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
Scale
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
