Okay, picture this: a pizza that’s got *everything*. That’s exactly what my Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza is all about! It’s this wild, wonderful mashup of sweet pineapple, tangy BBQ, and that irresistible kick from buffalo sauce, all piled high on cheesy chicken perfection. I stumbled upon this flavor combo one night when I had a little bit of everything in the fridge and was craving something seriously bold for dinner. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if fruits and spicy chicken would play nice, but wow, was I wrong! This pizza is a total game-changer for weeknights. It’s quick, it’s crazy delicious, and trust me, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready for your new favorite pizza night obsession!
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Okay, let me tell you why this pizza is just plain awesome. It’s one of those recipes that just makes you happy, you know?
- It’s SO Fast: Seriously, this thing comes together in like 30 minutes, tops. Perfect for when the craving hits hard and you don’t have all night.
- Sweet AND Spicy Paradise: This is the big one! You get that tangy, sweet pineapple mingling with the kick of buffalo sauce and the smoky BBQ. It’s a flavor party that actually makes sense.
- Super Flexible: Don’t have red onions? Use green onions! Allergic to pineapple? Try some diced mango! This recipe rolls with the punches. I’ve even swapped the chicken for some leftover pulled pork once!
- Guaranteed Crowd Pleaser: Game night? Family dinner? Last-minute party? This Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza is always a winner. Kids and adults alike go nuts for it.
- Versatile Little Thing: It’s hearty enough for a full meal, but you can totally cut it into smaller squares for appetizers. So handy!
- Just Plain Delicious: Honestly, sometimes the best reason is just that it tastes incredible. Trust me on this one!
Ingredients for Your Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Alright, let’s get down to business with what you’ll need to whip up this amazing pizza. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward stuff you can usually find at any grocery store. Sometimes, I just use whatever I have hanging around, which is part of the fun!
- 1 ball of your favorite pizza dough – store-bought or homemade, whatever makes your life easier!
- 1/2 cup of good ol’ BBQ sauce. Pick your favorite brand; they all work!
- 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. This is where the kick comes from, so use what suits your spice tolerance.
- 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for super-fast weeknight pizzas.
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Because, well, it’s pizza!
- 1/2 cup of diced pineapple. Fresh or canned, they both bring that sweet, tangy goodness.
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced. Just enough for a little bite.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped. This is my favorite finishing touch, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Alright, so making this pizza is super easy, but like with anything tasty, a few little tricks can make it absolutely *perfect*. Here are some things I’ve learned over the years that really make a difference:
- Don’t Be Shy with the Sauce! When you mix up that BBQ and buffalo sauce, make sure it’s well combined. You want that even flavor all over the pizza. Spread it nice and thick, but leave a little border for the crust so it doesn’t all ooze off!
- Preheat Like You Mean It: This is a biggie for any pizza. Get that oven super hot – 425°F (220°C) is what the recipe calls for, and trust me, you want it there. A hot oven means a crispy crust and perfectly melty cheese.
- Chicken Prep Matters: Make sure your chicken is well-shredded. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, which is my go-to, just give it a quick shred. You don’t want giant chunks; smaller, fluffy bits distribute better.
- Pineapple Power! If you’re using canned pineapple, drain it really, *really* well. Nobody wants a soggy pizza, and extra water from the pineapple is a pizza’s worst enemy. Fresh pineapple is great too; just make sure it’s diced into nice, bite-sized pieces.
- Dough Handling: When you roll out your pizza dough, don’t overwork it! Just gently stretch or roll it to your desired thickness. If it springs back, let it rest for a couple of minutes and try again. A slightly thicker crust holds up to all those toppings better.
- Cheese Distribution: Spread that mozzarella evenly! You want a little bit of cheesy goodness in every single bite. Don’t let it all clump in the middle.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this pizza party started! Making this Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza is honestly a breeze, and the result is so worth it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from a plain ol’ dough ball to a flavor-packed masterpiece.
First things first, get that oven cranking! You want it nice and hot at 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, unroll or stretch out your pizza dough onto a baking sheet or a pizza stone if you’re feeling fancy. I usually line my baking sheet with parchment paper because, let’s be honest, cleanup is way easier that way. You could also try something like these pepperoni pizza quesadillas and use parchment paper there, it works like a charm!
Now for the star of the show: the sauce! Grab a small bowl and mix your BBQ sauce and buffalo sauce together. Give it a good stir until it’s all beautifully combined. Don’t be afraid to taste it and add a little more buffalo sauce if you like it extra spicy – just be careful, it can get pretty zippy!
