Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Highlighted under: Fast Weeknight Recipes
I absolutely love whipping up this Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza when I want a quick yet satisfying meal. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken paired with a crispy flatbread crust creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it a perfect weeknight dinner option. I often make extra so I can enjoy the leftovers cold or reheated, and every bite is just as delicious and zesty as the first. You're going to love it!
When I first decided to combine buffalo chicken with flatbread, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. But after my first bite, I was hooked! The spice of the buffalo sauce melded perfectly with the creamy ranch dressing, and the flatbread was the ideal vehicle for all those flavors. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and I love how customizable it is—add more cheese or veggies as you please!
One of my favorite tips is to bake the flatbread separately for a few minutes before adding toppings. This ensures that the crust turns out perfectly crisp and doesn’t get soggy from the sauce. Whether I’m hosting a game day or just need a quick dinner, this recipe is always a winner!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The perfect blend of spice and creaminess
- Crispy flatbread that holds all the toppings perfectly
- Quick and easy for busy weeknights or gatherings
Making the Most of Your Chicken
The key to flavorful buffalo chicken is in the marination. After shredding your cooked chicken, ensure it is mixed well with buffalo sauce. This allows the chicken to soak up the zesty flavor, making each bite deliciously spicy. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option, or poach and shred chicken breasts for a homemade touch. Both choices work wonderfully, but the rotisserie chicken saves significant time on busy nights.
If you prefer a milder flavor, consider mixing half buffalo sauce and half barbecue sauce. This combination still delivers a kick but mellows out the spice, appealing to those who love flavor without too much heat. The contrast of chicken coated in spicy sauce against the creamy ranch dressing makes for an irresistible bite.
Essential Tips for Perfect Flatbreads
Using good quality flatbreads is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness. Look for flatbreads that are slightly thicker or those marketed as 'stone-baked' for a better texture that holds up well under toppings. If homemade flatbreads are an option for you, they can be a lovely way to customize the thickness and flavor, plus it gives you total control over your ingredients.
Drizzling olive oil over the flatbreads prior to baking not only prevents sticking but also adds a beautiful golden color and enhances flavor. Be sure to watch them closely while they bake; a few minutes can make the difference between perfectly crispy and overdone. Bake until the edges are golden and the bread is slightly firm to the touch.
Ingredients
For the Flatbread Pizza
- 2 flatbreads
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until well coated.
Bake the Flatbreads
Drizzle the flatbreads with olive oil and bake in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
Assemble the Pizza
Remove the flatbreads from the oven and spread a layer of ranch dressing on each. Top with buffalo chicken, mozzarella cheese, and green onions.
Final Bake
Return the flatbreads to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, slice, and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza while hot!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before serving!
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a side salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks can balance out the meal. A classic Caesar salad or a simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside some spicy jalapeño poppers to ramp up the heat.
For a fun twist, transform leftovers into a meal prep option. Cut the flatbreads into squares, and layer them with fresh veggies and a light drizzle of ranch for a bento-style lunch or snack. This approach not only keeps the meal interesting throughout the week but also is a hit for office lunches or casual gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Though the pizza tastes great cold, if you'd prefer it warm, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly again and the flatbread crisps up nicely.
For longer storage, consider freezing the assembled but unbaked flatbreads wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought flatbreads?
Absolutely! Store-bought flatbreads save time and are perfect for this recipe.
→ What if I don't like buffalo sauce?
Feel free to substitute the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce for a different flavor!
→ Can I make this pizza in advance?
You can prep the ingredients in advance but bake it just before serving for the best texture.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and assemble the pizzas when you're ready to eat.
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza
I absolutely love whipping up this Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza when I want a quick yet satisfying meal. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken paired with a crispy flatbread crust creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it a perfect weeknight dinner option. I often make extra so I can enjoy the leftovers cold or reheated, and every bite is just as delicious and zesty as the first. You're going to love it!
What You'll Need
For the Flatbread Pizza
- 2 flatbreads
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce until well coated.
Drizzle the flatbreads with olive oil and bake in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
Remove the flatbreads from the oven and spread a layer of ranch dressing on each. Top with buffalo chicken, mozzarella cheese, and green onions.
Return the flatbreads to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, slice, and enjoy your Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza while hot!
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, try adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before serving!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g