Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza combines the zesty, spicy flavors of buffalo wings with the crispy, comforting texture of pizza. With tender chunks of chicken, a spicy buffalo sauce, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this dish is perfect for game days, casual dinners, or as a fun appetizer for parties. The flatbread crust provides a unique twist on traditional pizza, allowing the flavors to shine through with each bite.

This recipe will walk you through making the flatbread pizza from scratch, including how to prepare the chicken, the buffalo sauce, and the toppings to create a perfect fusion of flavors.

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Buffalo Sauce (if homemade):

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • A pinch of salt

For the Flatbread Pizza:

  • 2 flatbreads (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
  • A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
    • Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
    • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  2. Coat the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce:
    • In a small saucepan, combine the buffalo sauce ingredients (hot sauce, butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt). Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
    • Pour the buffalo sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Flatbread Base

  1. Prepare the Flatbread:
    • If using store-bought flatbreads, simply place them on a baking sheet. If making your own flatbread, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape.
    • Brush each flatbread lightly with olive oil to give it a nice golden crust when baked.
  2. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the flatbread cooks evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Top the Flatbread:
    • Spread a generous amount of buffalo chicken evenly over the surface of each flatbread.
    • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken, making sure it’s distributed evenly.
    • Add crumbled blue cheese if using, which will add a creamy, tangy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
    • Scatter the thinly sliced red onions across the pizza, providing a sweet and crunchy bite to balance the heat of the buffalo chicken.
  2. Bake the Pizza:
    • Place the prepared flatbreads into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the flatbread are golden and crispy.
    • Keep an eye on the flatbread to ensure it doesn’t burn, as baking times can vary depending on the thickness of the flatbread.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  1. Add Garnishes:
    • Once the flatbreads are out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for a fresh, herbal flavor.
    • If desired, drizzle with a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing to add creaminess that complements the heat from the buffalo chicken.
    • Garnish with cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
  2. Slice and Serve:
    • Slice the flatbreads into wedges or strips and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, spicy goodness!

Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza

  1. Use a Good Quality Hot Sauce: The buffalo sauce is the star of this dish, so use a high-quality hot sauce that you enjoy. Frank’s RedHot is the most popular choice, but feel free to experiment with different brands or even make your own blend for a unique twist.
  2. Make It Spicy or Mild: If you like your pizza extra spicy, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce or combine it with a bit of ranch dressing for a creamier, less spicy sauce.
  3. Go for Homemade Flatbread: Making your own flatbread dough can take this dish to the next level. A homemade flatbread offers a fluffier, chewier texture compared to store-bought versions. You can find many simple flatbread recipes online if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
  4. Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor: You can customize your pizza by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. These ingredients will add freshness and a crunchy texture that complements the richness of the buffalo chicken.
  5. Perfect the Buffalo Sauce: For a richer buffalo sauce, try adding a little cream cheese or sour cream to the buffalo sauce mixture. This will provide an extra layer of creaminess that works well with the heat of the buffalo chicken.
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to pair with your pizza:

  1. Side Salad: A refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the buffalo sauce and balance out the meal.
  2. Celery and Carrot Sticks: Classic buffalo wing sides, like celery and carrots with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce, are great accompaniments to your buffalo chicken flatbread pizza.
  3. Cold Beer or Lemonade: Pair your pizza with a cold beer, particularly a light lager or IPA, to complement the spiciness. Alternatively, a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade can provide a sweet and tart contrast to the heat.

Nutritional Information

Although flatbread pizza can be indulgent, there are ways to make it lighter while still keeping the flavor packed. You can opt for a whole wheat flatbread, use less cheese, or go easy on the buffalo sauce to make it more health-conscious. Here is an approximate breakdown for a standard serving:

  • Calories: 450-500 per serving
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 25g (depends on the amount of cheese and buffalo sauce)
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza is a fun, flavorful, and satisfying twist on traditional pizza. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a big game, or simply craving something different, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its spicy buffalo chicken, melted cheese, and crispy flatbread base, it offers all the comfort of pizza with an exciting burst of flavor. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the deliciousness!