Carefully spread this amazing sauce mixture all over your pizza dough. Try to get an even layer, but leave about a half-inch border around the edge for that glorious crust. Next up, pile on the yummy toppings! Sprinkle that shredded chicken evenly, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Then, scatter your diced pineapple and thinly sliced red onion all over the top. It’s starting to look like a pizza dreams are made of!
Slide that beauty into your preheated oven. You’re going to bake it for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you’re looking for that crust to be golden brown and perfectly crisp, and the cheese should be all melted and bubbly, maybe even a little browned in spots. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a minute before you shower it with that fresh, chopped cilantro. That little bit of green adds such a nice freshness! Slice it up and dig in!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza
So, about these ingredients – I love using what I’ve got on hand, and this pizza is super forgiving! If you’re scratching your head about anything, let me help you out.
The Pizza Dough: Honestly, any pizza dough works! Store-bought is a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch for time. If you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade dough is fantastic, but don’t stress over it. Just make sure it’s at room temperature when you start so it’s easy to work with.
Sauce Power: The BBQ and buffalo sauce combo is key! If you’re not a fan of buffalo sauce, or can’t find it, you can totally just use extra BBQ sauce with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to get that heat. Or, use your favorite hot sauce for a different kind of kick.
Cheese Choices: Mozzarella is classic for a reason – it melts beautifully! But feel free to mix in some cheddar or even a little Monterey Jack for extra flavor. If you’re dairy-free, there are some amazing vegan mozzarella shreds out there now that work wonders.
Pineapple Love: Canned pineapple chunks or tidbits work great, just make sure you drain them really well! If you prefer, swap it out for some sweet diced mango or even some crunchy apple slices for a fun twist.
Chicken Swap: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for speed, but leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs work just as well. You can also make this vegetarian by skipping the chicken altogether – the flavors are still amazing!
Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza
This pizza has so much going on, it’s practically a meal in itself! But if you want to round things out, a simple side salad is perfect. My “go-to” is usually a light, crisp strawberry spinach salad; the sweetness and freshness balance out the pizza’s spice so well. A cold glass of iced tea or a crisp beer also cuts through the richness beautifully. You can’t go wrong!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, if by some miracle you have leftover Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza (which is rare in my house!), storing it is super simple. Just let the pizza cool down completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap them well and freeze them for up to a month. Just remember, the longer it sits, the less crisp that crust will be, but it’s still super tasty!
Reheating is easy peasy! The best way to get that crust nice and crispy again is to pop a slice or two back into a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty. A toaster oven works great for this too! Microwaving is an option if you’re really in a hurry, but the crust will be a bit softer. Enjoy those yummy leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Can I make this pizza spicier?
Absolutely! If you love a serious kick, you can definitely amp up the spice. Add an extra tablespoon or two of buffalo sauce to the mix, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the toppings before baking. For an even bolder heat, you could even add some thinly sliced jalapeños!
What kind of chicken works best for this pizza?
My favorite shortcut is using pre-cooked shredded chicken, like from a rotisserie chicken. It’s so convenient! But leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs work perfectly too. You could even try using some shredded chicken that’s already been tossed in a bit of buffalo sauce, like in this buffalo chicken salad recipe, just make sure it’s not too wet!
I don’t have BBQ sauce, can I still make this?
No BBQ sauce? No problem! You can still get that tangy flavor. Just use extra buffalo sauce and add a spoonful of ketchup and maybe a tiny bit of brown sugar or honey to balance the heat. Or, use your favorite hot sauce for a different kind of kick.
Is this pineapple on pizza recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This specific recipe is definitely not vegetarian because of the chicken and buffalo sauce. However, you can easily make a vegetarian version! Just leave out the chicken and maybe add some extra veggies like bell peppers or corn. You could also try some crispy baked tofu or plant-based chicken crumbles instead of the chicken. The BBQ and buffalo sauce base is still fantastic!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this pizza can change depending on the exact ingredients you use, like the brand of BBQ sauce or how much cheese you pile on! I’ve put together a general estimate per slice to give you an idea. So, a typical slice of this Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza usually clocks in around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat (5g of that being saturated), 20g of protein, and 35g of carbs. It’s a pretty satisfying slice for sure!
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Hawaiian BBQ Buffalo Chicken Pizza
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A spicy and sweet pizza with buffalo chicken, pineapple, and BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce and buffalo sauce.
- Spread the sauce mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
- Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, pineapple, and red onion.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Hawaiian pizza, BBQ chicken pizza, buffalo chicken pizza, pineapple pizza, spicy pizza, easy pizza recipe