Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is a culinary delight that promises to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience, blending the bold, zesty flavors of classic Buffalo wings with the comforting crispness of a perfectly baked flatbread. Are you ready to dive into a dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser? I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that has become a staple in my own kitchen, and I believe it will quickly become one of yours too.
A Beloved Flavor Profile Reimagined
The iconic taste of Buffalo chicken originated in Buffalo, New York, with the legendary Anchor Bar’s spicy chicken wings. That beloved combination of tangy hot sauce, often balanced with a cool blue cheese or ranch dressing, has since found its way into countless delicious forms, and pizza is undoubtedly one of its finest iterations. People simply adore this dish because it delivers a symphony of flavors and textures: the fiery kick of the chicken, the creamy coolness of the cheese and dressing, and the satisfying crunch of a thin, crispy crust. It’s an explosion for the taste buds that is hard to resist.
This particular Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe is celebrated for its remarkable convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or even a sophisticated appetizer. It offers all the robust flavor you crave without the fuss of traditional pizza dough. The harmonious blend of savory chicken, vibrant spices, and rich cheeses makes every bite absolutely irresistible. It truly is a perfect fusion of comfort food and gourmet flair.
Ingredients:
- For the Flatbreads:
- 4 pre-made flatbreads or naan breads (about 8-10 inches each) – I find these work perfectly for a crispy yet chewy base without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- For the Buffalo Chicken:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (from about 1 large chicken breast or 2 smaller ones, or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience – my go-to time-saver!)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – essential for coating the chicken and carrying that classic buffalo flavor.
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original Buffalo Wing Sauce (or your favorite brand, but this one is a classic for a reason!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – to add a lovely aromatic depth to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic powder beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – just a touch to enhance the other flavors.
- For the Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim works best for melting) – our main cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, but highly recommended for that authentic buffalo flavor contrast) – it really makes a difference!
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion – for a sharp, fresh bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions – for a burst of freshness and color.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery (optional) – offers a nice crunch, just like with traditional wings.
- For Serving (Optional but encouraged!):
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing – for drizzling over the top, cooling, and complementing the spice.
- Extra Frank’s RedHot sauce – for those who like it extra spicy, like me!
- Celery sticks and carrot sticks – for dipping and refreshing the palate.
Prepping the Chicken
- Choose Your Chicken: First things first, we need our star ingredient: the chicken! You have a few options here, depending on your time and preference. My absolute favorite shortcut, which I highly recommend for this Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe, is to grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. It’s already seasoned, perfectly tender, and shreds like a dream, saving you a good 30-45 minutes. If you’re starting from scratch, you can poach or bake your chicken breasts. To poach, place 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), season the breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Once your chicken is cooked and cool enough to handle, it’s time to shred it. I like to use two forks to pull the chicken apart, creating nice, bite-sized strands. You want about 2 cups of shredded chicken for this recipe. If you have a stand mixer, you can even put the cooked chicken breasts in the bowl with the paddle attachment on low speed for a minute or two, and it will shred them perfectly for you! This is another great little trick for saving time and effort. Make sure the pieces aren’t too large, as smaller shreds will distribute more evenly across our flatbreads.
- Prepare the Buffalo Chicken Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop over low heat. Once melted, stir in the ½ cup of Frank’s RedHot Original Buffalo Wing Sauce. This combination of butter and hot sauce is what gives us that rich, tangy, and slightly spicy classic buffalo flavor. It’s truly iconic! Then, add the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to the sauce mixture. Give it a good whisk to ensure all the seasonings are well incorporated.
- Coat the Chicken: Add your shredded chicken to the bowl with the buffalo sauce mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to toss the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every single strand is beautifully coated in that delicious, vibrant orange sauce. You want it completely saturated – this is where all the flavor comes from! Set this flavorful buffalo chicken aside while we prepare our flatbreads and other toppings.
Assembling the Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizzas
- Preheat Your Oven: Let’s get that oven nice and hot! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s preheating, arrange your four flatbreads or naan breads on one or two large baking sheets. If you only have one baking sheet, you might need to bake them in batches. I often line my baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and to prevent any cheese from sticking, though it’s not strictly necessary with flatbreads as they usually crisp up nicely.
- Prepare the Base: Some people like to brush their flatbreads with a little olive oil before adding toppings for extra crispiness, but I find with naan or good quality flatbreads, it’s not always needed. Feel free to do so if your flatbreads tend to dry out. We’re going to layer our ingredients strategically to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
- First Layer of Cheese: Sprinkle a light layer of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each flatbread. This “under-layer” of cheese acts as a barrier, preventing the wet buffalo chicken from making your flatbread soggy, and it also helps glue all the toppings down as it melts. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final texture of your Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe. Aim for about ¼ cup per flatbread.
- Add the Buffalo Chicken: Now, evenly distribute the saucy buffalo chicken mixture over the mozzarella cheese on each flatbread. Make sure to spread it right to the edges, leaving a small border (about ½ inch) for a crust. Don’t be shy with the chicken; we want every slice to be loaded! You should have roughly ½ cup of chicken mixture per flatbread.
- Top with More Cheese: This is where we get really cheesy! Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the buffalo chicken. This top layer of mozzarella will melt into a beautiful, bubbly, golden-brown blanket. If you’re a fan of blue cheese (and I highly recommend it for this recipe!), crumble the ½ cup of blue cheese over the top of the mozzarella on each flatbread. The pungent, creamy blue cheese is a perfect counterpoint to the spicy buffalo chicken, creating that classic flavor profile we all love.
