Ditch takeout and dish out this flavorful New York State classic made from scratch!
After spending most of my life in upstate New York, I’ve hosted many friends from out of town. At some point during their stay, they usually want to try Buffalo chicken pizza, an iconic dish that was born only an hour away from my childhood home. There are many different versions today, but none quite like this—layered with creamy ranch dressing, hot Buffalo chicken, melty cheese, and red onion. The result is a tangy, spicy, and satisfying pizza that fits in any occasion.
Named for the city of Buffalo, this buttery and spicy chicken pizza has become popular all over the States, and rightly so. It’s got just the right amount of heat and richness without being too overwhelming. This recipe is also perfect for new chefs who are just starting to make their own pizza. The instructions are easy to follow, so even the kids can help out if you’d like to make the night a whole pizza party.
Who invented Buffalo sauce?
The very first Buffalo sauce—a mixture of melted butter, hot sauce, and vinegar—was made in Buffalo, NY in the 1960s by bar owner Teressa Bellissimo. It’s not a coincidence that this woman’s last name meant “very beautiful” in Italian, for that’s the exact kind of dish that Buffalo sauce creates. It pops with color and flavor, and although it was originally crafted for chicken wings, it has made its way into a myriad of mouthwatering dishes—from casserole to pizza like this one.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your leftover pizza cool to room temperature, then wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for up to 3 or 4 days before reheating in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Serving suggestions
One of the most memorable lunches I’ve ever had was with a childhood friend at a local pizza joint. We had their version of Buffalo chicken pizza with Carrot Fries and Chopped Salad. My mouth waters just thinking about it! But you can also pair your pizza with some other American classics like Onion Rings, Mac And Cheese Bites, Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower, or Spinach Salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 pound pizza dough, room temperature
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce, optional, for extra flavor
- 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- Chopped green onions, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Place your oven rack in the upper third and preheat your oven to 425°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to help achieve a crispier crust.
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the Buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired shape and thickness.
- Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the rolled dough. If using, add a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dressing. Top with the Buffalo chicken mixture, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. Scatter the sliced onions on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, drizzle with extra Buffalo sauce and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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