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
Scale
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.
