Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Homemade Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a delightful twist on traditional pizza that packs a spicy punch. Perfect for casual nights or game day gatherings, this recipe combines a crispy thin crust with flavorful buffalo chicken and an irresistible blend of four cheeses. The combination of creamy blue cheese, tangy buffalo sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken makes this pizza a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a burst of spicy buffalo flavor paired with creamy cheeses.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
• Quick Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this pizza comes together quickly.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, family dinners, or cozy nights in, everyone will love this pizza.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and quality cheeses enhances the overall taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza, gather your tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Small saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Helps combine dough effortlessly, saving time and energy.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for cooking chicken and thickening buffalo sauce efficiently.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your pizza to perfection.

Ingredients

To make the perfect Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza, gather these ingredients:

For the Dough

• 1/2 C water (heated to 115°F)
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 C all purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

For the Chicken Topping

• 1 boneless chicken breast (uncooked)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp celery seed
• 1 C chicken broth

For the Sauce and Toppings

• 1/2 C buffalo wing sauce
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp water
• 1/4 C red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 C blue cheese crumbles
• 1/4 C Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 1 C whole milk mozzarella (freshly shredded)
• 1/2 C extra sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
• 2–3 Tbsp green onions (chopped)
• ground black pepper
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for drizzling)

How to Make Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Heat water to 115°F. Combine water with yeast and sugar in a bowl. Allow it to proof for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. With the mixer running, add the yeast mixture followed by olive oil. Mix until the dough begins to come together. If needed, knead by hand until smooth. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm area for about one hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken breast in half widthwise. Place it in a small saucepan with spices and cover with chicken broth. Cook over medium heat until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and shred the chicken. Return it to the saucepan to cook off excess liquid.

Step 4: Prepare Buffalo Sauce

In another small saucepan over medium heat, add buffalo sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth. Add to buffalo sauce while whisking gently until it thickens. Remove from heat and transfer to a clean bowl; cover with plastic wrap.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F while you prepare your toppings.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizza

Slice red onions thinly and set aside. Lightly grease your baking sheet with olive oil. Shape your dough into desired size on the baking sheet. Spread an even layer of buffalo sauce over the dough. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese followed by red onion slices, shredded chicken, optional blue cheese crumbles, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and ground black pepper.

Step 7: Bake

Place your assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of crispness.

Step 8: Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and allow cooling slightly before slicing. Drizzle with optional ranch or blue cheese dressing before serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza!

How to Serve Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a game night or a casual dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate the experience.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a fresh contrast to the spicy pizza.
• Greek Salad: This salad combines cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, offering a refreshing side with Mediterranean flair.

Add Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice for drizzling over the pizza or as a dip.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: Perfect for those who love bold flavors and want something extra to complement the buffalo sauce.

Serve with Hot Wings

• Buffalo Chicken Wings: Keep the theme going with spicy wings tossed in buffalo sauce for an exciting combo.
• Honey BBQ Wings: A sweeter option that balances out the heat of the pizza nicely.

Include Veggie Platters

• Raw Veggie Platter: Offer an assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with a dip for crunch and freshness.
• Stuffed Peppers: Mini sweet peppers stuffed with cream cheese or other fillings make for an easy, colorful side.

How to Perfect Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Creating the perfect Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pizza is always a hit.

• Bold Seasoning: Use generous amounts of chili powder and garlic powder on your chicken for extra flavor.
• Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly shredded cheeses rather than pre-packaged varieties; they melt better and taste richer.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for an ideal crust texture.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pizza as it bakes; ovens vary in temperature, so adjust time based on desired crispness.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Enhance your meal by pairing your pizza with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread spread with garlic butter complements the flavors of the pizza beautifully.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the cheese.
3. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers a filling side that pairs wonderfully with spicy foods.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast to the savory pizza while adding a delightful crunch.
5. Antipasto Skewers: Skewers filled with olives, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella are colorful and fun to eat.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter brings a sweet smokiness that enhances your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza can be fun, but watch out for common pitfalls that could affect your pizza night.

• Boldly skip the proofing: Not allowing the yeast to proof properly can lead to flat dough. Always let it bubble up before mixing.
• Boldly neglect seasoning: Forgetting to season the chicken can result in bland flavors. Make sure to use spices generously for a tasty filling.
• Boldly rush the cooking time: Overcooking or undercooking your pizza can ruin the texture. Keep an eye on it and aim for that golden brown crust.
• Boldly overcrowd toppings: Too many toppings can make your pizza soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
• Boldly ignore dough resting: If you don’t let the dough rest, it may be tough to stretch. Allow it to rise fully for a light and airy crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pizza in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm, but expect a softer crust.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until heated through and crust is crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

What are the best cheeses for Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza?

The best cheeses are mozzarella, blue cheese, Parmesan, and cheddar. This combination brings creaminess and depth of flavor.

Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and toppings ahead of time. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy!

How spicy is Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza?

The spice level varies based on your buffalo sauce choice. Adjust it according to your preference by selecting mild or hot sauces.

Can I customize my toppings on Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms or substitute your favorite proteins.

Final Thoughts

Four Cheese Buffalo Chicken Pizza is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with various toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering or cozy night in!