Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: Prepare to ditch the takeout menu because you’re about to discover a game-changing recipe that’s both incredibly easy and outrageously delicious! Imagine the tangy, spicy kick of classic buffalo chicken wings, but served atop a crispy, golden flatbread. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more.

While the exact origins of buffalo chicken are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Buffalo, New York, where it was supposedly created as a late-night snack. The fiery combination of hot sauce and butter quickly became a national sensation, and now, we’re taking that iconic flavor profile to new heights with our flatbread version. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure!

What makes Buffalo Chicken Flatbread so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The crispy flatbread provides a satisfying crunch, while the creamy, tangy buffalo chicken topping delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize the spice level to your liking, add your favorite toppings like blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing, and even use different types of flatbread. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving something bold and flavorful, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience buffalo chicken in a whole new way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Flatbread Dough:
• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• For the Buffalo Chicken:
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (I prefer Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• For the Toppings:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing, for drizzling (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Flatbread Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it’s likely expired and you’ll need to start with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise. You can also place the dough in a cold oven with the oven light on to create a warm environment.
5. Punch Down and Divide: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. This recipe makes two flatbreads.

Preparing the Buffalo Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
3. Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a separate small saucepan, combine the buffalo wing sauce and butter. Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Assembling and Baking the Flatbreads:

1. Preheat Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will help the flatbread crust to become crispy.
2. Shape the Flatbreads: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a thin oval or rectangle, about 12-14 inches long. You can also stretch the dough with your hands if you prefer a more rustic shape.
3. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Place the shaped flatbread dough onto the hot baking sheet. The hot baking sheet will help to cook the bottom of the crust quickly.
4. Add Toppings: Spread half of the buffalo chicken mixture evenly over the flatbread dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the blue cheese.
5. Bake the Flatbread: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Repeat for Second Flatbread: Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining dough, buffalo chicken, mozzarella cheese, and blue cheese.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the flatbreads from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. Drizzle with ranch dressing (if using) and garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Flatbread:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of your flatbread. Use fresh yeast, good quality cheese, and your favorite buffalo wing sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Cooking Chicken: Overcrowding the pan will cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Preheat the Baking Sheet: This is a crucial step for achieving a crispy crust. The hot baking sheet will help to cook the bottom of the flatbread quickly.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use a less spicy buffalo wing sauce or reduce the amount of sauce used. For a spicier flatbread, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings to your flatbread, such as diced tomatoes, red onions, or jalapeños.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the flatbreads, simply reheat the chicken and assemble as directed.
• Freezing Instructions: Baked flatbreads can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the flatbread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Buffalo Flatbread: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets or chickpeas. Toss the cauliflower or chickpeas with the same spices used for the chicken and roast them in the oven until tender. Then, toss them with the buffalo sauce and proceed with the recipe as directed.
• Buffalo Shrimp Flatbread: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp. Toss the shrimp with the buffalo sauce and proceed with the recipe as directed.
• BBQ Chicken Flatbread: Substitute the buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce. Use cooked chicken or pulled pork and top with red onions, cilantro, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
• Pesto Chicken Flatbread: Spread pesto sauce on the flatbread dough instead of buffalo sauce. Top with cooked chicken, mozzarella cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s recap why this Buffalo Chicken Flatbread is about to become your new weeknight obsession. We’ve taken the classic, craveable flavors of buffalo chicken wings and transformed them into a quick, easy, and utterly satisfying meal. Forget ordering takeout – this flatbread delivers all the spicy, cheesy goodness you could ask for, and it’s ready in a fraction of the time.

But beyond the speed and convenience, it’s the taste that truly makes this recipe a must-try. The creamy ranch dressing provides the perfect cool counterpoint to the fiery buffalo sauce, while the tender chicken and melted cheese create a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for slice after slice. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a casual dinner, a game-day gathering, or even a fun and flavorful lunch.

And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up: If you’re a true heat seeker, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. You could even use a hotter buffalo sauce for an extra kick!
* Cool it down: For a milder flavor, use a less spicy buffalo sauce or add a dollop of sour cream or blue cheese dressing after baking.
* Veggie boost: Add some chopped celery, carrots, or green onions for a bit of crunch and freshness. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro after baking also adds a bright, herbaceous note.
* Cheese, please!: Experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles would all be delicious additions.
* Crust considerations: While I love using pre-made flatbread crusts for their convenience, you can also use naan bread, pita bread, or even homemade pizza dough. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
* Dip it good: Serve with extra ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a side of celery sticks for dipping.

This Buffalo Chicken Flatbread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to have fun in the kitchen and create something truly delicious. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. I truly believe that once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate buffalo chicken flatbread sensation. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve made this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what toppings you added, and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love seeing how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!