Have you ever wondered how to combine two fan-favorite foods into one irresistible bite? Picture this: a crispy, golden crust stuffed with tender, flavorful chicken, tangy buffalo sauce, melted cheese, and the perfect kick of spice. Sounds like a dream come true, right? That’s exactly what you get with these ooey-gooey Buffalo chicken pizza pockets! But what makes this dish so exciting isn’t just its flavor—it’s the convenience, the versatility, and how perfectly it marries the concept of “Chicken pizza” with a handheld treat.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a family dinner, or just craving a hearty snack, this recipe is sure to become your new go-to. And with the right balance of savory, spicy, and creamy, these pizza pockets will have your taste buds singing. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these buffalo chicken pizza pockets, from the ingredients to helpful tips, health alternatives, and more.
Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients List
Creating the perfect Buffalo chicken pizza pocket requires the right balance of ingredients. Below is a detailed list of the essentials, along with some smart substitutions to personalize the dish to your liking.
Essential Ingredients:
- Chicken (2 cups, cooked and shredded): Opt for cooked chicken breast, as it provides a lean protein source. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute, offering tenderness and ease.
- Buffalo sauce (½ cup): This spicy and tangy sauce adds the signature kick to the pizza pockets. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The creamy texture of cream cheese is essential for adding richness and balancing the spice.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): The gooey mozzarella is a must for this cheesy treat.
- Pizza dough (1 package): For convenience, use store-bought pizza dough or make your own if you prefer.
- Ranch dressing (¼ cup): Adds creaminess and an additional layer of flavor. Alternatively, you can substitute with blue cheese dressing for a more classic buffalo pairing.
- Chopped green onions (2 tbsp): For a pop of freshness and color.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): To add extra depth to the flavor profile.
Suggested Substitutions:
- Chicken alternatives: You can use ground turkey or even tempeh if you’re looking for a non-chicken protein.
- Gluten-free option: Replace regular pizza dough with a gluten-free pizza dough or use gluten-free wraps.
- Spice level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the buffalo sauce and replace it with barbecue sauce for a more subtle taste.
Timing
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
These Buffalo chicken pizza pockets are a breeze to prepare. With only 20 minutes of prep time and around 20-25 minutes in the oven, you can have these tasty pockets ready in about 40 minutes. That’s a fantastic 20% faster than some other similar recipes that require longer cooking or cooling periods. Whether you’re making them for dinner or an appetizer, you won’t be waiting long to sink your teeth into these delicious morsels!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and you’re ready to start cooking, here’s the breakdown for preparing these buffalo chicken pizza pockets:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, if you haven’t already, shred your cooked chicken. For best results, ensure the chicken is evenly shredded so it mixes well with the buffalo sauce and cream cheese.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, and garlic powder. Stir until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is creamy. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning based on your preference—if you like it spicier, add more buffalo sauce!
Step 3: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a flat, even sheet. You’ll want the dough to be about ¼-inch thick for easy folding and to ensure the pockets hold their shape. Cut the dough into squares or circles (about 4 inches wide) for the perfect pocket size.
Step 4: Assemble the Pockets
Place a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken filling in the center of each dough square or circle. Be careful not to overfill, as you want to seal the pockets tightly. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape or close it into a square. Pinch the edges together tightly to seal the pocket and prevent any filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Pockets
Place the filled pockets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. The cheese will melt inside, creating that ooey-gooey texture that everyone loves.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the pockets from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for a touch of color and added freshness. You can even serve them with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Nutritional Information
Before you dig into these delicious buffalo chicken pizza pockets, let’s break down the nutritional content of this dish. Based on the ingredients listed above, here’s an estimate of the nutrition per serving (one pizza pocket):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
Note: Nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes you use. To make this recipe even healthier, consider using a lighter dough or reduced-fat cream cheese.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
While these Buffalo chicken pizza pockets are delicious as they are, there are several ways to make them a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor:
- Leaner Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey breast or even tofu for a lower-fat option.
- Whole Wheat Dough: If you’re aiming for more fiber, use whole wheat pizza dough or a cauliflower crust.
- Lower-Calorie Cheese: Opt for part-skim mozzarella or a plant-based cheese for a lighter version.
- Greek Yogurt: Replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt to lower fat content and increase protein intake.
These small adjustments can significantly reduce the calorie count while keeping the flavor profile intact.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo chicken pizza pockets are versatile and can be served in several creative ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Game Day Snack: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- Appetizer Platter: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Make it a Meal: Add a side of roasted veggies or sweet potato fries to round out the dish.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces such as honey mustard, buffalo ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a burst of flavor.
These pockets are not only perfect for entertaining but also make for a satisfying weeknight meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are a few common mistakes people make when preparing buffalo chicken pizza pockets, and how to avoid them:
- Overfilling the pockets: While it’s tempting to load up on the filling, overfilling can cause the dough to tear or prevent it from sealing properly. Stick to a tablespoon or so of filling per pocket.
- Not sealing the edges properly: Make sure to pinch the dough tightly around the edges to prevent any cheesy goodness from leaking out while baking.
- Underbaking the pockets: The dough should be golden brown and crispy. Don’t take them out too early! A crispy crust is key to the perfect pocket.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
If you have leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerating: Store the cooled pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These pockets freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
In summary, these Buffalo chicken pizza pockets are the perfect combination of spice, cheese, and convenience, making them an ideal dish for nearly any occasion. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and most importantly, incredibly delicious! Don’t forget to try this recipe out, share your thoughts in the comments section, and subscribe for more mouthwatering recipes coming your way.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the pockets in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I make this recipe without buffalo sauce?
Definitely! You can substitute the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce, or opt for a milder tomato-based pizza sauce if you’re not a fan of spice.
Q: Can these be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 pizza pockets 1x
Description
These delicious and satisfying buffalo chicken pizza pockets combine the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo chicken with the gooey cheese and crispy crust of pizza. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or a fun snack, these pizza pockets are easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy the irresistible blend of buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and shredded chicken wrapped in soft, golden pizza dough!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)
½ cup buffalo sauce
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 package pizza dough (or homemade dough)
¼ cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your ingredients.
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Roll Out the Pizza Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut the dough into squares or circles, about 4 inches in diameter.
Assemble the Pizza Pockets: Place a spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each dough square or circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal the pockets.
Bake the Pizza Pockets: Place the assembled pizza pockets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pockets cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
Substitute chicken: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or even tempeh for a plant-based option.
Spicy adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your preferred spice level. For a milder option, swap out the buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce.
Dough substitution: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free alternative.
Freezing: These pizza pockets freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken, pizza pockets, chicken pizza, buffalo pizza pockets, easy recipe, savory snacks, comfort food