Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Spicy Fried Chicken with Creamy Blue Cheese Avocado Dressing
Why venture out for mundane takeout when you can elevate your culinary experience right at home? Presenting the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods: the sensational Buffalo Chicken Pizza, perfected with a lush Blue Cheese Avocado Dressing. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a blockbuster mash-up, an unforgettable experience that combines the fiery kick of crispy fried buffalo chicken bites with a homemade, tangy sauce, all crowned with a cool, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful blue cheese avocado dressing. Whether it’s a cozy pizza night in with loved ones or the centerpiece of your next lively gathering, this pizza promises to be a showstopper that will leave everyone craving more.
It’s hard to believe now, but it wasn’t until I was nearly 20 years old that I truly experienced the joy of biting into a perfectly sauced, tender, and crispy chicken wing. Yes, you read that right. Before then, the messy reputation of wings kept me at arm’s length, a hesitant observer at countless parties and game nights.
I’ll pause for your collective gasps of shock and awe. Trust me, I get it.
As a kid, chicken wings simply weren’t on my radar. Even at 20, the thought of diving into a pile of saucy, bone-in chicken seemed like an unnecessary culinary adventure. But, fueled by the insistent cheers and playful nudges of my friends during a particularly competitive game of pool and a vodka tonic, I finally took the plunge. And oh, what a revelation it was!
I was absolutely shocked. The very first bite was a flavor explosion I hadn’t anticipated. The buffalo sauce wasn’t just spicy; it was a symphony of tangy vinegar, rich butter, and a complex heat that awakened every taste bud. It was oh-so bangin’ – an unforgettable combination that instantly moved chicken wings from “avoid at all costs” to “must-have.” I devoured the entire basket, the spice invigorating my senses as I effortlessly sunk one eight-ball after another. That night, I not only discovered a new favorite food but also clinched victory, and I’m pretty sure it was the wings that gave me that winning edge!
From that pivotal moment onward, buffalo chicken wings soared to the top of my craving list, right alongside my beloved pizza. Honestly, “buffalo chicken wings and pizza nights” became a cherished ritual, a weekly highlight I eagerly anticipated, often accompanied by lively games of pool and darts. It was the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and satisfying comfort food that always brought good times. But as much as I loved going out for this dynamic duo, I started to dream of bringing that incredible flavor experience home, perhaps even elevating it.
Instead of heading out for that familiar buffalo chicken and pizza goodness, imagine transforming your kitchen into the ultimate culinary hub. Now, you can spend a fantastic night in with your friends and family, indulging in a dish that masterfully combines both cravings into one extraordinary meal. This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about crafting a gourmet experience that surpasses your usual takeout expectations.
Get ready to experience the absolute best of both flavor worlds with this killer pizza! It’s a culinary triumph that captures the essence of spicy, tangy buffalo chicken wings and marries it with the comforting foundation of a perfect pizza. The secret to its incredible texture lies in our approach to the chicken: instead of just shredded chicken, we’re frying small, tender bites to achieve that extra crunch you crave from a classic wing. In my humble opinion, if you can’t get the crispy wing skin right on the pizza, then frying up those chicken pieces is the next best thing to ensure you still get that satisfying, crispy texture in every single bite. Am I right?
The Art of Perfect Buffalo Chicken
Crafting the perfect buffalo chicken for this pizza involves a few key steps that guarantee maximum flavor and optimal texture. First, we marinate skinless chicken breast chunks in buttermilk. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also prepares it beautifully for a crispy coating. Next, the chicken is tossed in a seasoned flour mixture, including cayenne pepper for that authentic buffalo heat, baking powder for extra crispiness, and onion powder for depth of flavor. Frying these bites in hot canola oil ensures they are golden brown and wonderfully crunchy on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender within. Immediately after frying, these irresistible chicken pieces are tossed in a homemade buffalo sauce, coating them in that signature spicy, tangy goodness that makes this pizza truly stand out.
