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If you are craving a snack that is bursting with bold flavors and irresistibly cheesy goodness, the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, nestled inside a golden, crispy dough pocket with melted mozzarella and creamy cheeses marrying beautifully to create a mouthwatering bite every time. This dish is perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a deliciously spicy treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets. Simple, accessible, and packed full of personality, these components come together to deliver that signature spicy, creamy, and cheesy experience.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works great for speed and flavor, providing tender, juicy protein.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Adds the bold, spicy kick that defines the flavor of this dish; feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade version.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give you that luscious, gooey stretch with every bite.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Brings a creamy richness that balances the heat and adds smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds tang and creaminess, enhancing the overall buffalo flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For brushing the dough, which helps achieve a perfectly golden and crispy crust.
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough: The trusty base for your pockets, quick and easy to work with, but homemade dough is equally splendid.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle savory depth for those who want a little extra flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat boost that complements the buffalo sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra punch of heat, perfect if you like things spicy.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional): Perfect for dipping or drizzling, enhancing the overall flavor and cooling the heat.
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). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This simple prep step ensures your pizza pockets won’t stick and will bake evenly to a crispy golden perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together your shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce so every morsel is coated in spicy goodness. Then, fold in the softened cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and half of your mozzarella cheese. Mixing until smooth and uniform creates that rich, creamy filling that is key to the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe experience.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough out into about a quarter-inch thickness. Whether you prefer squares or circles for your pockets, cutting them now will create perfectly sized vessels for your filling. This step sets the stage for each pocket to hold just the right amount of cheesy, spicy filling.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pockets
Place a generous spoonful of your buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each dough piece, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Fold the dough over to encase the filling, pinching the edges tightly to seal in all that ooey-gooey magic, preventing any cheesy leaks during baking.
Step 5: Brush with Olive Oil and Bake
Lightly brush each pocket with olive oil for that irresistible golden crust everyone will swoon over. Arrange them spaced out on your baking sheet, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until each pizza pocket puffs slightly and boasts a crispy, golden-brown exterior packed with bubbling cheesy goodness inside.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, give your pizza pockets a few minutes to cool on a wire rack or clean surface. This little pause helps the filling set a bit so every bite is neat, flavorful, and exactly how you imagined this iconic Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe should be enjoyed. Don’t forget the dipping sauces to take it over the top!
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your pizza pockets with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich, spicy filling.
Side Dishes
Pairing these pizza pockets with crunchy celery sticks or a crisp side salad provides a refreshing balance to the spicy richness. For some extra heartiness, consider serving with seasoned sweet potato fries or classic chips.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not set up a DIY dipping station with assorted ranch, blue cheese, and honey mustard options? Arrange the pizza pockets in a basket lined with wax paper for a casual, inviting look that’s perfect for sharing when friends or family come over.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making for a perfect next-day snack or quick lunch.
Freezing
To keep your Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe handy, freeze uncooked, sealed pockets on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, you can bake them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, so you don’t lose that delightful crunchy exterior that complements the creamy filling so well.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can elevate your pizza pockets even more. Just roll it out to the same thickness and cut similarly for the best results.
What can I substitute for buffalo sauce if I don’t like spicy food?
You can easily swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce or a mild wing sauce to create a less spicy but still flavorful version of this dish.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! Swap the shredded chicken with shredded jackfruit or roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce for a delicious plant-based take on the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe.
Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. Prepare and seal the pockets, then keep them in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes entertaining stress-free and keeps your pockets fresh and delicious.
How spicy are these pizza pockets?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the buffalo sauce, but you can easily control it by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce or omitting the red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say you are going to want these Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe in your rotation. They’re comforting, flavorful, and downright addictive, hitting all the right notes of spice, creaminess, and cheesy bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these pockets will bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Give them a try soon — you won’t regret it!
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Print
Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a delectable fusion of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy cheeses, and crispy baked pizza dough pockets. Perfect as a fun appetizer or satisfying snack, they combine shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with melted mozzarella and cream cheese, all enclosed in golden, crispy pizza dough. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make for an effortless and crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Buffalo Chicken 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 for filling, 1/2 cup for topping)
- 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 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.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Stir in cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until the mixture is smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle or circle about 1/4 inch thick, depending on preferred shape and size of the pockets.
- Cut Dough: Cut the rolled-out dough into squares or circles according to your preferred pocket size.
- Assemble Pockets: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken filling onto the center of each dough piece. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese on top of the filling.
- Seal Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form pockets. Pinch edges firmly together to seal and prevent filling from leaking out during baking. Optionally, brush the tops with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Arrange the pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the pizza pockets cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for easy preparation and extra flavor.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the level of spiciness.
- For a crispier crust, brush olive oil before baking.
- These pockets can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Try swapping ranch dressing for blue cheese dressing to vary the flavor profile.
