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
Scale
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.
