baking.
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Finish with chopped celery for freshness and crunch.
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Bake the pizza at a high temperature like 500°F to achieve crispy, melty perfection.
Innovative Ways to Customize Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza
While traditional is good, the fun of making your own buffalo chicken pizza at home is tailoring it to your tastes. Get creative with these topping ideas:
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Mix in crispy bacon crumbles for extra richness
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Add diced onions or red bell peppers for sweetness and texture
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Use a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for deeper flavor
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Top with sliced jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne for extra heat
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Swap ranch for honey mustard drizzle or pesto for herby flair
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Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or scallions for freshness
Let your imagination run wild to make it your own unique creation. Just keep the buffalo wing sauce as the constant to ensure that addictive flavor profile remains the star!
FAQs About Making Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Use extra hot sauce in the base or add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.
What about a lower sodium option?
Opt for a lower sodium hot sauce and use less of the higher sodium ranch and blue cheese dressings.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Par-bake the crust, don’t oversauce, and use a pizza stone or steel.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute seared cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce for the chicken.
What dipping sauces work with it?
Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, and creamy Italian dressing all pair well.
Can I freeze any leftovers?
You can freeze the unbaked pizza or individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Bring the Buffalo Wing Flavor to Pizza Night
Pizza night will never be the same once you master buffalo chicken pizza. The spicy, creamy, tangy flavors marry so well with the comfort of cheesy pizza. This American mashup has earned its place in the pizza hall of fame for good reason. Follow this guide to craft the perfect buffalo chicken pizza masterpiece right in your own kitchen.
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How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza Step by Step
Sauce the Chicken: Toss 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken with ⅓ cup of Buffalo sauce and set aside.
Prep the Dough: Arrange a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F, or as hot as it will go. Dust a pizza peel or piece of parchment paper heavily with 2 tablespoons of cornmeal. Stretch or roll 1 pound of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or larger. Larger will give you a crispier crust; smaller, a thicker crust.
Sauce the Dough: Place the dough on your prepared pizza peel or parchment paper. Working quickly to prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the peel, spread ¼ cup of blue cheese dressing on the bottom of the pizza, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
Top the Pizza: Top with the chicken, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of blue cheese crumbles.
Bake and Serve: Using your pizza peel or parchment, slide the pizza into the oven with a quick motion. Bake for 9-13 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Top with 1 rib of diced celery and hot sauce if desired. Slice and serve.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover Buffalo chicken pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices with parchment between them in a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in a covered dry skillet with 1 teaspoon of water until warmed through.
I like to serve Buffalo chicken pizza with extra Buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Some garlic knots or mozzarella sticks would be the perfect accompaniment. When I want something a little healthier, I’ll make a spinach salad, too.