If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and melty goodness, you’re in the right spot! The Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe combines tangy buffalo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a crispy golden dough pocket. It’s like your favorite buffalo chicken wings met comforting pizza, and they had the tastiest baby. Whether game day or casual dinner night, these pockets promise that perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and cheesy that’ll have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe is easier than you think. Each component plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor, texture, and a little crunch to make these pockets unforgettable.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut superstar here, offering juicy meat that soaks up the buffalo sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: The heart of the spice, bringing that classic tangy kick that buffalo lovers can’t resist.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible oozy effect inside the pockets.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess that balances the heat and makes every bite silky smooth.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing: A cool, tangy element that adds depth and a nice contrast to the buffalo sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For brushing the dough, which helps achieve a gorgeous golden-brown finish.
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough: The perfect easy-to-use base, soft and stretchy for folding into pockets.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): For those who love a little extra savory punch to boost flavor complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle layer of warmth to the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone craving an added touch of spicy heat that kicks things up a notch.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Ideal for dipping and amplifying every flavor explosion from the pockets.
How to Make Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This ensures your pizza pockets bake evenly without sticking and get that perfect crispy bottom.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
Grab a medium bowl and toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Then fold in the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so each bite is packed with creamy, tangy buffalo flavor.
Step 3: Roll and Cut Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle or circle. Uniform thickness here helps pockets cook evenly. Next, slice your dough into squares or circles—whichever shape you like for your pizza pockets. The size really depends on your snack style!
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Pockets
Place a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each piece of dough. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top to maximize that ooey-gooey magic. Fold the dough over to create a pocket and pinch the edges firmly to seal in the filling, so no cheesy goodness escapes during baking.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch and Bake
Brush the tops of the pockets with olive oil to achieve a golden, glossy crust. Pop them onto the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the dough is beautifully golden and crispy. Once out of the oven, give them a few minutes to cool—this helps the filling settle so you don’t burn your tongue on first bite!
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to cut through the richness. Don’t forget a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping—this really elevates the whole experience by tempering the heat of the buffalo sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair these pockets with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for that authentic buffalo wing vibe. A simple garden salad or crispy sweet potato fries also balance the meal perfectly if you’re looking to round it out.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pockets stacked on a wooden board for a casual party feel or arrange them neatly on a platter with individual dipping cups. You could also slice them in half diagonally to show off all the inviting fillings inside—just be ready to watch how fast they disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so these pockets taste great even when enjoyed the next day.
Freezing
To make your life even easier, these pizza pockets freeze wonderfully. After baking, cool them completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. They’re perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Rewarm frozen or refrigerated pockets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy and chewy instead of crisp and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for the pockets?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a lovely personal touch and can be customized to your taste. Just make sure to roll it out evenly for consistent baking.
How spicy are these pizza pockets?
The heat mainly comes from the buffalo sauce and optional red pepper flakes, but it’s completely adjustable. Use milder buffalo sauce or skip the flakes to make it kid-friendly.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This can save time when you’re ready to assemble and bake the pockets.
What dipping sauce pairs best with the pizza pockets?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing are the stars here, offering a cooling counterpoint to the spicy buffalo filling. Feel free to experiment with other creamy dips if you want to mix it up!
Are these pockets suitable for meal prep?
They are perfect for meal prep! Make a batch, freeze or refrigerate, then reheat when you want a quick, satisfying meal or snack that tastes freshly made.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe—warm, melty, spicy, and satisfying all at once. If you love buffalo chicken in any form, these pockets are a total game changer. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for sharing (or not), they deserve a spot on your weekly recipe rotation. Give it a try, and prepare to fall head over heels!
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Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets feature tender shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, mixed with creamy cheeses and ranch dressing, all enveloped in golden, crispy pizza dough. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful snack, these pockets bake quickly in the oven, delivering spicy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
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 cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Dough & 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Stir in the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle or circle about 1/4 inch thick, depending on your preferred pocket shape.
- Cut Dough: Cut the rolled dough into squares or circles to create individual pockets.
- Fill Dough Pockets: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Top each with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Seal Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form pockets and pinch the edges together securely to seal. For a golden finish, brush the tops of each pocket with olive oil.
- Bake: Arrange the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pockets from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy the comforting, spicy flavors!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to control the spice level.
- Brush olive oil on the pockets to help achieve a crispy, golden crust.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For extra crispiness, bake on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
