Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe

The Ultimate Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe

Crispy, golden pockets stuffed with zesty buffalo chicken will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

These handheld buffalo chicken pizza pockets deliver a spicy punch of flavor in every single bite.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination that screams comfort food.

Each pocket is packed with tangy buffalo sauce and gooey mozzarella that melts perfectly inside a crisp, flaky crust.

Simple ingredients transform into an irresistible snack that works for game day, movie night, or a quick dinner.

Warm these delectable pockets straight from the oven and watch them disappear in minutes.

Prepare to become the snack hero your friends can’t resist.

Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Fun

  • Unleash Hassle-Free Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines kid-friendly pasta with zesty salsa and creamy ranch, creating a universally loved dish that satisfies picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
  • Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Transforms simple frozen chicken into a complete meal with minimal dishes, making cleanup a breeze and providing a complete dinner solution for families and meal preppers.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping salsa types, adding extra spices, or including vegetables to match personal taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Ingredients Needed For Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

Main Ingredients:
  • Pizza Dough: A versatile base that creates a crispy and chewy exterior for the stuffed pockets.
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary filling for the pizza pockets.
  • Buffalo Sauce: A spicy and tangy sauce that coats the chicken and adds a signature kick to the recipe.
Cheese Group:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty cheese that provides a gooey texture and rich flavor.
  • Blue Cheese: Optional sharp and tangy cheese that enhances the Buffalo-style flavor profile.
Finishing and Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Used to create a golden-brown wash that helps seal and color the pizza pockets.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the pizza pockets from the baking sheet.
  • Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Cooling dipping sauce that complements the spicy Buffalo chicken.

Instructions For Making Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Spice Up The Chicken

Grab a mixing bowl and toss shredded chicken with zesty Buffalo sauce, making sure every piece gets a spicy coating.

Step 3: Roll And Cut The Dough

Spread out your pizza dough and slice it into 6 perfect squares using a sharp knife.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Pockets

Place a generous scoop of spicy chicken in the center of each dough square.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle your cheese party with:
  • Mozzarella
  • Blue cheese (optional but recommended)

Step 6: Fold And Seal The Pockets

Carefully fold each square into a triangle, pressing edges with a fork to create a tight seal.

Step 7: Egg Wash Magic

Brush the tops of your pockets with a golden egg wash for that perfect shine.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Pop the pizza pockets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Plate these hot, crispy pockets and serve with cool ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Expert Tips For Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

  • Press fork edges firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect pocket every time.
  • Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness, making it milder for kids or extra hot for spice lovers.
  • Assemble pizza pockets in advance and refrigerate, then bake directly from cold for a quick meal anytime.
  • Replace mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles while maintaining gooey texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to your Buffalo chicken mixture.

Flavor Variations To Try With Buffalo Chicken Pockets

  • Vegetarian Buffalo Jackfruit Pockets: Replace chicken with pulled jackfruit, using same Buffalo sauce technique for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Pizza Pocket Version: Swap traditional pizza dough with cauliflower or almond flour crust for celiac-friendly option.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Pocket Remix: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to increase heat and flavor complexity.
  • Low-Carb Keto Pizza Pocket: Use thin cloud bread or fathead dough as replacement wrapper, maintaining Buffalo chicken filling.

Pairing Ideas To Enjoy With Buffalo Chicken Pockets

  • Spice Up the Pairing: Crisp, hoppy IPA beer cuts through the rich buffalo chicken flavors, balancing the spiciness with its refreshing carbonation.
  • Cool Down the Heat: Creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing provides a smooth, tangy counterpoint to the fiery buffalo sauce, enhancing the overall taste experience.
  • Crunch and Complement: Fresh celery sticks add a satisfying crunch and lighten the heavy pizza pocket, offering a clean palate-cleansing element that matches the buffalo chicken theme.
  • Refresh with Contrast: Chilled cucumber-mint salad brings a cool, bright note that offsets the warm, spicy buffalo chicken, creating a delightful flavor harmony.

Proper Storage Tips For Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

  • Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual pizza pockets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, place pizza pockets on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain crispiness.
  • Reheat directly from refrigerator or thawed state at 350F for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the center is hot and crust remains crisp.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are perfect. They’re already cooked and provide great flavor and texture for the pizza pockets.

  • Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

  • How spicy are these Buffalo chicken pizza pockets?

The heat depends on the Buffalo sauce brand. Use mild sauce for less heat or add extra hot sauce for more kick. You can always adjust the spice level to your preference.

Print
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Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe

Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy buffalo chicken pizza pockets bring zesty comfort to classic handheld snacks, offering a mouthwatering twist on traditional pizza flavors. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and tangy buffalo sauce create an irresistible treat you won’t be able to stop eating.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Binding Ingredient:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
  2. Thoroughly combine shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly and generously coated with spicy flavor.
  3. Carefully roll out pizza dough and transform it into 6 symmetrical square portions, creating uniform pockets for filling.
  4. Position a hearty scoop of Buffalo chicken mixture precisely in the center of each dough square, maintaining balanced distribution.
  5. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the chicken, adding blue cheese for enhanced tangy depth if desired.
  6. Meticulously fold dough over the filling, crafting triangular shapes and pressing edges firmly with fork tines to create secure seals.
  7. Apply a delicate egg wash across the surface of each pocket, promoting a glossy, golden-brown exterior during baking.
  8. Transfer pockets to prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until they achieve a rich, crisp golden color.
  9. Remove from oven and serve immediately alongside cool ranch or zesty blue cheese dressing for an ideal dipping experience.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is fully shredded and coated evenly with Buffalo sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
  • Seal edges tightly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating perfect pockets.
  • Try alternative protein options like pulled pork or plant-based chicken for dietary variations.
  • Brush egg wash sparingly to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without making the dough too wet.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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