Buffalo chicken pizza is a popular fusion food that has taken the United States by storm. This delicious combination of tangy, spicy buffalo sauce and crispy, cheesy pizza brings together two iconic American foods. But where did this modern classic come from? Who first thought to put buffalo chicken on pizza? In this article, we’ll explore the history, origin stories, and evolution of buffalo chicken pizza, its rise to fame, and the different variations you can find today.
The Creation of Buffalo Wings
To fully understand the history of buffalo chicken pizza, we must first start with the invention of buffalo wings. The original buffalo chicken dish, buffalo wings, hails from Buffalo, New York. In 1964, Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of the Anchor Bar, created the now-famous dish using leftover chicken wings. She covered them in a spicy, tangy sauce made with Frank’s RedHot Sauce and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing.
This buffalo sauce would go on to become a staple in American cuisine, setting the stage for the creation of other buffalo-flavored dishes. The buffalo wing itself became an American classic, especially during football season and other sporting events.
Chicken as a Pizza Topping
While chicken on pizza might not seem particularly unusual today, it was not a common pizza topping before the 1980s. Traditionally, pizza toppings were limited to ingredients like pepperoni, sausage, and vegetables. However, as pizza evolved and chefs experimented with new flavors, chicken started to make an appearance as a topping. Early versions of chicken pizzas were often more focused on Italian-inspired flavors, using toppings like grilled chicken, tomatoes, and basil.
But it wasn’t until someone combined buffalo chicken with pizza that this culinary creation really took off. The spicy, tangy nature of buffalo sauce made it the perfect complement to the richness of pizza’s cheese and dough.
The Origin of Buffalo Chicken Pizza
So, who was the genius behind this flavorful combination? The origin story of buffalo chicken pizza is somewhat murky, with multiple claims to its invention. However, many agree that the dish originated in Buffalo, New York, where the buffalo wing was born. Several small pizzerias in the area started experimenting with the idea of topping pizza with buffalo chicken in the 1980s and 1990s.
One notable claim comes from Franco’s Pizza in Buffalo, which credits itself as one of the first to serve buffalo chicken pizza. You can read more about the history of buffalo chicken pizza on their site, where they discuss their role in popularizing this dish.
Another theory suggests that larger pizza chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut were responsible for bringing the dish to a national audience. Both chains began offering buffalo chicken pizzas in the 1990s, coinciding with the growing popularity of buffalo wings in general. These chains played a crucial role in making the dish accessible to a wider audience. More details about this popular recipe can be found in this Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe.
Evolution of the Recipe
The original buffalo chicken pizza was likely a simple affair, consisting of grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a standard pizza crust. However, as the pizza gained popularity, new variations began to emerge. Today, there are countless versions of buffalo chicken pizza, each offering a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Some of the most common variations include:
- Using different types of buffalo sauce to adjust the spiciness, from mild to extra hot.
- Substituting blue cheese dressing or ranch for the cheese, creating a creamier, richer pizza.
- Adding toppings like red onions, celery, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
The Spread of Buffalo Chicken Pizza Across the U.S.
Although buffalo chicken pizza originated in Buffalo, New York, it didn’t take long for the dish to spread to other parts of the country. As mentioned earlier, pizza chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut helped introduce the dish to a national audience in the 1990s. Since then, it has become a staple on many restaurant menus, especially in regions where buffalo wings are popular.
The popularity of buffalo chicken pizza is largely tied to its association with game day foods. Like buffalo wings, it is a perfect dish for watching sports, especially during events like the Super Bowl. Its spicy, tangy flavor makes it an ideal pairing with beer, and its portability makes it a convenient option for parties.
Gourmet and Regional Variations
In addition to the basic recipe, gourmet versions of buffalo chicken pizza have started appearing in higher-end restaurants. These variations often use artisanal ingredients like organic chicken, house-made buffalo sauce, and even wood-fired crusts to create a more upscale version of the dish.
Regional variations have also emerged, particularly in areas known for their unique pizza styles. For example:
- In Chicago, you might find a deep-dish buffalo chicken pizza, where the buffalo chicken is buried under a thick layer of cheese and sauce.
- In New York City, thin-crust versions of the pizza are more common, allowing the flavors of the buffalo sauce and chicken to really shine.
- In the Southwest, some pizzerias add toppings like jalapeños and chipotle sauce for a spicy, smoky twist on the classic recipe.
The Role of Frank’s RedHot Sauce
No discussion of buffalo chicken pizza would be complete without mentioning Frank’s RedHot Sauce. This iconic sauce is the foundation of the classic buffalo sauce flavor. Made from cayenne peppers, vinegar, and garlic powder, it has a tangy, spicy taste that is perfect for coating chicken. Frank’s RedHot Sauce was the original sauce used in buffalo wings at the Anchor Bar, and it remains a key ingredient in most recipes for buffalo chicken pizza today.
In fact, many people believe that the only way to make an authentic buffalo chicken pizza is to use Frank’s RedHot Sauce. While there are other hot sauces on the market, none quite capture the same flavor profile. If you’re making buffalo chicken pizza at home, make sure to pick up a bottle of Frank’s to get that authentic, tangy taste.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza at Home
Making buffalo chicken pizza at home is a relatively easy process, especially if you use pre-made pizza dough. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
- Prepare the Chicken: Grill or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, mix Frank’s RedHot Sauce with melted butter for a classic buffalo sauce.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce over the pizza dough, then top with mozzarella cheese, chicken pieces, and additional sauce.
