Why Buffalo Chicken Pizza Reigns Supreme
Let’s be honest: Buffalo wings are delicious, and pizza is, well, pizza. So when you combine the fiery, tangy heat of Buffalo sauce with the cheesy, saucy perfection of a pizza, it’s a match made in comfort food heaven. Buffalo chicken pizza offers the best of both worlds—spice from the wings, balanced by the creamy cheese and ranch (or blue cheese, if that’s your thing) that cools things down just enough.
The versatility of this pizza is another reason it’s a crowd-pleaser. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you want, pile on the toppings, or keep it simple. It’s also the perfect pizza to share at a game day party, movie night, or just a random Tuesday when you’re craving something out of the ordinary.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza: The Basics
First things first, let’s talk about how to make Buffalo chicken pizza. You don’t have to be a master chef to pull this off—especially when you’ve got a 7-Eleven cheese pizza as your canvas. With a few simple ingredients, you can transform that cheese pizza into a fiery, flavorful masterpiece.
Here’s a basic Buffalo chicken pizza recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 7-Eleven cheese pizza (because we’ve already got the perfect base for you)
- 1 cup of cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup of Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese if you prefer)
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced red onions, green onions, or crumbled blue cheese
- Garnish: Fresh cilantro or parsley (for that fancy touch)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the 7-Eleven pizza packaging.
- Prepare the chicken: Toss your cooked chicken in Buffalo sauce until it’s fully coated. Want to crank up the heat? Add extra sauce!
- Assemble the pizza: Take your cheese pizza and evenly spread the Buffalo chicken across the top. Sprinkle on the mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
- Bake the pizza as instructed, typically around 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing (or blue cheese if you like the extra tang).
- Garnish with optional toppings like red onions, green onions, or cilantro for a pop of freshness.
And there you have it—your very own Buffalo chicken pizza made at home in just a few easy steps. Now let’s dig deeper into the details to make this pizza your own.
Picking the Perfect Chicken
For the ultimate Buffalo chicken pizza, the type of chicken you use can make a big difference. While rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken works great for convenience, there are plenty of other options if you want to switch it up.
- Grilled Chicken: For a leaner, slightly smoky flavor, grilled chicken is a solid choice.
- Shredded Chicken: This method gives your pizza a tender, pulled chicken texture that’s perfect for soaking up all that Buffalo sauce.
- Crispy Chicken: Feeling indulgent? Fried or breaded chicken strips add a crispy element that pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce and melty cheese.
No matter which type of chicken you choose, make sure it’s cooked through and fully coated in Buffalo sauce to get that signature spicy flavor in every bite.
The Magic of Buffalo Sauce
Ah, Buffalo sauce—the hero of this pizza story. The key to a truly amazing Buffalo chicken pizza lies in finding the right Buffalo sauce that suits your heat tolerance and flavor preferences.
- Classic Buffalo Sauce: Made from hot sauce and butter, this is the standard for anyone looking to recreate that authentic Buffalo wing flavor.
- Spicy Buffalo Sauce: For the brave souls out there who like to sweat a little when they eat, kick things up a notch by using an extra-hot version or adding a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Mild Buffalo Sauce: If you’re not into the super spicy stuff, a mild Buffalo sauce offers that signature tang without setting your mouth on fire. It’s a great way to introduce Buffalo chicken pizza to spice-sensitive folks.
And hey, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own Buffalo sauce at home by mixing hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter and a splash of vinegar. Customize the spice level to your liking!
Ranch vs. Blue Cheese: The Great Debate
It wouldn’t be a true Buffalo chicken pizza without the age-old debate—ranch or blue cheese? While this decision ultimately comes down to personal preference, here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Ranch: Creamy, cool, and slightly tangy, ranch dressing is the perfect balance to the heat of Buffalo sauce. It adds a mellow, smooth flavor that doesn’t overpower the spicy chicken but complements it beautifully.
- Blue Cheese: On the other hand, blue cheese offers a sharper, more robust taste. Its bold, salty flavor contrasts with the Buffalo sauce and adds a bit of a bite to the pizza.
Pro tip: If you’re serving Buffalo chicken pizza at a party, put out both options and let your guests decide!
Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Pizza
One of the best things about Buffalo chicken pizza is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like it extra cheesy or prefer to pile on the veggies, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this pizza.
Here are a few ideas to help you make your Buffalo chicken pizza your own:
- Extra Heat: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of spice.
- Veggie Lovers: Throw on some bell peppers, onions, or even sliced avocado for added freshness and crunch.
- Cheese Overload: Up the ante by mixing in different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a multi-layered cheesy experience.
- Carb Conscious? Try a cauliflower crust for a low-carb twist on the classic pizza, and load it up with the same bold flavors.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe for the Grill
Ready to take things up a notch? Why not try a grilled Buffalo chicken pizza for a smokier flavor and crispy crust?
Ingredients:
- Same as the original recipe, but instead of using an oven, preheat your grill to medium-high.
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill: Get it nice and hot.
- Prepare the pizza: Assemble your Buffalo chicken pizza as usual, making sure the chicken is fully coated in sauce.
- Grill the pizza: Place the pizza directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Grill for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
- Enjoy: Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese, add your favorite garnishes, and enjoy that smoky, spicy goodness.
Grilling gives the pizza a smoky char that adds another layer of flavor to the already delicious combo of Buffalo sauce, chicken, and cheese.
Spice Up Your Pizza Night with 7-Eleven
Whether you’re craving a quick dinner solution or planning a pizza party with a twist, Buffalo chicken pizza is the way to go. And guess what? You don’t need to start from scratch. Grab a 7-Eleven cheese pizza and all your favorite ingredients, and you’ll have a homemade masterpiece in no time.
Need drinks and snacks to go with your pizza? 7-Eleven has you covered. Swing by your nearest location to grab everything you need for an epic pizza night—from pizza to drinks, snacks, and dessert. Find your nearest 7-Eleven.