The Cooling Counterpoint: Blue Cheese Avocado Dressing
To balance the fiery intensity of the buffalo chicken, our pizza is generously drizzled with a rich and creamy Blue Cheese Avocado Dressing. This isn’t just a standard blue cheese dressing; the addition of ripe avocado introduces a luxurious, silken texture and a subtle, earthy note that complements the blue cheese beautifully. Combined with tangy buttermilk, a hint of mayonnaise and sour cream for extra creaminess, fresh garlic, lime juice for brightness, and a scattering of fresh Italian parsley and chives, this dressing offers a wonderful cooling element. It’s creamy, flavorful, and even a little bit healthier thanks to the avocado (it’s all about balance, right?). Plus, any leftover dressing is fantastic with a salad for lunch the next day, making it a versatile condiment you’ll want to keep on hand.
This pizza truly is the best of all your favorite snack food worlds, harmoniously united on a crispy crust. The combination of textures – the crispness of the fried chicken, the chewiness of the crust, the meltiness of the mozzarella – and the symphony of flavors – spicy, tangy, creamy, savory, and fresh – creates an unforgettable eating experience. It’s a dish that caters to every craving, from the heat-seeker to the cheese-lover, ensuring every bite is a delightful surprise. You’re about to make culinary magic. Prepare to impress everyone with this innovative and utterly delicious creation!
You’re welcome. 😉
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This Recipe’s Must Haves
To embark on this culinary adventure and create the perfect fried buffalo chicken, a few essential kitchen tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable. For frying the chicken to crispy perfection, I highly recommend using a sturdy cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven. Both retain heat exceptionally well, ensuring an even and consistent fry. You’ll also need a reliable metal mixing bowl and a whisk for effortlessly combining the ingredients for your homemade buffalo sauce and dressing. To safely retrieve the fried chicken from the hot oil, a spider strainer is an indispensable tool. And finally, for clean, effortless slices that make serving a breeze, I absolutely love these specialized pizza scissors. They are truly awesome for slicing pizza without dragging toppings! Having these tools on hand will make the entire cooking process a joy.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza with Blue Cheese Avocado Dressing
equipment
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Spider Strainer
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Dutch Oven
ingredients
- 1 pound Pizza Dough I love using my Perfect Garlic Agave Pizza Crust!
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 Red Onion cut into thin strips
- 1 cup Crumbled Blue Cheese
- 2 large Chicken Breasts skinless, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Canola Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter
- 2/3 cup Hot Sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
- pinch of Granulated Sugar
- 1 Avocado
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1/8 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sour Cream
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Lime Juice
- 1/8 cup Chopped Italian Parsley plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Chives chopped, plus more for garnish
instructions
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Add the chunks of chicken breast to a small bowl. Add buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl and mix well with the chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
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In the bowl of a food processor, blend ingredients for the blue cheese avocado dressing until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the buffalo sauce. Set aside.
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Preheat oven to 350°F and add pizza stone to the oven to preheat. Roll out pizza dough to desired shape.
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Add to hot pizza stone and pre-bake for 5 to 7 minutes until just starting to turn golden brown. Set aside.
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Combine flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and pepper for the fried buffalo chicken is a large sealable bag. Seal and shake the bag well to combine the dry ingredients.
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Using a slotted spoon, drain the chicken pieces over the bowl and then add to the bag with the flour mixture.
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Once all the chicken has been added to the bag, seal the bag and shake well until all of the chicken pieces are covered with the mixture.
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In a medium heavy saucepan, heat approximately 5 inches of canola oil over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F.
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Add the chicken pieces, frying about 5 at a time, for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown. You may want to cut a piece open to make sure there is no pink inside or you can test the chicken with a thermometer, making sure it reaches at least 165°F.
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Drain on a pan lined with paper towels. Once all the chicken is fried, add to a small bowl with 1/2 the buffalo sauce. Mix until all the chicken has a good coating of sauce.
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Spread the remaining 1/2 of the buffalo sauce on the pizza crust. Top with mozzarella cheese and sliced red onion.
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Bake for 5 minutes, or until melty and bubbling. Remove from oven. Top with chicken, blue cheese crumbles, chopped chives and chopped parsley.
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Drizzle over blue cheese avocado dressing. Serve immediately.