Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a delectable twist on the classic pizza, blending the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo wings with the cheesy, indulgent experience of a traditional pizza. Perfect for spice enthusiasts and pizza lovers alike, this recipe promises a mouth-watering combination of flavors and textures. It’s a creative dish that’s great for gatherings or a family dinner night, offering a flavorful departure from the usual pizza options.
Why Use Chicken Thighs?
One might wonder why the recipe calls for chicken thighs instead of the more commonly used chicken breast in pizza recipes. The answer lies in the texture and flavor. Chicken thighs are known for their juiciness and rich taste, thanks to the higher fat content compared to chicken breasts. This makes them ideal for grilling and absorbing the bold flavors of the buffalo sauce, ensuring that each bite is packed with moisture and taste.
The Role of Blue Cheese in the Recipe
Blue cheese plays a dual role in this recipe, serving both as a topping and as a base for the homemade sauce. Its sharp, tangy profile complements the spicy buffalo sauce, creating a balance of flavors. In the sauce, it’s combined with heavy cream and mayonnaise, resulting in a creamy, flavorful complement that contrasts the spice and heat of the chicken. The additional crumbles on top add a burst of flavor and texture, making the blue cheese an indispensable component of this unique pizza.
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 6-8 chicken thighs, trimmed
- Avocado oil (for binder)
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cheeses and Herbs:
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheese
- 1 1/2 cups blue cheese (plus additional for topping)
- 3 tablespoons chives, chopped
Blue Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Additional:
- 1 frozen cheese pizza (I used Home Run Inn)
- Buffalo sauce (quantity as needed)
Instructions:
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Begin by trimming 6-8 chicken thighs to remove excess fat. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and better flavor absorption. Once trimmed, coat the thighs lightly with avocado oil, which acts as a binder for the seasoning. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons of black pepper, 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Apply this seasoning blend generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. The cayenne pepper adds the signature buffalo kick, while the garlic and onion powders bring a depth of flavor. Place the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This resting period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Step 2: Preparing Cheeses and Chives
Cheese and Herb Preparation: Cheese is a key component of this recipe, providing a creamy and sharp contrast to the spicy chicken. Measure out 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheese and 1 1/2 cups of blue cheese. The sharp cheese will add a bold, tangy flavor, while the blue cheese brings its unique, pungent taste that’s essential for a buffalo chicken dish. Additionally, chop 3 tablespoons of fresh chives. The chives will not only add a pop of color but also a mild, onion-like flavor that complements the other ingredients. Set these aside for later use, as they will be crucial for both the sauce and the final assembly of your pizza.
Step 3: Making the Blue Cheese Sauce
Crafting the Blue Cheese Sauce: For the sauce, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 cup of blue cheese crumbles, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan. The mayonnaise adds a rich texture to the sauce, while the Worcestershire sauce introduces a hint of umami. Simmer this mixture on low heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The slow simmer allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken to the right consistency. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool. This sauce will be a creamy, tangy layer on your pizza, perfectly balancing the spiciness of the chicken.
Step 4: Baking the Pizza Base
Cooking the Frozen Pizza: Take your chosen frozen cheese pizza – in this case, a Home Run Inn pizza – and cook it according to the instructions on the box. The choice of a pre-made pizza as a base is a convenient shortcut, ensuring a crispy crust and a consistent quality every time. This step is mostly hands-off, allowing you to focus on grilling the chicken and assembling the toppings. Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the base is perfectly golden and crispy, ready for its buffalo chicken transformation.
Step 5: Grilling and Preparing the Chicken
Grilling the Chicken: Preheat your grill for direct cooking. Grill the chicken thighs, flipping them every 60-90 seconds to ensure they cook evenly and get those desirable grill marks. Basting the chicken in buffalo sauce as it cooks infuses it with flavor and creates a delicious glaze. Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature, aiming for 170°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked. Once done, chop the chicken into bite-sized chunks and toss them in a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce for an extra flavor boost. This step is key to creating that authentic buffalo chicken experience, with juicy, spicy, and slightly charred chicken as the star of your pizza.
Step 6: Adding Cheese to the Pizza
Melting the Sharp Cheddar: As the pizza nears its final cooking stages, with about 8-10 minutes left, sprinkle the previously prepared sharp cheddar cheese over it. This addition adds a layer of gooey, melted cheese that complements the existing cheese on the pizza. The sharp cheddar’s bold flavor stands up well against the robust toppings that will follow. Keep a close eye on the pizza during this time to ensure the cheese melts beautifully without burning.
Step 7: Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Final Assembly: Once the pizza is cooked and the cheese is melted, it’s time to assemble your Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Start by evenly distributing the grilled buffalo chicken chunks over the pizza. Drizzle your homemade blue cheese sauce over the chicken, followed by a scattering of blue cheese crumbles for an extra tangy bite. Finally, garnish with the chopped chives, adding a fresh, herby note to the dish. If you haven’t done so already, pre-cut the pizza into slices before adding the toppings. This makes it easier to serve and ensures each slice is loaded with the perfect balance of chicken, sauces, cheese, and herbs. Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
