Name: Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 115 min
Yield: 2 Flatbreads
Ingredients: 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; 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; 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (I prefer Frank's RedHot); 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 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)

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread: the words alone conjure images of crispy flatbread, tangy buffalo sauce, and creamy cheese, all melding together in a symphony of flavor. Have you ever craved the fiery kick of buffalo wings but wanted something a little more substantial and less messy? Then, my friend, you've come to the right place! This recipe transforms the classic buffalo chicken experience into a shareable, crowd-pleasing flatbread that's perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer.

While the exact origins of buffalo chicken are debated, its roots are firmly planted in Buffalo, New York, where, legend has it, wings were first tossed in a spicy sauce at the Anchor Bar. Our Buffalo Chicken Flatbread takes that iconic flavor profile and elevates it with the rustic charm of flatbread. Think of it as a culinary remix, blending American comfort food with a touch of Italian flair.

People adore this dish for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The spicy buffalo sauce provides a thrilling heat, tempered by the cool creaminess of the cheese and the tender, juicy chicken. The crispy flatbread base adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize! Add your favorite toppings like crumbled blue cheese, chopped celery, or a drizzle of ranch dressing to make it your own. Get ready to experience the ultimate in flavor and convenience with this irresistible Buffalo Chicken Flatbread!

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
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (I prefer Frank's RedHot)
2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Flatbread 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:

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 might be old and you'll need to start with fresh yeast.
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.
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. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough tough.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This allows the yeast to work its magic and create a light and airy flatbread.
Punch Down and Divide: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Each piece will make one flatbread.

Preparing the Buffalo Chicken:

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 for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter. This creates a rich and flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and toss to coat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Assembling and Baking the Flatbreads:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a baking stone or pizza stone in the oven while it preheats. If you don't have a baking stone, you can use a baking sheet.
Shape the Flatbreads: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a thin oval or rectangle, about 12-14 inches long. The thinner the dough, the crispier the flatbread will be.
Transfer to Baking Stone: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the preheated baking stone or baking sheet. You can use a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal to make this easier.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the blue cheese evenly over the flatbread dough. Top with half of the buffalo chicken mixture.
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 the flatbread while it's baking to prevent it from burning.
Repeat with Remaining Dough and Toppings: While the first flatbread is baking, roll out the second piece of dough and prepare it with the remaining cheese and buffalo chicken. Once the first flatbread is done, bake the second one.
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 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 final product will be. Use fresh yeast, good quality flour, and flavorful buffalo wing sauce.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the chicken sears properly and doesn't steam.
Preheat the Baking Stone: Preheating the baking stone is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. The hot stone will help to cook the flatbread evenly and quickly.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, use a milder buffalo wing sauce or reduce the amount of sauce used. If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce mixture.
Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Some other great options include diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Variations:

Blue Cheese Dressing: Instead of ranch dressing, try drizzling with blue cheese dressing for an extra tangy flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with cauliflower florets. Toss the cauliflower with the same spices as the chicken and roast in the oven until tender before coating with buffalo sauce.
Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or provolone.
Garlic Butter Crust: Brush the edges of the flatbread with garlic butter before baking for added flavor.

Make Ahead Instructions:

Dough: The flatbread dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Buffalo Chicken: The buffalo chicken can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before adding to the flatbread.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover buffalo chicken flatbread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The crust may not be as crispy after being refrigerated.

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Chicken Flatbread isn't just another recipe; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken, all on a crispy flatbread crust, makes it an irresistible treat for game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a fun appetizer for your next gathering. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it's incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Think of it: the tangy buffalo sauce mingling with the cool ranch dressing, the satisfying crunch of the flatbread, and the comforting warmth of melted cheese. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. And the best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes! But don't just take my word for it. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl and experience the magic for yourself. To make it even more enticing, let me share a few serving suggestions and variations to spark your culinary creativity. For a classic experience, serve your Buffalo Chicken Flatbread with a side of celery sticks and carrot sticks, along with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some crumbled blue cheese directly onto the flatbread before baking for an extra punch of flavor. Looking for variations? Consider swapping out the ranch dressing for a creamy garlic aioli for a richer, more decadent flavor. Or, if you prefer a milder heat, use a honey buffalo sauce instead of the traditional kind. Vegetarian? No problem! Simply replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower florets or crumbled tofu for a delicious and satisfying meat-free option. You could even add some grilled red onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. Another fun variation is to use different types of cheese. Instead of mozzarella, try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a sharper, more robust flavor. Or, for a truly gourmet experience, add some crumbled gorgonzola or feta cheese. This Buffalo Chicken Flatbread is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination of flavors. I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. And once you've tried it, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Social Media Hashtag] and let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious Buffalo Chicken Flatbread. Happy cooking!