- Bake: Cook the pizza in a preheated oven at 450°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Add Toppings: Once the pizza is done, drizzle more buffalo sauce on top and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles or serve with a side of ranch dressing.
For those looking for a healthier option, you can use whole-wheat dough or opt for grilled chicken instead of fried. Additionally, swapping out blue cheese for ranch dressing can create a lighter flavor profile.
Modern Variations of Buffalo Chicken Pizza
As buffalo chicken pizza has become more popular, several modern variations have emerged, each offering a different take on the classic recipe. Some of the most popular versions include:
- Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: A lighter, crispier version of the pizza, made with thin flatbread instead of traditional pizza dough.
- Buffalo Chicken Calzone: A twist on the classic calzone, filled with buffalo chicken and cheese inside a folded pizza crust.
- Vegan Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A plant-based version of the dish, using soy-based chicken substitutes and dairy-free cheese.
Each of these variations offers a new way to enjoy the spicy, tangy flavors of *buffalo chicken
crust or a more indulgent version stuffed with cheese, there’s a buffalo chicken pizza variation for everyone. Here’s a closer look at these modern interpretations:
Buffalo Chicken Flatbread
This variation is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, crisper base. Instead of traditional pizza dough, flatbread is used, which results in a thinner, crunchier crust. The process is similar to making traditional buffalo chicken pizza:
- Ingredients:
- Flatbread
- Grilled chicken tossed in buffalo sauce
- Mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Optional: blue cheese or ranch dressing
This version cooks faster due to the thinness of the crust and is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or appetizers at a party.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone
A calzone is essentially a folded pizza, and this version is stuffed with buffalo chicken and cheese inside a golden-brown crust. It’s perfect for those who love their pizza loaded with fillings. To make it:
- Roll out pizza dough and fill one side with buffalo chicken, mozzarella, and a drizzle of buffalo sauce.
- Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges.
- Bake until golden, and serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch for dipping.
Vegan Buffalo Chicken Pizza
For plant-based eaters, the vegan buffalo chicken pizza offers all the spicy goodness of the original without the meat or dairy. You can use soy-based vegan chicken substitutes or other plant-based proteins and opt for dairy-free cheese. To make it extra authentic, there are plenty of vegan buffalo sauce options available in stores.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Barbecue Twist
Another variation that has gained traction is combining buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce. This adds a smoky sweetness to the pizza that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce. Some recipes swap out half of the buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce, resulting in a fusion of tangy, spicy, and smoky flavors.
Nutritional Considerations for Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Though undeniably delicious, traditional buffalo chicken pizza is not always the healthiest option due to the use of fried chicken, cheese, and butter in the buffalo sauce. However, there are ways to enjoy this pizza in a more health-conscious manner.
Healthier Alternatives:
- Grilled Chicken: Instead of using fried chicken, opt for grilled or baked chicken to reduce fat and calories.
- Whole-Wheat Crust: Swap out traditional pizza dough for a whole-wheat option to add fiber and nutrients.
- Reduced-Fat Cheese: Use low-fat mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar to cut down on calories.
- Veggie Additions: Top the pizza with celery, spinach, or onions to add nutritional value and a fresh crunch.
Nutritional Breakdown:
A typical slice of buffalo chicken pizza can range from 250 to 400 calories, depending on the size and ingredients. By making a few healthy swaps, you can bring the calorie count down and still enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo chicken.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Pizza at Home
Making buffalo chicken pizza at home is a simple and rewarding experience. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a party, or just to satisfy a craving, following a few steps will allow you to replicate restaurant-quality pizza at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 chicken breasts (grilled or baked)
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce (or your preferred buffalo sauce)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling
- Optional: celery, green onions, or red onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook your chicken breasts by grilling or baking them until fully done, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: In a bowl, combine the buffalo sauce with melted butter (optional for a richer flavor) and toss the chicken in the mixture.
- Assemble the Pizza: Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce over the dough as the base. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by the buffalo chicken pieces.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles (if using) and drizzle with ranch or extra buffalo sauce. You can also add chopped celery or green onions for a fresh crunch.
Serve hot, and enjoy!
FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding buffalo chicken pizza:
Who Invented Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
Several small pizzerias in Buffalo, New York, are credited with creating buffalo chicken pizza, though no one individual can definitively claim the invention.
Can Buffalo Chicken Pizza Be Made with Different Types of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats like turkey or even plant-based options like tofu or soy-based chicken.
Is Buffalo Chicken Pizza Spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the type and amount of buffalo sauce used. You can adjust the heat level by using a milder or hotter sauce or reducing the amount of sauce.
What is the Best Cheese for Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
While mozzarella is the most common cheese used, blue cheese is often added to complement the buffalo flavors. Some people prefer using ranch dressing in place of blue cheese.
Can You Use Ranch Instead of Blue Cheese on Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
Absolutely! Many people prefer ranch over blue cheese as it provides a creamier, milder flavor that balances the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
How Do You Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy crust, or in the microwave for a softer texture.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken pizza is a beloved dish that perfectly blends the flavors of spicy buffalo wings and cheesy pizza. With a history rooted in Buffalo, New York, and a growing number of modern variations, it has secured its place as a staple in both homes and restaurants across the U.S. Whether you prefer the classic version with blue cheese or a modern twist with ranch dressing, there’s no denying that buffalo chicken pizza continues to be a favorite for pizza lovers everywhere.
Now, it’s your turn to make this iconic dish at home or find a local pizzeria that does it just right. No matter how you enjoy it, one thing’s for sure: buffalo chicken pizza is here to stay.