Touchdown Pizza Recipe

Name: Touchdown Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 (14 ounce) package prebaked pizza crust (such as Boboli®); 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast; 3 tablespoons Buffalo wing sauce; 0.5 cup Buffalo wing sauce; 1 (4 ounce) package crumbled blue cheese; 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This easy-to-make Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines all the spicy, cheesy goodness of your favorite wings with the crispy satisfaction of pizza. Perfect for a game night or casual dinner!

Ingredients

1 (14 ounce) package prebaked pizza crust (such as Boboli)
1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
3 tablespoons Buffalo wing sauce
cup Buffalo wing sauce
1 (4 ounce) package crumbled blue cheese
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 475F (245C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place the pizza crust onto the prepared baking sheet.
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with 3 tablespoons of Buffalo wing sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
Spread cup of Buffalo wing sauce evenly over the pizza crust, making sure to cover the surface.
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the sauce, followed by the chicken mixture and sliced celery.
Top the pizza with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly to cover the toppings.
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the crust is crisp.
Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into squares.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 386
Total Fat: 15g (19% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 7g (36% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 50mg (17% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1547mg (67% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 39g (14% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 2g
Protein: 25g (51% Daily Value)
Calcium: 252mg (19% Daily Value)
Iron: 0mg (2% Daily Value)
Potassium: 123mg (3% Daily Value)

Note: The percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your specific calorie needs.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

History of the Touchdown Pizza

The Touchdown Pizza, a variation of the classic Buffalo chicken pizza, emerged as a fun and flavorful dish that combines two beloved American staples: pizza and Buffalo wings. Its origins are tied to the rise of "Buffalo-style" foods, which began in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The dish is a natural evolution of the Buffalo chicken wing, with its spicy, tangy sauce, which has become synonymous with American sports culture. Over time, creative chefs began experimenting with ways to incorporate the bold flavor of Buffalo wings into other dishes, and thus, the Buffalo chicken pizza was born. The Touchdown Pizza specifically capitalized on the excitement surrounding football, particularly during the Super Bowl, when people gather for indulgent snacks and casual dining.

Regional Features

The Touchdown Pizza is heavily inspired by American comfort foods and sports culture, particularly from the regions where Buffalo wings originatedBuffalo, New York. However, its influence has spread across the country. While the pizza itself is not confined to a particular state or region, the combination of Buffalo sauce, mozzarella, blue cheese, and chicken has become a staple in many sports bars and restaurants, especially during football season. This dish exemplifies the American approach to fusion cuisinetaking classic flavors from one dish and reimagining them in another form.

What Makes It Different from Other Pizzas?

While there are many variations of chicken pizzas and plenty of pizza options involving spicy sauces, the Touchdown Pizza stands out thanks to its direct connection to the iconic Buffalo wing flavor. Most pizzas featuring chicken often lean toward more neutral or mild flavors, such as BBQ chicken pizza or chicken Alfredo pizza. In contrast, the Touchdown Pizza uses Buffalo wing sauce as its base, making it a much spicier and tangier option. Additionally, the inclusion of blue cheese and celerytwo key ingredients typically associated with Buffalo wingsgives the pizza an added layer of flavor and texture that sets it apart from standard chicken pizzas. It's a dish for those who love bold, spicy flavors and a bit of crunch alongside their cheesy goodness.

Where is It Typically Served?

The Touchdown Pizza is a popular choice at many casual dining spots, especially in the United States. It's often served at sports bars, pizzerias, and during events like the Super Bowl, where fans enjoy finger foods while watching the game. Its spicy and indulgent nature makes it the perfect party dish. Many home cooks also make it for family gatherings or game-day celebrations. Thanks to its easy-to-make ingredients, its an accessible choice for anyone looking to bring the fun flavors of Buffalo wings to a pizza night.

Fun Facts About the Touchdown Pizza

Buffalo chicken pizza was first created in the late 1980s in response to the growing popularity of Buffalo wings.
Some people prefer to add ranch dressing to the pizza to balance out the heat from the Buffalo sauce, while others opt for blue cheese to maintain the authentic Buffalo wing experience.
The dish has become a favorite among fans of spicy food and is commonly featured at tailgating parties, particularly during football season.
In some variations, the pizza dough is replaced with a cauliflower crust for a lower-carb option, allowing those on special diets to still enjoy the flavor.
Despite being associated with the Super Bowl and other football events, the Touchdown Pizza has become popular year-round, thanks to its satisfying and spicy flavors.

