If you’re craving the bold flavors of buffalo chicken and the comfort of cheesy pizza, you’ll absolutely fall in love with Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets. These irresistible hand-held delights are everything you want in a game-day snack or easy dinner: spicy, saucy chicken, melty cheese, and golden pizza dough all bundled up for a bite that’s pure bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something new to spice up your weeknight, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these pizza pockets is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays a key role in creating a flavor-packed, gooey masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base that soaks up all that tangy buffalo flavor.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The soul of the dish, bringing just the right amount of heat and zing to every bite.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Creamy dressing balances the spice and adds that classic buffalo chicken taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature ooey-gooey texture.
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional): For an extra punch of flavor, a little blue cheese goes a long way.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: Makes things easy and gives you that pillowy, golden crust every time.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top for a gorgeous sheen and rich flavor.
- Garlic powder: Sprinkled over the tops for a savory finish that makes these pockets totally irresistible.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze. Getting your oven hot and ready ensures your Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets bake up golden and crisp every single time.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir until everything is evenly coated and gloriously saucy. This step is where all that crave-worthy flavor comes together, so don’t skimp on the mixing!
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pizza Dough
Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out until it’s even, then slice it into six equal rectangles. This gives you the perfect canvas for stuffing and folding, so every pizza pocket gets an equal share of the delicious filling.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Pockets
Spoon a generous portion of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one side of each dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and blue cheese if you’re using it. Then, fold the dough over to create a pocket and seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Don’t worry if things get a little messy—messy means more gooey goodness inside!
Step 5: Top and Bake
Arrange the pockets on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for that extra layer of flavor. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pizza pockets are beautifully golden and bubbling with cheese. Let them cool slightly before serving so you don’t burn your tongue on all that molten cheese!
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness, sprinkle your finished pockets with chopped parsley. If you’re a fan of even more cheesy goodness, a little extra blue cheese on top right before serving is pure magic. And don’t forget—extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping is always a welcome addition!
Side Dishes
Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are fantastic on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve them with crisp celery and carrot sticks to echo classic buffalo wing vibes. A simple green salad with ranch or blue cheese dressing makes for a refreshing, crunchy contrast to all the cheesy, spicy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by slicing your pizza pockets into halves or quarters and arranging them on a platter for parties or game-day spreads. For a fun twist, serve them in mini baskets lined with parchment, or offer a toppings bar with extra sauces, chopped scallions, and diced tomatoes so everyone can customize their own pizza pocket masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, honestly!), wrap your Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them a fantastic grab-and-go lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
These pizza pockets freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap each pocket individually in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready for a spicy, cheesy treat, just reheat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, reheat your pockets in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. You can also use an air fryer for an extra crispy finish. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the dough won’t be as crisp—still delicious, though!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds tons of flavor. Just shred it up and mix with the buffalo sauce and dressing as directed.
Can I make these pizza pockets less spicy?
For a milder version, simply use less buffalo wing sauce or opt for a mild variety. Adding a bit more ranch or blue cheese dressing also helps to tone down the heat.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to swap in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Any good melting cheese will deliver that ooey-gooey factor!
Can I prepare the pockets ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the pockets, cover, and refrigerate for up to eight hours before baking. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead for parties or busy nights.
How do I keep the edges from popping open while baking?
Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, and if you want extra security, pinch the dough together after pressing. If your dough gets too warm, chill the pockets for a few minutes before baking to help keep them sealed.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about biting into an Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pocket—the spicy chicken, the rivers of melted cheese, the buttery crust. Whether you’re making these for game day, a family dinner, or just because, I promise they’ll be a new favorite. Give them a try and prepare to fall in love with every single bite!
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Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 pizza pockets
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets combine tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce with melted mozzarella and optional blue cheese, all wrapped in golden, flaky pizza dough. Perfect as a flavorful game day snack or a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Dough and Topping
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the chicken filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix thoroughly until all the chicken is well coated with the sauce and dressing.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 6 equal-sized rectangles to create individual pockets.
- Assemble the pockets: Spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one half of each dough rectangle, leaving a small border along the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, and add crumbled blue cheese if using.
- Seal the pockets: Fold the dough over to cover the filling and carefully press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Add buttery garlic topping: Place the sealed pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle garlic powder over the pockets for extra flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake the pockets: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, bubbly, and cooked through.
- Cool and garnish: Let the pizza pockets cool slightly after baking for safer handling. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to enhance the flavor.
- These pockets can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven or an air fryer for convenience.
- Perfect as a hearty snack for game day or a simple weeknight dinner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza pocket
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
