If you love the fiery kick of buffalo wings combined with the comforting embrace of pizza, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe. Picture tender shredded chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, folded inside golden, flaky pockets bursting with gooey cheese and just the right hint of blue cheese and green onions. These pockets are not only incredibly delicious but also perfect for game nights, quick dinners, or anytime you crave a handheld, satisfying treat. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting the perfect pizza pockets, and this Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe keeps it simple with familiar pantry staples and fresh touches that each bring something special to the table.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base that carries all the bold flavors.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that iconic spicy tang that makes the pockets irresistible.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that ooey-gooey texture everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, rich contrast to the mozzarella’s smoothness.
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional): Brings the classic buffalo flavor twist if you’re a blue cheese fan.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle depth that enhances the savory profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity.
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough: The golden, flaky exterior that holds everything together.
- 1 egg beaten for egg wash: Creates a beautiful, shiny crust when baked.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving (optional): Perfect for dipping and cooling the heat.
How to Make Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your pizza pockets bake evenly and prevents sticking, setting the stage for that perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, blue cheese if you’re using it, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until every bite of chicken is evenly coated with cheese and spice — this blend is the heart and soul of your pockets.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into 6 to 8 equal rectangles. The size depends on how big or snack-sized you want your pockets. Each rectangle will become a vessel for bursting buffalo flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Pockets
Spoon a generous portion of the buffalo chicken filling onto the center of each rectangle. Then fold the dough over gently, creating a pocket, and firmly pinch the edges to seal in all that goodness, making sure nothing escapes during baking.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of your pockets with the beaten egg. This step might seem small, but it’s what gives your pockets that irresistible golden-brown sheen. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pockets are beautifully golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
When the pockets come out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes so the filling sets just enough to avoid burns but stays melty inside. Then get ready to enjoy the magic!
How to Serve Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant color. For a little extra pizzazz, a side drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing elevates every bite with a cooling creaminess that perfectly balances the heat.
Side Dishes
These pockets pair wonderfully with crisp celery sticks or a crunchy garden salad to lighten the meal. Sweet corn on the cob or even some roasted veggies make excellent companions, adding both nutrition and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the pockets into halves or thirds and arranging them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces. They make a fantastic party appetizer or finger food for casual gatherings. For an extra indulgent twist, serve with a side of loaded fries or garlic bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover pockets to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making them just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
Freeze the assembled, unbaked pockets by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, so you always have these tasty pockets ready when hunger strikes.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen pockets in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the crust flaky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time while still delivering that perfect shredded texture needed for these buffalo chicken pizza pockets.
How spicy are these pizza pockets?
The spiciness depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you add. You can easily adjust the heat level by using mild sauce or reducing the amount, or kick it up with a hotter sauce if you like it fiery.
Can I substitute the pizza dough with homemade dough?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works beautifully here and adds a lovely personal touch. Just make sure your dough is rolled out thin enough to allow the pockets to cook quickly while staying soft and flaky.
Are these pockets freezer friendly?
Definitely. This Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe freezes well both before and after cooking, making meal prep super convenient and stress-free.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these pockets?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are classic choices that complement the buffalo flavor perfectly by cooling down the heat and adding creamy richness, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe, I promise it will become one of those words-of-mouth recipes you excitedly share with friends and family. It’s simple, packed with bold flavors, and utterly satisfying. So roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a fun, flavorful handheld meal that’s sure to please every craving for spice and comfort.
Print
Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 pockets
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a deliciously spicy and cheesy treat perfect for a quick dinner or snack. Made with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and optional blue cheese, all wrapped in soft pizza dough and baked to golden perfection. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for an irresistible flavor combination.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dough & Toppings:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles if using, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Shape the pockets: Roll out the pizza dough on a clean surface and cut it into 6 to 8 equal rectangular pieces. Spoon an even amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each rectangle.
- Seal the pockets: Fold each rectangle over the filling to form a pocket. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the filling inside and prevent leakage during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the top of each pocket with the beaten egg to help them develop a golden, shiny crust as they bake.
- Bake: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pockets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired, for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake on a preheated pizza stone or sprinkle the baking sheet with cornmeal.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Blue cheese crumbles are optional but add a nice tangy flavor.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- You can substitute crescent roll dough if pizza dough is not available for a flakier texture.
