When it comes to spicy food, opinions can be divided. Some people enjoy the thrill of a burning sensation in their mouths, while others prefer milder flavors. If you’re a fan of spicy food or just curious about the heat level of a popular dish, you might be wondering: Is Domino’s Buffalo Chicken spicy? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of spicy food, explore the origins of Buffalo chicken, and examine the ingredients and preparation methods used by Domino’s to determine the level of heat in their Buffalo Chicken offerings.
Understanding the Scoville Scale
Before we dive into the specifics of Domino’s Buffalo Chicken, it’s essential to understand how spice levels are measured. The Scoville scale is a method of measuring the heat level of a pepper or other spicy food by quantifying the amount of capsaicin present. Capsaicin is the compound responsible for the “burning” sensation we experience when eating spicy food.
The Scoville scale ranges from 0 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), which is the rating for a sweet pepper, to over 2 million SHU, which is the rating for some of the hottest peppers in the world. Here’s a rough guide to the Scoville scale:
- 0-100 SHU: Mild, sweet peppers
- 100-1,000 SHU: Mildly spicy peppers, such as Anaheim or Poblano
- 1,000-5,000 SHU: Medium-hot peppers, such as Jalapeño or Guajillo
- 5,000-30,000 SHU: Hot peppers, such as Cayenne or Serrano
- 30,000-100,000 SHU: Extremely hot peppers, such as Habanero or Scotch Bonnet
- 100,000+ SHU: The hottest peppers in the world, such as the Carolina Reaper or Ghost Pepper
The Origins of Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo chicken originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s. The story goes that Teressa Bellissimo, the owner of a restaurant called the Anchor Bar, created the dish as a snack for her son and his friends. She took some chicken wings, deep-fried them, and then tossed them in a spicy sauce made from a mixture of hot sauce and butter.
The original Buffalo sauce was made with Frank’s RedHot, a hot sauce that has a Scoville rating of around 40,000 SHU. The sauce was designed to be spicy but not overwhelming, with a balance of heat and flavor that complemented the richness of the chicken.
Domino’s Buffalo Chicken: Ingredients and Preparation
So, how does Domino’s Buffalo Chicken stack up in terms of heat level? To answer this question, let’s take a look at the ingredients and preparation methods used by Domino’s.
Domino’s Buffalo Chicken is made with a variety of ingredients, including:
- Chicken breast or thighs, breaded and fried
- Buffalo sauce, made with a proprietary blend of spices and hot sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Celery sticks
- Blue cheese dressing (optional)
The Buffalo sauce used by Domino’s is a key component of the dish, and it’s here that the heat level is determined. According to Domino’s website, their Buffalo sauce has a Scoville rating of around 30,000-40,000 SHU, which is similar to the original Frank’s RedHot sauce.
However, it’s worth noting that the heat level of Domino’s Buffalo Chicken can vary depending on the location and the individual preparing the dish. Some Domino’s locations may use a milder or hotter sauce, and the amount of sauce used can also impact the overall heat level.
Comparing Domino’s Buffalo Chicken to Other Spicy Foods
To put the heat level of Domino’s Buffalo Chicken into perspective, let’s compare it to some other spicy foods:
- McDonald’s Spicy McNuggets: 1,000-2,000 SHU
- KFC Nashville Hot Chicken: 10,000-20,000 SHU
- Taco Bell’s Fire Sauce: 30,000-40,000 SHU
- Wendy’s Spicy Chicken Sandwich: 30,000-40,000 SHU
As you can see, Domino’s Buffalo Chicken is relatively hot compared to some other fast food options. However, it’s not the hottest dish out there, and those who enjoy extremely spicy food may find it too mild.
Conclusion
So, is Domino’s Buffalo Chicken spicy? The answer is yes, but the level of heat can vary depending on the location and individual preparation. With a Scoville rating of around 30,000-40,000 SHU, Domino’s Buffalo Chicken is a moderately hot dish that is likely to appeal to those who enjoy spicy food but may not be suitable for those who prefer milder flavors.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, Domino’s Buffalo Chicken is definitely worth trying. However, if you’re sensitive to heat, you may want to opt for a milder dish or ask for the sauce to be served on the side.
Tips for Managing the Heat
If you do find Domino’s Buffalo Chicken too spicy, here are a few tips for managing the heat:
- Have a glass of milk or other dairy product on hand to help neutralize the capsaicin
- Eat a small amount of bread or rice to help soak up some of the sauce
- Avoid touching your eyes or other sensitive areas after handling spicy food
- Try to breathe slowly and steadily to help reduce the burning sensation
By following these tips, you can enjoy Domino’s Buffalo Chicken even if you’re not a fan of extremely spicy food.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Domino’s Buffalo Chicken is a spicy dish that is likely to appeal to those who enjoy moderately hot food. With a Scoville rating of around 30,000-40,000 SHU, it’s not the hottest dish out there, but it’s definitely not mild. By understanding the ingredients and preparation methods used by Domino’s, you can make an informed decision about whether or not to try this dish. And if you do find it too spicy, there are plenty of ways to manage the heat and enjoy the flavor.
