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This Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza brings together shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce with melted cheeses and fresh vegetables for a flavorful snack or meal that comes together quickly. It’s perfect when you want something spicy and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
I first made this recipe one weekend when friends stopped by unexpectedly, and it quickly became a crowd favorite that I now make regularly for game nights and casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Two flatbreads or naan breads: provide the perfect sturdy base with a slightly chewy texture. Choose fresh or well-packaged for best results
- One cup cooked chicken breast, shredded: the protein star that soaks up the buffalo sauce flavor
- A quarter cup buffalo wing sauce: delivers that iconic tangy heat. Look for one with a good balance of vinegar and spice
- Half cup shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully for that classic pizza feel
- Quarter cup blue cheese crumbles: adds a creamy sharpness that pairs perfectly with buffalo sauce
- Quarter cup thinly sliced red onion: brings a mild bite and some color
- Quarter cup finely chopped celery: adds crunch and freshness
- Two tablespoons ranch dressing: cools down the heat when drizzled on top
- One tablespoon melted butter: helps crisp the flatbread edges and adds richness
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): brightens and freshens the final look and flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste: simple seasoning to bring everything together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the flatbread and melt the cheese nicely.
- Mix the Chicken with Buffalo Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken evenly with buffalo wing sauce so every piece is coated for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Flatbreads:
- Brush each flatbread lightly with melted butter to add richness and promote a golden, crispy crust as it bakes. Place them on a baking sheet to keep everything tidy.
- Assemble the Pizzas:
- Spread the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across each flatbread so every bite has that spicy, meaty goodness.
- Layer the Cheeses:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles over the chicken making sure to cover the surface for that classic creamy and tangy combo.
- Add Onions and Celery:
- Scatter the thinly sliced red onions and chopped celery on top to add crunch and balance to the rich cheese and spicy chicken.
- Bake Until Bubbling:
- Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese melts fully, bubbles, and the edges of the flatbread turn lightly golden and crisp.
- Finish with Ranch Dressing:
- Take the flatbread pizzas out and immediately drizzle ranch dressing over the top to cool the heat and add creaminess. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with fresh parsley if you want a pop of bright color and serve warm by slicing into pieces.
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Blue cheese is my personal favorite ingredient here because its sharpness cuts through the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully. I remember the first time I shared this recipe at a family barbecue and the blue cheese crumbles disappeared before the chicken did.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It reheats well in a skillet or oven to keep the flatbread crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have flatbreads or naan, pita or even large tortillas can work though the texture will differ. For the blue cheese, feta or goat cheese can add a tangy twist. Vegetarians can easily swap chicken for buffalo cauliflower or a plant-based chicken alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This flatbread goes great with a side salad or crunchy veggies drizzled with ranch or blue cheese dressing. It also pairs well with cold beers or sparkling water with lime on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Cultural and Historical Context
Buffalo sauce originated from Buffalo, New York, and has become synonymous with casual American bar food and wings. Combining it with flatbread pizza is a modern twist that blends classic spicy flavors with a simple handheld meal format.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to lightly brush the flatbread with butter to keep edges crisp instead of soggy
- Use shredded chicken leftover from roasted or grilled chicken for extra flavor
- Don’t skip the ranch drizzle it balances the heat perfectly while adding creaminess
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Flatbread or naan provide a sturdy yet soft base that crisps nicely when baked. Pita or tortillas can be used as alternatives for different textures.
- → How spicy is the buffalo chicken topping?
The shredded chicken is mixed with buffalo wing sauce that offers a tangy heat. Adjust the spice by adding more sauce or red pepper flakes to your taste.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can mix the chicken with buffalo sauce in advance and assemble just before baking to keep the flatbread crisp and fresh.
- → What cheeses complement the buffalo flavor well?
Mozzarella and blue cheese are traditional choices for their melty texture and bold taste. Cheddar or gouda can be used to add a different dimension.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives for the chicken?
Yes, buffalo cauliflower makes a great substitute, maintaining the spicy and tangy profile while keeping it meat-free.
- → What role does the ranch dressing play?
The ranch drizzle adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the spiciness of the buffalo sauce, balancing the overall flavor.