Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza
There’s something about the combination of flavors in Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza that just makes my taste buds dance! I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a cozy Friday night, and I craved something bold yet comforting. The tangy sweetness of the ranch dressing paired with the spicy kick of buffalo chicken was an instant hit. Plus, the melty cheese and crispy crust? Absolute perfection! This pizza has since become a staple in my home, and it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings friends and family together. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so you can whip it up for game nights, casual gatherings, or even a weeknight dinner.
Recipe Snapshot
31 mins
15 mins
16 mins
Medium
400 kcal
25 g
Keto, Gluten-Free
20 g
Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Oven, Frying Pan
The Appeal of This Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza
Incredible Flavor Profile
One of the main reasons I love Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza is the explosion of flavors in each bite. The creamy ranch dressing balances the heat from the buffalo chicken, creating a well-rounded profile that’s satisfying and addictive.
Quick and Easy Preparation
You can pull this pizza together in no time. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This pizza isn’t limited to just one type of event. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner, a gathering of friends, or even a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Everyone loves pizza, and this one is a crowd-pleaser!
Customizable for Everyone
The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Want to add extra veggies? Go for it! Prefer a milder sauce? You can adjust the heat level to your liking.
Great Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, they make a fantastic lunch the next day. Just a quick reheat in the oven, and you’re good to go!
Family-Friendly Fun
Cooking this pizza can be a fun activity for the whole family. Get the kids involved by letting them sprinkle on the cheese or add their toppings. It’s a great way to bond and enjoy time together!
Essential Ingredients for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza
The ingredients for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza are simple yet effective in creating a mouthwatering dish. Each ingredient plays a critical role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crust serves as a sturdy base, while the ranch dressing adds creaminess and tang. The mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey layer that holds everything together, and the buffalo chicken brings the heat! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pizza Dough: Enough for a 12″ pizza. This forms the foundation of your pizza, ensuring you have a satisfying crust.
- Hidden Valley Buffalo Ranch Dressing: 1/2 cup. This dressing is the star of the show, providing that quintessential ranch flavor with a kick of buffalo sauce.
- MoZZarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. The cheese creates a gooey, melty layer that binds all the toppings together.
- Buffalo Chicken Wings: 8 to 10, boneless and cooked (halved). These wings deliver the spicy flavor that makes this pizza stand out.
- Purple Onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced. This adds a bit of crunch and sweetness that complements the other flavors.
- Cilantro and Green Onions: Freshly chopped for garnish. These provide a fresh touch that balances the richness of the pizza.
How to Make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza
Making Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza is a fun and straightforward process. You’ll be delighted to see how quickly you can create this tasty treat right in your own kitchen. Just follow these steps to bring this delicious pizza to life!
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Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This ensures that your pizza cooks quickly and evenly, creating that perfect crust.
Lightly grease a 12″ round pizza pan. This will help the pizza dough not to stick, making it easier to remove once it’s baked.
Press the pizza dough into an even layer on the pan. Make sure to push it out to the edges to form a nice crust.
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Spread the Hidden Valley Buffalo Ranch Dressing over the base of the pizza dough, leaving about 3/4 of an inch for the crust. This will give you a delicious, creamy base.
Sprinkle the pizza with mozzarella cheese. Make sure to cover it evenly, as this will melt and create a gooey texture that holds everything together.
Add the halved buffalo chicken on top of the cheese. Distributing them evenly ensures every bite has that spicy flavor.
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Top with the sliced purple onion. This adds a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness that complements the heat.
Carefully place the pizza in the oven. Bake for about 13 to 16 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
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Finally, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped cilantro and green onions. This adds a fresh finishing touch that brightens the pizza.
Things Worth Knowing
- Understanding Crust Texture: The perfect pizza crust should be slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. If you underbake it, it may end up too doughy.
- Buffalo Sauce Variations: If you want to experiment, try different brands of buffalo sauce to find your favorite heat level and flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh cilantro and green onions can elevate the taste of your pizza, providing a burst of freshness.
- Pre-cooked Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Pro Tips and Tweaks
Creating the perfect Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza can be enhanced by following some expert tips. Here are a few ideas to make your pizza even more special:
- Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pizza. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and it will last for up to two months.
- Pairing: Serve with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the pizza.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy extra heat, consider drizzling some hot sauce on top after baking.
- Crust Variations: Try different crusts such as cauliflower or whole wheat for a healthier option.
- Garnishes: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or dill for a unique flavor twist.
Accompaniments for Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza
When serving Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza, consider these tasty accompaniments:
- Garden Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the pizza.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: For a fun twist, serve with crispy buffalo cauliflower bites for double the buffalo flavor.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges with a side of ranch dipping sauce make for a hearty addition.
- Fresh Fruit: A fruit platter can provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy pizza.
- Occasions: This pizza is great for tailgating, game nights, or casual dinners with friends and family.
- Seasonal Pairings: In summer, consider adding fresh herbs or grilled vegetables as toppings for a lighter option.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza is truly a standout dish that combines bold flavors and a crispy crust for an enjoyable dining experience. It’s not only easy to make but also adaptable to suit various tastes, making it a perfect choice for family meals or gatherings. I encourage you to try making this pizza for your loved ones and watch their faces light up with delight. You’ll want to make it again and again!
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Chef's Knife
- Oven
- Frying Pan
Ingredients Â
- 1 pizza Pizza Dough enough for a 12" pizza
- 0.5 cup Hidden Valley Buffalo Ranch Dressing
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 8 to 10 pieces buffalo chicken wings boneless and cooked (halved)
- 0.25 cup purple onion thinly sliced
- to taste cilantro and green onions freshly chopped (for garnish)
InstructionsÂ
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This ensures that your pizza cooks quickly and evenly, creating that perfect crust.
- Lightly grease a 12" round pizza pan. This will help the pizza dough not to stick, making it easier to remove once it's baked.
- Press the pizza dough into an even layer on the pan. Make sure to push it out to the edges to form a nice crust.
- Spread the Hidden Valley Buffalo Ranch Dressing over the base of the pizza dough, leaving about 3/4 of an inch for the crust. This will give you a delicious, creamy base.
- Sprinkle the pizza with mozzarella cheese. Make sure to cover it evenly, as this will melt and create a gooey texture that holds everything together.
- Add the halved buffalo chicken on top of the cheese. Distributing them evenly ensures every bite has that spicy flavor.
- Top with the sliced purple onion. This adds a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness that complements the heat.
- Carefully place the pizza in the oven. Bake for about 13 to 16 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once done, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Finally, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped cilantro and green onions. This adds a fresh finishing touch that brightens the pizza.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked pizza. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and it will last for up to two months.
- Tip 3: Serve with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the pizza.
- Tip 4: If you enjoy extra heat, consider drizzling some hot sauce on top after baking.
- Tip 5: Try different crusts such as cauliflower or whole wheat for a healthier option.
- Tip 6: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or dill for a unique flavor twist.
