Buffalo Chicken Fajita Pizza Ring Recipe

Picture this: a cozy night in, an oven cranked to perfection, and the irresistible aroma of buffalo chicken and melty cheese wafting through the room. I’m about to show you the ultimate recipe mashup that’s both mind-blowingly delicious and ridiculously easy to make. Let’s dive into this cheesy, spicy, flaky adventure and make mealtime infinitely more exciting!

I love combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the vibrant colors of fajita veggies, and this Buffalo Chicken Fajita Pizza Ring does just that. With juicy shredded chicken and a tangy kick from buffalo wing sauce, combined with sweet bell peppers, red onion, and melty mozzarella, it’s a ring of bliss.

I find the touch of smoked paprika and garlic powder adds a delightful depth, and the crescent roll dough ties everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for sharing, and when paired with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, it’s truly irresistible.

Buffalo Chicken Fajita Pizza Ring Recipe Ingredients

• Cooked and shredded chicken breast: A lean protein source that is high in nutrients and low in fat.
• Buffalo wing sauce: Adds tangy heat; primarily consists of hot sauce and butter.
• Bell pepper: Provides a sweet crunch; rich in vitamins A and C.
• Red onion: Offers a sharp flavor and is a source of antioxidants.
• Olive oil: A healthy fat that may support heart health; adds richness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy texture; a source of calcium and protein.
• Crescent roll dough: Adds flakiness; provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Blue cheese: Adds bold, tangy flavor and contains calcium and probiotics.

Buffalo Chicken Fajita Pizza Ring Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

How to Make this Buffalo Chicken Fajita Pizza Ring Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce until well coated.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the bell pepper and red onion until they are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.

4. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circular fashion on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping the wider ends slightly with the pointed ends facing outward, creating a large circle.

5. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese in a ring over the wider ends of the dough triangles, leaving the pointed ends plain.

6. Evenly distribute the buffalo chicken mixture on top of the cheese layer.

7. Add the sautéed bell pepper and onion mixture over the chicken, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese and crumbled blue cheese.

8. Carefully fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling, tucking them under the wide ends to form a ring. Pinch the edges to seal.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before slicing and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Buffalo Chicken Fajita Pizza Ring Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large bowl
5. Skillet
6. Spatula or wooden spoon
7. Measuring spoons
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Measuring cup(s)
11. Cheese grater (if not pre-shredded)
12. Serving plate or platter

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of dough?
  Yes, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry as alternatives, though the texture may differ slightly.
• Is there a substitute for buffalo wing sauce?
  For a milder option, use a blend of barbecue sauce and hot sauce, adjusting to your heat preference.
• What can I use instead of blue cheese?
  Feta or gorgonzola cheese are good substitutes if you do not prefer blue cheese.
• How do I store leftovers?
  Store any leftover pizza ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  You can prepare the chicken mixture and slice the vegetables in advance. Assemble the ring just before baking for best results.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian?
  Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or cooked mushrooms as a vegetarian alternative.
• Can I freeze the pizza ring?
  It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual slices. Wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Buffalo Chicken Fajita Pizza Ring Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For buffalo wing sauce: Substitute with hot sauce mixed with melted butter.
• For bell pepper: Use any color of bell pepper, or substitute with poblano for a milder taste.
• For red onion: Substitute with yellow or white onion.
• For crescent roll dough: Use puff pastry sheets as a substitute.
• For blue cheese: Substitute with feta cheese for a milder flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure a Crispy Base Before adding the toppings, lightly dust the crescent dough with a bit of flour or cornstarch. This will help absorb excess moisture from the fillings and keep the base crispy.

2. Marinate for Extra Flavor If time allows, marinate the cooked and shredded chicken in the buffalo wing sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before assembling. This will allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.

3. Cheese Layering Tip To prevent the dough from getting soggy, use the first layer of cheese as a barrier between the dough and the buffalo chicken. This can help in maintaining the structure of the dough while baking.

4. Caramelized Vegetables For an added depth of flavor, let the bell peppers and onions sauté a bit longer until they start to caramelize. This will add a sweet undertone to balance the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.

5. Chilled Dough Handling Keep the crescent roll dough chilled until just before assembly. Warm dough can become sticky and difficult to work with, making it harder to create a neat ring shape.