FAQ about Touchdown Pizza Recipe

Store leftover Touchdown Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy again.

Yes, you can freeze the pizza. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can easily substitute it with another cheese like feta, goat cheese, or even cheddar. The taste will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, or even try a gluten-free dough if needed. Just pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings to prevent it from getting soggy.

To adjust the spice level, you can mix the hot sauce with some ranch dressing or add less wing sauce. If you prefer a milder version, opt for a honey mustard sauce or a BBQ sauce instead of hot buffalo sauce.

Yes, you can prepare the pizza ahead of time. Assemble the pizza, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a light salad, some crispy potato wedges, or even a side of celery and carrot sticks with ranch dressing for a complete game-day meal.

Yes, you can swap out the chicken for other proteins such as shredded rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, or even turkey. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using roasted vegetables or a veggie-based protein like tofu.

This recipe makes one 14-inch pizza, which typically serves 6 people. You can adjust the ingredients proportionally if you wish to make a larger or smaller pizza.

To achieve a crispy crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. If using a store-bought crust, pre-bake it for 5 minutes before adding toppings to help it stay crisp.

Comments

Samantha Scott

08/18/2022 09:37:09 PM

This pizza was outstanding! I followed the recipe using a Pillsbury crust, pre-baking it for 5 minutes. I used rotisserie chicken and, following suggestions from other reviewers, I mixed 1/4 cup ranch dressing and 1/4 cup Frank's hot sauce for the base to balance the spiciness. I also added sliced green onions. This recipe is definitely one to keep!

Andrew Hill

01/24/2025 09:08:49 AM

Fantastic twist on Buffalo Chicken Pizza! I was a bit worried about the spiciness of the Buffalo sauce, so instead of using a traditional sauce, I mixed 1/4 cup of Frank's RedHot sauce with 1/4 cup of ranch dressing to mellow out the heat. I used rotisserie chicken and sprinkled some green onions on top. I will definitely be making this again for the next big game day! Thanks, Saveur!

Catherine Anderson

12/18/2024 06:58:36 AM

I absolutely adored this pizza! I used a pizza dough packet that required adding water and letting it rise for 10 minutes, resulting in a quick and delicious crust. The medium wing sauce added just the right amount of heat for my taste. The thinly sliced celery was a unique and tasty addition. I topped my portion of the pizza with blue cheese crumbles, while I used feta cheese on the side for my husband who doesn't care for blue cheese. We both thoroughly enjoyed our pizzas. Big thanks to Saveur for sharing this fantastic recipe! We're definitely planning to make it again, and I'm eager to try it with homemade crust next time.

Angela Allen

11/27/2024 04:06:15 AM

Rewritten review: Originally posted on June 26, 2012: This recipe was exactly what I needed. I reduced the amount of cheese and sauce for most of the pizza, except for a small section, as suggested by the recipe creator because it's quite indulgent and we were having it as a meal for two. One of us liked the drier version, while the other preferred it as per the original recipe, but we both really enjoyed it :) Thanks for the recommendation! I used a thin, crispy crust and cooked it on an indirect grill for around 20 minutes (it was very windy, so I struggled to get the grill temperature to 400 degrees).

Brenda Walker

03/24/2023 12:05:51 AM

I absolutely loved this recipe! The buffalo wing sauce I used was super spicy, so to make it more kid-friendly, I mixed it with some ranch dressing as the base sauce. The flavors were fantastic and the aroma while it was baking was mouthwatering. Everyone in my family enjoyed it, so this recipe is definitely a keeper! Thank you, Saveur, for sharing this delicious twist on buffalo chicken and pizza! :)

Jeffrey Miller

05/14/2025 11:07:45 AM

Wow! My teenagers absolutely loved it! They want to watch it again.

William Smith

04/19/2023 06:23:00 AM

Review rewritten: "I absolutely loved this pizza! I've been wanting boneless buffalo chicken but couldn't find it anywhere near me. This pizza satisfied that craving perfectly, and I'll definitely be making it again. Delicious!!"