When it comes to sports, suffice to say that I'm not exactly what you'd call a fan. Not even close. I can tell you the difference between a volleyball, a football and a hockey puck, but that's really about it.
The Boy is pretty much the same. It's something I'm quite thankful for, considering many of the men in this country plan their lives around the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast schedule. Basically, we watch the Olympics Games every time they roll around, and then go into a nice sports-free hiatus for another two years.
What we are fans of, though, is hot sauce.
So when the folks at Social Spark asked me if I'd be interested in talking a little bit about TABASCO® Original Red, I jumped at the chance.
Like I said... we're big fans. We put it on our eggs at breakfast, we add a dash to our soups and chilis, and stir it into marinades for a little extra zip.
Despite the fact that I'm totally clueless about sports, I'd have to be living under a rock not to know Superbowl weekend is almost here. (Actually, I only know that because that's also Glee starts airing new episodes again, and we all know how I feel about Glee...)
It seems like everyone in the blogosphere has only one thing on their mind this week, and that's what they're planning to serve for the big game.
If you're still trying to sort out what to make, Tabasco's got a great website with tips and recipes to help you plan a Game-Day Party Menu that's guaranteed to satisfy everyone from the die-hard sports fan to the guy who's only there for the food.
As for my own menu, I'm serving up these adorable little Buffalo Chicken Pizettes. They combine three favourite Superbowl menu items - Buffalo wings, pizza and beer - all presented in a tidy individually-sized package full of spicy chicken, gooey cheese and crispy crust.
I've used a classic Buffalo sauce of Tabasco and butter as a marinade for the chicken breasts, and again instead of the usual pizza sauce for a double-whammy of tangy flavour that so much more than just hot.
In fact, it's surprisingly mild, so hardcore suicide wing afficionados will probably want to add a dash or two of straight-up Tabasco sauce to their pizza before digging in. Overkill? Never.
Add a platter of carrot and celery sticks with blue cheese dip on the side, and you've got yourself a seriously game-worthy snack. Moist towelettes are entirely optional.
//
Disclosure: This post brought to you by TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.
//
Print
Buffalo Chicken Pizzettes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
These little individually-sized pizzas have all the goodness of your favourite hot Buffalo wings, and none of the mess. Serve with a platter of veggie sticks with blue cheese dip for a proper Buffalo-style experience.
Ingredients
Beer Pizza Dough:
- 3 cups flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cup warm stout (or any other dark beer)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Tabasco Marinated Chicken:
- 3 tbsp Tabasco Original Red
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips
Spicy Buffalo Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Tabasco Original Red
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Toppings:
- 2-3 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Sweet onion (Bermuda or Vidalia), thinly sliced
- Sliced button mushrooms
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
Start with the Beer Pizza Dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast and salt. Stir to blend, then add beer and oil, and continue stirring until the dough starts to come together. (If the dough is too dry, add some water, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together)
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until soft and elastic, dusting with flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking. Shape the dough into a ball.
- Transfer the dough to a large lightly oiled bowl, turning the ball over to coat the entire surface with oil. Cover with a clean dishtowel and set aside in a warm, draft-free spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Prepare the Tabasco Marinated Chicken:
- While the dough is rising, combine the Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, melted butter, oregano and pepper in a large zip-top plastic bag.
- Add chicken tenders, and gently smoosh the bag until they're thoroughly coated with marinade. Place in the refrigerator to marinate until the dough is ready.
Make the Spicy Buffalo Sauce:
- In a small bow, whisk together the Tabasco sauce, melted butter and oregano. Set aside until ready to assemble the pizzettes.
Assemble and Bake the Pizzettes:
- Once the dough has almost doubled in size, start preheating your baking stone and oven at 500F. (Always preheat your stone along with the oven, as the stone needs to warm up gradually - putting a cold stone in a hot oven can cause it to break!)
- While the oven preheats, brown the marinated chicken tenders in a large skillet set over medium-high heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until cooked through. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Uncover the dough (which should be doubled by now) and punch down. Divide into 8 portions, then roll out each one into a 6" wide circle.
- Divide the Buffalo sauce evenly between each of the pizzas, and spread it into a thin layer using the back of a spoon leaving an inch-wide border around the edge. Arrange a layer of chicken tenders, then with a handful of mozzarella and some crumbled blue cheese.
- Using a pizza peel liberally dusted with cornmeal, slide the pizzas onto the preheated stone and bake until bubbly and browned, about 15-18 minutes. (If you don't have a pizza peel, you can also use a rimless cookie sheet to do the job).
Notes
If you'd prefer to make this as a full-sized pizza, roll out the full amount of dough into a rectangle, then layer with toppings as directed. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until bubbly and browned.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetiser
kita says
I think if I am ever able to write 'sponsored by Tabasco' my boyfriend would have already died and gone to heaven. It is his go to topping for everything. Everything. Even before trying most things... >.>
Your pizzettes look super yummy!
briarrose says
Wonderful pizza. I would so be digging in. Great use of Tabasco.
ravienomnoms says
That looks so great! I think this is a great way to get your buffalo chicken fix!
Jen H says
I'm completely obsessed with all thing Buffalo Chicken. I made nachos for the Superbowl, mad lasagna and have made pizza. These look delish!
meltingbutter.com says
oooh! yes please! they look delish! :)
BigFatBaker says
YUM! I bet these were fantastic at your superbowl party. I will have to make some for my pizza fanatic bf. Thanks for the post and congrats on top 9!
Pacheco Patty says
Fun game day fare, I like these mini pizzas. Forget the game it's the food and drink that grab my attention;-)
baking.serendipity says
This looks fantastic! I love the beer crust best :) And my favorite part of the Super Bowl is definitely the food!
Joy (The Herbed Kitchen) says
Soooo... last weekend the only reason why I figured out the Superbowl wasn't on was because tv wasn't screwed up. It was 10 on Sunday night. Not a sports person, either. I am, however, a spice person. This looks pretty wicked, something that will be perfect in the summer on the balcony, a couple of beers in hand to relax with hubby.
Jackie says
You know how I feel about pizza (and blue cheese), but actually these kind of make me want to reach into the screen, grab them and nom them hard. That's a pretty remarkable thing, my dear.
Maybe it's the Tabasco that's winning me over... or maybe the miniature size... either way. Delicious! Nice creation ;)
Jax x
Mary says
These really do look perfect. I like that they are not standard game day fare. Nicely done! I hope you have a great weekend. Blessings...Mary
Jara says
My dad was never much of a sports guy and though my boyfriend enjoys football, I can easily convince him to watch a movie over the game with me. Tabasco sauce is always such a fav of mine, especially on pizzas. These look really great and are probably incredibly delicious.
Nadia says
I am like in that I never enjoy watching sports (tennis, on occasion). When I moved to Canada, I was in shock at the immense hockey culture. The stereotypes were true. ;)
But I love game foods. Wings, dips, pizza...mmmm. Love your pizzettes, very cute and I'm sure delish!
Pretend Chef says
Forget Glee! I'm all about sports! Haha! I'm a total tomboy but can clean myself up when needed. This looks perfect for Game Day and I love all of the flavors you have put into it! I am a huge fan of Tabasco's line of hot sauce. I especially love it to spice up my eggs. Enjoy your new episodes of Glee and a new snack to whip up on those nights!
lissla lissar says
That looks wonderful. I'll be making it.
We're similarly sports-indifferent around here, but always into food.