Pizza Perfection Unveiled: How To Make Cici’s Buffalo Chicken Pizza Like A Pro!

Craving the mouthwatering flavors of Cicis’ iconic Buffalo Chicken Pizza? With our comprehensive guide, you can now recreate this tantalizing dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Discover the secrets to preparing a delectable pizza that rivals the original, complete with a crispy crust, tangy buffalo sauce, and tender chicken.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Toppings:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots

Instructions

#1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. Stir in the salt and flour, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

#2. Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the hot sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.

#3. Assemble the Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal pieces.
3. Roll out each piece into a 12-inch circle.
4. Spread half of the buffalo sauce evenly over one of the circles.
5. Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, celery, and carrots.

#4. Bake the Pizza

1. Place the pizza on a lightly greased baking sheet.
2. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

#5. Slice and Serve

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
2. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.

Tips

• For a spicier pizza, use a hotter hot sauce.
• Add other toppings to your liking, such as blue cheese crumbles, red onions, or jalapeños.
• If you don’t have time to make your own dough, you can use pre-made pizza dough from the store.

Variations

• Chicken Alfredo Buffalo Pizza: Replace the buffalo sauce with Alfredo sauce and add cooked and shredded chicken.
• BBQ Chicken Buffalo Pizza: Use BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce and top with cooked and shredded chicken.
• Veggie Buffalo Pizza: Omit the chicken and add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

FAQs

1. Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. After the initial 1-hour rise, punch down the dough and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature for about an hour before rolling it out.

2. How do I cook the chicken for the pizza?

You can boil, grill, or bake the chicken breasts. If boiling, simmer for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. If grilling, cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side. If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

3. What other toppings can I add to the pizza?

In addition to the suggested toppings, you can add cooked bacon, sliced tomatoes, or pineapple chunks. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures.