If you are craving something irresistibly cheesy, spicy, and comforting, you need to try this Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe. Imagine tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, enveloped in a warm, golden crust, and bursting with melty mozzarella and cream cheese with every bite. These pizza pockets are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together in just 30 minutes, making them a fantastic crowd-pleaser for game days, family dinners, or anytime you want a deliciously filling snack. Once you bite into one, you’ll be hooked on these flavorful pockets of goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe keeps things straightforward with a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and spice.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds savory depth and texture.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: This spicy, tangy sauce is the heart of the flavor, balancing heat and zest.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving you that gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness that mellows the buffalo heat.
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Brings a cool, tangy note that pairs perfectly with buffalo flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushing this on the dough creates a golden, crispy crust.
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough: Using dough saves time and ensures a chewy, soft pocket crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Infuses a subtle savory boost to the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of spice to balance the richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love extra heat in their pizza pockets.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional for serving): Perfect for dipping and cooling off the spicy buffalo bite.
How to Make Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workstation
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease layer helps avoid sticking and ensures easy cleanup. This simple step sets you up for success with perfectly baked pizza pockets.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. Then stir in cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of your shredded mozzarella cheese until the mixture is evenly blended. This creamy, spicy filling is what makes this recipe truly ooey and gooey!
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Whether you prefer squares or circles, cutting the dough into consistent shapes helps your pizza pockets bake evenly and hold their filling without leaks.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pockets
Spoon a generous scoop of the buffalo chicken filling onto the center of each dough piece. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges firmly to seal—taking care to trap all the oozing, spicy yumminess inside.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
Brush the tops of your pockets with olive oil to create a gorgeously golden, crispy crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dough is beautifully browned and cooked through. The aroma of buffalo spices mingling with baked dough will have your mouth watering!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your pizza pockets cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your tongue and to let the cheesy filling settle. Serve warm alongside a bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and watch everyone dive in eagerly.
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the pizza pockets for a pop of color and subtle freshness. A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on top adds an inviting creaminess and makes each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
These pizza pockets pair wonderfully with crisp celery sticks or carrot ribbons to complement the buffalo heat. A fresh garden salad or crunchy coleslaw can also balance out the richness, making the meal more rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange these pizza pockets with an assortment of dipping sauces like spicy buffalo ranch, garlic aioli, or even honey mustard. You can also cut larger pockets into bite-sized sliders for easy sharing at gatherings or game nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container once fully cooled. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe without missing the fresh bake.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked pockets by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to bake fresh pockets whenever a buffalo craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crust is crisp. Avoid microwaving for best texture and to maintain that delightful chewy crust and melty center.
FAQs
Can I use fresh homemade dough instead of refrigerated pizza dough?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works beautifully and lets you customize flavors and textures. Just roll it out to the right thickness for perfect pizza pockets.
Is there a way to make these pizza pockets less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the buffalo sauce quantity or choose a mild buffalo sauce version. Adding more cream cheese or ranch dressing will also mellow the heat nicely.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely! Shredded turkey, cooked ground beef, or even a plant-based chicken substitute can work well with the buffalo sauce and cheesy filling.
How do I prevent the pizza pockets from leaking during baking?
Pinching the edges tightly and brushing the dough edges with a bit of water before sealing helps keep the filling inside. Avoid overfilling to ensure a neat pocket.
Are these pizza pockets freezer-friendly once baked?
Yes, you can freeze baked pizza pockets wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings comfort, flavor, and fun all in one bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, the perfect blend of spicy buffalo chicken and gooey cheese wrapped in tender dough is impossible to resist. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll find it’s your new go-to for anytime cravings.
Print
Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a perfect blend of spicy buffalo chicken and melted cheese encased in golden, crispy pizza dough. Easy to prepare and ideal for game day or a quick, satisfying snack, these pockets deliver bold flavors and gooey textures in every bite.
Ingredients
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)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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 dipping)
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 Filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Add softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed, creating a creamy, spicy filling.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle or circle about 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking and manageable pocket sizes.
- Cut Dough Pieces: Cut the rolled dough into squares or circles according to your preferred size for the pizza pockets.
- Fill Pockets: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to add gooeyness when melted.
- Seal Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form pockets. Pinch the edges firmly together to seal them and prevent any filling from leaking during baking. Optionally, brush the tops with olive oil for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Arrange the sealed pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pizza pockets to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful filling.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, brush the pockets with olive oil before baking.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve.
- Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
- Serve with celery sticks for a classic buffalo pairing.
