If you love bold, spicy flavors wrapped up in a crispy, cheesy package, you are absolutely going to adore the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe. This delightful treat combines tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, melted mozzarella, and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, all wrapped in golden-baked pizza dough pockets. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of heat, creaminess, and crunch that makes for an irresistible snack or meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe is simple and rewarding. Each item here plays a key role in bringing together the bold flavor, creamy texture, and perfect golden crust that make these pockets a standout treat.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving, flavorful option for tender meat.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Choose your favorite spicy buffalo sauce to give these pockets their signature kick.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that perfect melty, gooey cheese pull with every bite.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Brings creamy richness that balances the heat beautifully.
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Enhances flavor with cool, herby notes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for brushing the dough, it helps create a golden, crisp crust.
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough: Convenient and easy to work with; homemade dough works great too if you want a personal touch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle garlicky depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of heat if you like your spice turned up.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Perfect for dipping and enhancing every bite.
How to Make Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready once your pockets are shaped. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep your delicious pockets from sticking and to make cleanup effortless.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce for that iconic spicy, tangy flavor. Stir in softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mixing thoroughly will create a creamy, flavorful filling that’s packed with that signature buffalo zest and cheesiness.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 1/4-inch thick rectangle or circle. This thin layer will puff and crisp perfectly in the oven, creating the ideal vessel for your filling.
Step 4: Cut the Dough Into Pockets
Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into squares or circles, depending on your mood and how large you want your pockets to be. Each piece will become its own little package of ooey-gooey goodness.
Step 5: Fill the Dough Squares or Circles
Spoon a generous amount of your buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each dough piece. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to guarantee every pocket melts with cheesy delight.
Step 6: Seal and Brush
Fold each dough piece over the filling to create a pocket. Pinch the edges firmly to seal in all the flavorful goodness. For an extra beautiful finish and crunch, brush the tops lightly with olive oil before baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and gets nicely crispy. This step transforms the pockets from doughy to irresistibly crunchy.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let your buffalo chicken pizza pockets cool for a few minutes to allow the molten filling to set slightly—this also makes them easier to handle and enjoy without burning your mouth. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, and watch how quickly they disappear.
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a wonderful pop of color and freshness that balances the richness and heat of the pockets. A light drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top can also add creaminess and tang with every bite.
Side Dishes
These pockets pair beautifully with crunchy celery sticks, a crisp green salad, or even some roasted sweet potato fries for a meal that feels indulgent yet balanced. The cool, fresh sides really help complement the spicy, cheesy pockets.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pockets on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and blue cheese dressing. You can even turn these into party appetizers by slicing them into smaller bite-sized portions for easy picking and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for a perfect next-day snack or quick meal.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled pockets by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your buffalo chicken pizza pockets is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that irresistibly crunchy crust.
FAQs
Can I make these pizza pockets with homemade dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and lets you customize thickness and flavor. Just roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness for the best baking results.
What can I substitute for buffalo sauce?
If you prefer milder flavors, try using barbecue sauce or a combo of hot sauce and melted butter to mimic the richness of buffalo sauce without as much heat.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken other than rotisserie?
Yes! Leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even shredded canned chicken can work well—just make sure it’s nicely shredded for the best texture.
Are these pizza pockets freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze beautifully before baking. This makes meal prep a breeze and allows you to enjoy them fresh anytime with minimal effort.
How spicy are the buffalo chicken pizza pockets?
The heat level is entirely up to you based on the buffalo sauce and whether you add optional red pepper flakes. You can make them mild or extra spicy depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of spicy buffalo chicken and melty cheese all wrapped up in a golden crust, and the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe brings all those flavors together in one easy, fun-to-eat bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, looking for game-day snacks, or just craving a comforting, flavorful meal, these pockets are sure to become a beloved favorite. Go ahead and give them a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
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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 delicious and convenient appetizer or snack featuring shredded buffalo chicken and creamy cheeses wrapped in crispy pizza dough. Perfectly spicy and cheesy, they’re baked to golden perfection and served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 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 Topping
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough if preferred)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing dough)
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Make Buffalo Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Add the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the filling is uniform and creamy. Optionally, stir in garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle or circle approximately 1/4 inch thick. This will make it easier to cut and fill.
- Cut Dough: Cut the rolled dough into evenly sized squares or circles depending on your preference for shape and size of the pockets.
- Fill Pockets: Place a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each dough piece. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the filling to add gooey cheesiness.
- Seal Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to create pockets. Carefully press and pinch the edges together to seal completely, ensuring the filling will not leak during baking. Optionally, brush the tops with olive oil for a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake: Arrange the pockets on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the dough turns golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pockets from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping and enjoy the ooey-gooey, spicy flavors.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shredded chicken base.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spice level.
- Ensure to seal the dough edges fully to prevent leaking during baking.
- Optional spices like garlic powder and red pepper flakes can be omitted or adjusted based on taste preferences.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftover pockets can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