Baking the Flatbread Pizzas
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer your baking sheets with the assembled flatbread pizzas into the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your flatbreads.
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Keep an Eye on Them: You’re looking for a few key indicators that they’re ready:
- The cheese should be completely melted and bubbly, with some golden-brown spots.
- The edges of the flatbreads should be slightly crispy and golden brown.
- The chicken should be heated through and the sauce caramelized just a touch.
Keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary, and flatbreads can go from perfectly golden to overly crispy quite quickly!
- Rest and Cool: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the flatbread pizzas rest on the baking sheet or transfer them to a wire rack for 2-3 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice without everything sliding off. It also prevents you from burning your mouth on that deliciously hot cheese!
Finishing Touches and Serving
- Add the Fresh Toppings: Now for the fresh burst of flavor and texture that truly elevates this Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe! While the pizzas are still warm, sprinkle the finely diced red onion evenly over each flatbread. The crisp, sharp bite of the red onion is a fantastic contrast to the rich, spicy chicken and cheese. Next, scatter the chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. These add a wonderful freshness and a pop of color. If you’re using finely chopped celery, sprinkle that on now too for an extra layer of crunch, mimicking the celery sticks served with buffalo wings.
- Slice and Drizzle: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice each flatbread pizza into 4-6 pieces, depending on how large you want your servings. For that ultimate buffalo experience, generously drizzle each slice with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. This adds a creamy, cool element that beautifully balances the heat of the buffalo sauce. Don’t be shy; the more drizzle, the better!
- Serve Immediately: These Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizzas are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven. Serve them with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, and perhaps some additional Frank’s RedHot for those who crave even more heat. I also love to serve them with crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks – they provide a refreshing crunch and complete the classic buffalo wing experience right on your flatbread! This recipe is perfect for game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun appetizer for a crowd. Enjoy every spicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying bite!
Conclusion:
I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about this incredible
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe! It’s not just another meal; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor that manages to be both excitingly bold and wonderfully comforting at the same time. I’ve found it to be a consistent showstopper, whether I’m whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it as an irresistible appetizer at a lively gathering. The genius of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and the harmonious blend of spicy buffalo chicken, cool, tangy dressing, and bubbling, melted cheese all perched atop a perfectly crisp flatbread. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary wizard without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. The convenience of using flatbread as a base means less time spent on dough preparation and more time savoring the delicious results. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone eagerly awaiting a slice, and the first bite? Pure bliss, every single time.
Now, let’s talk about enhancing your experience. While this pizza is phenomenal on its own, I love pairing it with certain elements to create a more balanced and satisfying meal. For a refreshing contrast, I always recommend serving slices alongside a crisp, cool side salad. Think fresh mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, or even just some crunchy celery sticks and carrot sticks to dip in extra blue cheese or ranch dressing – the classic companions to anything buffalo. A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro or green onions right before serving adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that truly elevates the overall presentation and taste. For those who enjoy a fuller meal, a side of crispy sweet potato fries or even a simple cup of creamy tomato soup could complement the robust flavors beautifully. And let’s not forget the drinks! A cold craft beer, a crisp hard cider, or even just a refreshing lemonade would be perfect alongside this flavorful creation.
The beauty of a recipe like this also lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! For instance, if you’re a heat seeker, consider drizzling extra buffalo sauce over the top before serving, or even incorporating some finely diced jalapeños into the chicken mixture. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can always adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder hot sauce. Cheese lovers can experiment with different blends; try adding a touch of smoked gouda for depth, or a sharper cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy bite. I’ve even experimented with adding thinly sliced red onion or bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness, which works wonderfully. For a smoky twist, crumbled crispy bacon bits are an absolute dream scattered over the finished pizza. And for those looking for a vegetarian alternative, shredded plant-based chicken tossed in buffalo sauce works incredibly well, allowing everyone to enjoy this fantastic dish. You could even swap out the flatbread for naan bread, pita bread, or a thin-crust pizza dough if you’re feeling ambitious and want a different texture.
So, what are you waiting for?
I genuinely encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe a try this week. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Not only is it incredibly delicious and satisfying, but it’s also a fantastic way to bring people together, whether you’re sharing it with family around the dinner table or dishing it out at your next get-together. Once you’ve experienced the magic of this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your culinary adventure! Did you try any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Did it become a new family favorite? Please, share your creations and experiences with me and our community. Your insights and photos inspire us all, and I can’t wait to see how you make this mouthwatering flatbread pizza your very own. Happy cooking, and get ready to enjoy some seriously good food!
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe
Transform your meal into an extraordinary experience with this Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe, blending the bold, zesty flavors of classic Buffalo wings with the comforting crispness of a perfectly baked flatbread.
Ingredients
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2 flatbreads (naan or store-bought flatbread)
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1 cup cooked shredded chicken
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1/3 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
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1/4 cup sliced red onion
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
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Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)
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Extra buffalo sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
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Step 1
In a bowl, combine the 1 cup shredded cooked chicken with 1/3 cup buffalo sauce, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated. Set aside. -
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the 2 flatbreads on a baking sheet. -
Step 3
Sprinkle a light layer of mozzarella cheese on each flatbread. Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture over the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the crumbled blue cheese (if using). -
Step 4
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the flatbread edges are golden brown. -
Step 5
Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with sliced red onion and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Slice and drizzle generously with ranch or blue cheese dressing and extra buffalo sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.