If you are anything like me and crave comfort food that delivers a perfect punch of flavor, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe. Imagine crispy, golden pockets bursting with spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch, and melty mozzarella cheese all wrapped inside soft, pillowy pizza dough. This recipe combines the best of all worlds—zesty heat, cheesy indulgence, and satisfying crispness—making it the ultimate treat for game day, dinner, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dish with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me when I say the magic is in these simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings its own special touch to the table, creating layers of flavor and texture that make these pockets irresistible.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty base that absorbs all the delicious buffalo and dressing flavors.
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce: Adds that signature tangy, spicy kick every buffalo lover craves.
- 2 tablespoons ranch or blue cheese dressing: Offers a creamy, cooling contrast to the heat.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that ooey-gooey texture inside.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): Gives a sharp, savory bite for blue cheese fans.
- 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough: The soft and flaky pockets’ golden exterior.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Brushed on top for a gorgeous golden crust and added richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle toasted garlic flavor that elevates the crust.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your pizza pockets bake evenly and don’t stick. This simple prep sets the stage for perfectly crispy pockets.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, toss your shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing until every shred is beautifully coated. This mix is packed with bold flavor and creamy goodness that makes the filling unforgettable.
Step 3: Cut and Fill the Dough
Roll out your refrigerated pizza dough and slice it into six equal rectangles. On one side of each rectangle, spoon a generous portion of the buffalo chicken mixture, leaving a small border so the pockets seal correctly.
Step 4: Add Cheeses and Seal
Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded mozzarella over each filling, and if you’re all about that blue cheese, sprinkle some crumbles on top too. Fold the dough over and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal in all those delicious ingredients.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Place your filled pockets on the lined baking sheet, brush the tops with melted butter, and sprinkle garlic powder over them. This extra step gives your pockets a golden, flavorful crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until your Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe reaches a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling with cheesy goodness. Once out of the oven, let them cool slighty to avoid burns while enjoying.
How to Serve Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your pizza pockets with chopped parsley not only ups the visual appeal but adds a fresh, mild herbiness that complements the spicy and cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
Serve these pockets with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Pair with crunchy celery sticks or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness and heat for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this recipe into an irresistible appetizer by cutting each pocket into bite-sized pieces and serving on a platter with dipping sauces. For a family dinner twist, pair with loaded fries or sweet potato tots to make it a real crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These pizza pockets keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp crust and gooey filling.
Freezing
You can freeze these pockets before baking by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and the crust regains its crispiness—usually about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pizza dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Fresh pizza dough works just as well and might even give your pockets a slightly chewier texture. Just roll out the dough to the same size and proceed as directed.
Is it necessary to add blue cheese?
Not at all. Blue cheese is optional and adds a tangy sharpness, but mozzarella and the buffalo chicken mixture alone are delicious. Use what suits your taste best.
How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this recipe?
The buffalo wing sauce adds a medium heat level—enough to give you a satisfying kick without overwhelming the cheesy goodness. You can adjust heat by choosing a milder or hotter sauce to suit your preference.
What other dips go well with these buffalo pockets?
Besides ranch and blue cheese, cool sour cream or even a creamy avocado dip pairs beautifully and balances the spicy heat for a fun flavor twist.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free pizza dough alternative, you can enjoy this recipe without gluten. Just check your buffalo sauce and dressings for gluten ingredients to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe that turns an ordinary day into a celebration of comforting, spicy, and cheesy flavors. Whether you are sharing with friends at a game day party or craving a hassle-free dinner, these pockets bring warmth and joy to the table every time. I hope you have as much fun making and savoring them as I do!
Print
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
Description
These Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a delicious and spicy twist on traditional pizza. Filled with shredded buffalo chicken, gooey mozzarella, and optional blue cheese, all wrapped in crispy pizza dough, they make the perfect game day snack or easy dinner. Baked until golden and brushed with garlic butter, they offer a flavorful, satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
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 Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix the Chicken Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese dressing. Stir well to fully coat the chicken with the tangy, spicy sauce mix.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into 6 equal rectangular pieces to form the pockets.
- Assemble Pockets: Spoon a portion of the buffalo chicken mixture onto one half of each dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and, if using, crumbled blue cheese on top of the chicken filling.
- Seal the Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket and press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly, preventing the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Brush and Season: Place the pockets onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the pockets to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- Serve with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to enhance flavor.
- You can prepare these pockets ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or air fryer for convenience.
- These pockets are perfect for game day snacks or a quick, easy dinner option.
