Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Buffalo wings get messy, pizza is easier to handle 😂
Of course I had to use my homemade hot sauce for some buffalo chicken pizza 😆
Start with crisping up some bacon to sprinkle on later, in the same pan cook some onions until they start to turn color, and add some chouriço. This is a smoked Portuguese sausage and while it's similar to ground chorizo you usually see in stores, this has a different taste and consistency and it's better 😅 add some garlic and stir it around until fragrent.
Add the chicken and season w/ pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, and chili powder. I skipped adding salt because it's getting cooked in bacon grease with chouriço, both of which are already salty. Pour in some chicken stock, cover, and simmer until the chicken shreds, then melt in a stick of butter and stir in a bottle of hot sauce.
As you know I hate making dough so I used store bought. I do shred my own cheese though 😂 this was a blend of a few different cheddars.
Bake on cast iron at 550° using the bottom rack until the crust is brown, top w/ the bacon from earlier and scallions then enjoy! I also gave the crust a sprinkle of some leftover ranch I was using to make buffalo chicken dip, couldn't really taste it, just wanted to clarify that's not coke on the crust 🤣
Since my dogs can't eat any of this, I made them their own mini pizzas using pumpkin, whipped cream, and blueberries 😆
Okay, so you've nailed the basic Buffalo Chicken Pizza with its amazing flavor, right? But let me tell you, there are so many ways to elevate your game and truly make it your own! When I first started making these cheesy chicken pizza slices, I obsessed over getting that perfect, melty cheese pull and a crust that could stand up to all those delicious toppings without getting soggy. Speaking of melted cheese, it's truly the heart of a great pizza. While a cheddar blend is fantastic and provides a lovely sharp flavor, don't be afraid to experiment! I've found that mixing in a little mozzarella gives you that classic stringy pull we all love, and a touch of provolone can add another layer of mild, creamy flavor. For the absolute best melt, always, always, always shred your own cheese if you can. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly and beautifully as freshly grated cheese. It makes such a huge difference in how those chicken pizza slices look and taste! My recipe uses store-bought dough – no shame in that game, life's busy, and convenience is key! But if you want to switch it up, consider a pre-baked flatbread for an even quicker weeknight meal, or exploring a gluten-free or cauliflower crust if you're looking for a lighter option. For those feeling a bit more ambitious, a simple homemade yeast dough recipe can be a fun weekend project, giving you an even chewier, more authentic base for your spicy chicken pizza. For the chicken itself, I love simmering it until it shreds perfectly, allowing it to soak up all those amazing flavors. But if you're in a hurry, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is your absolute best friend! Just shred it up, toss it with your buffalo sauce, and you're good to go. Or, if you prefer a different texture, try dicing up some cooked chicken breast and mixing it in. The goal is tender, flavorful chicken that's easy to eat on a slice. My go-to toppings are bacon and scallions, but the possibilities are truly endless! Blue cheese crumbles sprinkled on top right after baking add a sharp, tangy bite that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly. Thinly sliced red onion or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also add a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color. Sometimes, I even add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing after it comes out of the oven for an extra creamy layer – it really makes those spicy chicken pizza slices sing! To ensure your cheese melts beautifully and your crust is perfectly crisp, preheating your cast iron pan or pizza stone in the oven is absolutely key, as I mentioned in the recipe. This gives the bottom of your pizza a head start on cooking, preventing a soggy crust. And when it comes to cutting, trust me on this: let the pizza rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps the cheese set a bit and prevents all your delicious toppings from sliding off when you cut into those glorious slices. A super sharp pizza cutter is a must for clean, effortless cuts! So there you have it – a few extra tips to make your buffalo chicken pizza experience even more spectacular and ensure every one of your chicken pizza slices is a cheesy, flavorful masterpiece. Enjoy experimenting and making this dish truly your own!
Yummy