What is Domino’s Buffalo Chicken and how spicy is it?
Dominos Buffalo Chicken is a popular pizza topping and flavor combination offered by Domino’s Pizza. It typically consists of grilled chicken, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses. The spiciness level of Domino’s Buffalo Chicken can vary depending on individual tolerance, but it generally falls within the medium to hot range on the Scoville scale.
The Scoville scale is a method of measuring the heat level of a pepper or spicy food. It ranges from 0 SHU (Scoville Heat Units), which is the rating for a sweet pepper, to over 2 million SHU, which is the rating for some of the hottest peppers in the world. Domino’s Buffalo Chicken has a Scoville rating of around 30,000-50,000 SHU, which is relatively spicy but not extreme.
What makes Domino’s Buffalo Chicken spicy?
The primary ingredient that contributes to the spiciness of Domino’s Buffalo Chicken is the buffalo sauce. This sauce is typically made from a combination of hot sauce and butter, with the hot sauce being the primary source of heat. The hot sauce used in Domino’s buffalo sauce is likely a variation of Frank’s RedHot, which is a popular hot sauce made from a blend of ingredients including cayenne peppers.
Cayenne peppers are a type of hot pepper that is commonly used in spicy foods. They have a Scoville rating of around 30,000-50,000 SHU, which is relatively hot. The heat from the cayenne peppers is what gives Domino’s Buffalo Chicken its spicy kick. However, it’s worth noting that the heat level can be adjusted by adding more or less buffalo sauce to the pizza.
Can I customize the spiciness level of my Domino’s Buffalo Chicken pizza?
Yes, you can customize the spiciness level of your Domino’s Buffalo Chicken pizza by requesting more or less buffalo sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can ask for light buffalo sauce or no buffalo sauce at all. On the other hand, if you prefer a spicier flavor, you can ask for extra buffalo sauce or even add additional hot peppers to your pizza.
It’s also worth noting that Domino’s offers a variety of sides and desserts that can help cool down the heat from the buffalo sauce. For example, you can order a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing to help neutralize the heat. Alternatively, you can order a dessert like chocolate lava crunch cakes or cinnamon bread twists to provide a sweet contrast to the spicy pizza.
Is Domino’s Buffalo Chicken suitable for people with sensitive stomachs?
Dominos Buffalo Chicken may not be suitable for people with sensitive stomachs due to its spicy nature. The buffalo sauce contains capsaicin, which is a compound that can cause stomach irritation and heartburn in some individuals. Additionally, the high fat content of the cheese and sauce can also cause digestive issues in people with sensitive stomachs.
However, it’s worth noting that everyone’s tolerance to spicy foods is different. If you have a sensitive stomach but still want to try Domino’s Buffalo Chicken, you can start by ordering a small amount or asking for light buffalo sauce. You can also try pairing the pizza with a glass of milk or a side of yogurt to help neutralize the heat.
Can I make a vegetarian version of Domino’s Buffalo Chicken?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Domino’s Buffalo Chicken by substituting the chicken with a plant-based protein source. Some options include roasted vegetables, tofu, or tempeh. You can also use a meat substitute like seitan or veggie chicken strips.
To make a vegetarian version of Domino’s Buffalo Chicken, you can start by ordering a vegetarian pizza crust and adding your preferred protein source. Then, you can add buffalo sauce and cheese to give it a similar flavor profile to the original. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different, but it can still be a delicious and satisfying vegetarian alternative.
Is Domino’s Buffalo Chicken gluten-free?
Dominos Buffalo Chicken pizza crust contains gluten, making it not suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. However, Domino’s does offer a gluten-free pizza crust option made from a blend of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour.
If you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you can order a gluten-free pizza crust and ask for buffalo sauce and cheese to be added on top. Keep in mind that there may be a risk of cross-contamination with gluten in the kitchen, so it’s always best to inform the staff of your dietary restrictions and ask for proper handling procedures.
Can I order Domino’s Buffalo Chicken online or through the app?
Yes, you can order Domino’s Buffalo Chicken online or through the Domino’s app. In fact, Domino’s offers a variety of online ordering options, including their website, mobile app, and social media platforms. You can also use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant to place an order.
To order Domino’s Buffalo Chicken online or through the app, simply select your preferred crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings, and then add buffalo sauce and chicken to your pizza. You can also customize your order by adding or removing toppings, and requesting special instructions like light buffalo sauce or no cheese.