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If you love the bold kick of buffalo sauce combined with the melty goodness of cheese and tender chicken, you are going to absolutely adore this Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe. These pockets are little bundles of flavor, packing spicy, creamy, and cheesy ingredients inside a perfectly golden, crispy crust. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for the ultimate comfort snack, these pizza pockets bring both fun and serious deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that work beautifully together to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each item plays a crucial role: from the spicy buffalo sauce to the rich cream cheese, and the crispy pizza dough to the melty mozzarella.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken makes prep a breeze and adds juicy, tender bites.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Provides that signature tangy and spicy buffalo flavor to awaken your taste buds.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to deliver that irresistible ooey-gooey texture inside.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling together.
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Brings a cooling, herby contrast that balances the heat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing dough): Creates a golden, slightly crispy crust on the outside.
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough: Convenient and perfectly chewy base; homemade dough works wonderfully too!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Offers an extra layer of savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a subtle, spicy bite that enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like an extra punch of heat.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): For serving and dipping, heightening the flavor experience.
How to Make Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix the Filling
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. In a medium bowl, blend the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce—this spicy base is the heart of your filling. Stir in softened cream cheese and ranch or blue cheese dressing, which boost creaminess and refresh the heat with their tangy tones. Finish by folding in half the mozzarella cheese, which will melt to ooze out with every bite.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. The dough should be just thin enough to crisp up nicely while still holding that soft, chewy interior. Cut your dough into squares or circles, depending on the size pocket you prefer—smaller enough for snack-sized pockets or larger for full meals.
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pockets
Place a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture onto each dough piece. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the filling for that signature cheesy pull. Then fold the dough over into a pocket and firmly pinch the edges to seal all that goodness in, preventing any spills and making them easy to handle.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops with olive oil for a beautiful golden crust that’s as inviting to look at as it is delicious. Arrange your filled pockets on the baking sheet and slide them into the oven for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the dough turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese filling starts sizzling inside.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets cool just a few minutes after baking to avoid molten cheese burns. Then, serve them warm with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping—a perfect complement that tames the heat and adds even more flavor dimension.
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and colorful touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top right before serving. It brightens up the presentation and introduces a subtle herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with all the richness inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these pockets with crisp celery sticks or cucumber slices—the classic crunchy companions for buffalo dishes. A simple side salad or some roasted vegetables can also add a refreshing balance to this hearty, cheesy snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by arranging the pockets on a large platter with different dipping sauces like spicy mayo, extra buffalo sauce, or even a garlic aioli. You can also serve them alongside a vibrant buffalo chicken salad or chopped into bite-sized pieces for party-style finger foods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, place leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack or meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the pizza pockets on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pockets hold well for up to 2 months and are a lifesaver for quick lunches or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated pockets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that fantastic crust texture intact; the oven brings back the perfect bite every time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a special touch, and you can customize thickness and flavor. Just make sure it can be rolled out thin enough to cook evenly in about 15-20 minutes.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce and optional red pepper flakes you use. If you prefer mild, go easy on the sauce or opt for a milder version. Conversely, add a pinch more red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Can I substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese in the filling?
Yes! Both dressings work perfectly in this recipe. Blue cheese gives a tangier, bolder flavor, while ranch is smoother and herbier. Choose based on your personal taste preference.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a veggie version, swap out the chicken for a hearty plant-based protein like chopped mushrooms, jackfruit, or even seasoned tempeh. The buffalo sauce and cheese combo still shines through brilliantly.
What’s the best way to reheat these pizza pockets without losing their crispiness?
The oven or a toaster oven is your best bet. Reheating at 350°F for 10-12 minutes keeps the crust crispy and melts the cheese nicely, unlike the microwave, which can leave the dough soggy.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe, it will become one of your go-to comfort foods for every occasion. They are easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and absolutely addictive with their melty, spicy filling wrapped in a golden crust. Give this recipe a whirl and watch how quickly these pockets disappear from the plate!
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Print
Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a deliciously spicy and cheesy snack or meal, combining tender shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with creamy cheeses, all wrapped inside crispy baked pizza dough pockets. Perfect for game days, parties, or a flavorful family dinner, these pockets are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy buffalo wing cravings in a portable, mess-free handheld form.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Dough and Finishing
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing dough)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the buffalo chicken mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir in the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough into a rectangle or circle about 1/4 inch thick, spreading it evenly to prepare for cutting.
- Cut dough into shapes: Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares or circles according to your preferred pocket size, making sure each piece is large enough to hold the filling.
- Fill the dough: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each dough piece. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling.
- Seal pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form pockets. Press and pinch the edges tightly to seal them well and prevent filling from leaking out. Optionally, brush the tops of the pockets with olive oil to give a beautiful golden and crispy finish after baking.
- Bake the pockets: Place the formed pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is puffed, golden brown, and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pizza pockets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to enhance the flavor. Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken pizza pockets!
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of buffalo sauce or red pepper flakes added.
- If you prefer a less spicy option, substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce or a mild wing sauce.
- These pockets can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- The filling works well with leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To ensure a crispy crust, avoid overfilling each pocket and make sure edges are sealed tightly.
- Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
