Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

Are you craving something hearty, cheesy, and spicy all at once? Well, these Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine perfectly soft, golden dough hugging a zesty buffalo chicken filling, all smothered in melty cheese. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or just in need of a delicious snack, these pizza pockets are the answer. Every bite is packed with flavor—savory chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and that irresistible gooey cheese. Trust me, they’re seriously addictive. Grab some napkins, because things are about to get messy… in the best way possible!

Why You’ll Love Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

These Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets check all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll want to add them to your must-try list:

• Flavor Explosion: The spicy buffalo sauce paired with creamy cheese and tender chicken is the ultimate flavor combination. It’s spicy, savory, and cheesy all in one!
• Fun to Eat: These pockets are handheld, making them perfect for a snack or an appetizer at your next gathering. It’s like pizza, but in portable pocket form.
• Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have these bad boys in the oven in no time.
• Customizable: Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce. Prefer a milder version? Adjust the buffalo sauce to your liking. It’s all about making it your own.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is a guaranteed hit at parties, game nights, or family dinners. Everyone loves a bite-sized snack that’s packed with so much flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering pizza pockets:

• Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make your own if you prefer. This forms the delicious, soft pocket.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. It’s already cooked and ready to go, saving you time.
• Buffalo Sauce: This is the star of the show! It gives the chicken that signature spicy kick.
• Cream Cheese: For added creaminess, making the filling extra smooth and rich.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese that will make each bite irresistible.
• Ranch Dressing (optional): For dipping! Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce.
• Chopped Green Onions: A little bit of freshness and crunch to balance out all the creaminess.
• Garlic Powder: To enhance the overall flavor of the filling.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to the good part: making these buffalo chicken pizza pockets!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a rectangle. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into equal-sized squares or circles, depending on your preference (about 4-6 pieces, depending on size).

Step 4: Assemble the Pockets

Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each piece of dough. Top with a little bit of the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Be sure to leave some space around the edges so you can seal the pockets.

Step 5: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal the pocket completely. If you want to make the edges extra pretty, you can press them with a fork.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Remove the pizza pockets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve them with ranch dressing or extra buffalo sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 1 pizza pocket):

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 510mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Vitamin A: 6% DV
• Vitamin C: 2% DV
• Calcium: 12% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

These pizza pockets are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with these sides:

• Fresh Veggies: Carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices offer a nice crunch to balance out the richness of the pockets.
• Dips: Serve with cool ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing to dip your pockets in for that classic buffalo chicken experience.
• Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can be a great way to balance the richness of the buffalo chicken pockets.

Additional Tips

• Use Store-Bought Dough: Save time by using pre-made pizza dough. You can find it in most grocery stores in the refrigerated section, or opt for puff pastry for a flakier crust.
• Spice It Up: If you like your buffalo chicken pockets extra spicy, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for that extra kick!
• Make It a Meal: Serve these buffalo chicken pockets as the main course along with a side of fries or a light salad for a fun and satisfying dinner.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the assembled, uncooked pockets and bake them later. Just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of dough for these pockets?
A1: Yes! You can use puff pastry, biscuit dough, or even crescent roll dough as a fun variation. The options are endless!

Q2: Can I make these buffalo chicken pizza pockets ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the pockets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: Can I use a different cheese?
A3: Of course! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little crumbled blue cheese would be great alternatives to mozzarella.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Q5: Can I freeze these buffalo chicken pockets?
A5: Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q6: Can I make these buffalo chicken pockets with ground chicken?
A6: Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well as shredded chicken. Just cook it first and then mix it with the buffalo sauce and cream cheese.

Q7: How spicy are these pizza pockets?
A7: The level of spiciness depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of sauce. You can also use a mild buffalo sauce to tone it down.

Q8: Can I make these pockets vegetarian?
A8: Yes! You can swap the chicken for a plant-based alternative like tofu or even roasted cauliflower to make it vegetarian or vegan.

Q9: How can I make these pockets healthier?
A9: To make them a bit lighter, use reduced-fat cream cheese, a whole wheat pizza dough, and leaner chicken. You can also go easy on the cheese if you’d like.

Q10: What dipping sauces go well with these pockets?
A10: Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing are the perfect partners. You could also try a creamy avocado dip or even a cool cucumber yogurt dip.

Conclusion

These Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are everything you need in a savory snack: cheesy, spicy, and perfectly portable. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just craving something delicious, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot. Give them a try, and watch them disappear in minutes—trust me, they’re that good!

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