Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza

The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese on a crispy flatbread creates an irresistible fusion of flavors that's both comforting and exciting. This recipe transforms the beloved buffalo chicken wing experience into an easy-to-eat flatbread that's perfect for any occasion. After countless game day gatherings and casual dinners, I've perfected the balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch.

I discovered this recipe while looking for a creative way to use leftover rotisserie chicken. What started as a simple experiment has become our family's most requested weeknight meal, especially during sports seasons.

Essential Ingredients Guide

• Flatbread: Choose sturdy varieties that can hold toppings without getting soggy.
• Buffalo Sauce: Frank's RedHot traditional gives authentic flavor.
• Chicken: Rotisserie or poached breast, shredded while warm for best texture.
• Cheese Blend: Sharp cheddar adds flavor while mozzarella provides the perfect melt.
• Ranch/Blue Cheese: Use thick, creamy dressing as a base sauce.
• Red Onions: Thinly sliced for even distribution.
• Fresh Herbs: They add brightness to balance the rich toppings.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Your Base

Preheat oven to exactly 400°F. Place flatbreads directly on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Brush edges with olive oil to ensure golden crust. Pre-bake for 2-3 minutes to create a sturdy base.

Step 2: Creating the Buffalo Chicken

Warm buffalo sauce and butter in a small pan. Add garlic powder and whisk until smooth. Toss with shredded chicken while warm. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 3: Building Your Pizza

Spread dressing in an even, thin layer. Add cheese blend, leaving some for topping. Distribute buffalo chicken evenly. Layer vegetables strategically. Finish with remaining cheese.

Step 4: Achieving Perfect Bake

Place in center rack position. Watch for cheese to bubble and edges to brown. Rotate halfway through for even cooking. Look for golden spots on cheese.

Pin it

My favorite part is achieving that perfect balance where the edges are crispy and golden while the center remains tender. The key was discovering that a quick pre-bake makes all the difference.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these with a variety of accompaniments. A crisp celery and carrot slaw provides a cool contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken. For parties, I cut them into smaller pieces and arrange them around a bowl of extra blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Creative Variations

While the classic version is fantastic, I often experiment with different combinations. Adding crumbled bacon takes it to another level, while a drizzle of ranch and a sprinkle of green onions adds fresh flavor. During summer, I might add fresh corn kernels for sweetness.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. I often make extra to have on hand for quick weeknight dinners. The assembled flatbreads can also be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Pin it

This flatbread pizza has become my go-to recipe for casual entertaining. It combines the crowd-pleasing flavors of buffalo wings with the convenience of pizza, creating something that's both familiar and exciting. The way the spicy chicken contrasts with the creamy cheese and crispy crust makes every bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're hosting a game day party or looking for a quick dinner solution, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of flatbread works best?

Naan bread, store-bought pizza flatbreads, or even pita bread all work great as the base.

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly - just shred it and toss with buffalo sauce.

→ How do I keep the flatbread crispy?

Preheat your baking sheet in the oven, and don't overload the pizza with toppings to prevent sogginess.

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the buffalo chicken ahead of time, but assemble and bake the pizza right before serving for best results.

→ What can I serve with this?

A simple green salad or some celery and carrot sticks make perfect side dishes.