Buffalo Chicken French Bread Pizza

Get ready for the ultimate game day upgrade! This Buffalo Chicken French Bread Pizza combines everything you love about wings and pizza into one irresistibly cheesy, perfectly spicy masterpiece that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds.

What makes this recipe special? It’s the magical combination of tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch, and melty cheese, all loaded onto crispy French bread. Plus, it comes together in just 37 minutes – faster than delivery and way more impressive!

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 French loaf bread
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• ¾ cup buffalo sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar)
• Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Slice your French bread horizontally to create two long halves.
2. Create the flavorful base: Brush the 5 tablespoons melted butter evenly over both bread halves. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon garlic powder, ensuring even coverage. The butter will help create a crispy crust while preventing the bread from getting soggy.
3. Layer the foundations: Spread ½ cup ranch dressing over the garlic butter layer. In a separate bowl, combine shredded chicken with ¾ cup buffalo sauce until well coated.
4. Build your toppings: Distribute the buffalo chicken mixture evenly across both bread halves. Layer with thinly sliced red onions – their sharp flavor will complement the buffalo sauce perfectly.
5. Add the cheese layer: Sprinkle 3 cups shredded cheese blend evenly over the top. Make sure to get some cheese around the edges – it’ll create delicious crispy bits when baked.
6. Bake for 12 minutes or until cheese is completely melted and bubbling, with golden spots appearing. Watch carefully after 10 minutes to prevent burning.
7. Finish with style: Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with additional buffalo sauce and ranch to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing to prevent the toppings from sliding off.

Smart Swaps

• Use light ranch dressing to reduce calories (saves 50 calories per serving)
• Substitute cauliflower buffalo “wings” for a vegetarian version
• Try whole grain French bread for extra fiber and nutrients

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use low-carb French bread (reduces carbs by 15g per serving)
• Choose sugar-free buffalo sauce
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to increase fiber
• Portion into 6-inch sections (approximately 30g carbs per serving)

Pro Tips

• Pat chicken very dry before mixing with buffalo sauce to prevent sogginess
• For extra crunch, toast bread for 5 minutes before adding toppings
• Let rotisserie chicken cool completely before shredding to maintain texture
• Slice red onions paper-thin using a mandoline for even cooking