Let me tell you, if you’re looking for a snack or a meal that’s just bursting with flavor and ooey gooey goodness, you’ve got to try these buffalo chicken pizza pockets! They’re incredibly easy to whip up—seriously, you can have them ready in about 35 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights or even for a fun party appetizer. I remember the first time I made them for friends; the smell wafting through the kitchen was enough to get everyone buzzing with excitement! Plus, you can easily tweak them to your spice level, making them great for everyone from kids to spice lovers. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken – make sure it’s nice and tender for that perfect texture!
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – this is where the magic happens! Adjust to your spice preference.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – because who can resist that melty goodness?
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened – this adds a delightful creaminess to the filling.
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough – it saves you time and works like a charm!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for that perfect golden finish on top.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – a little extra flavor never hurt anyone!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – it complements the garlic and chicken beautifully.
How to Prepare ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures your pizza pockets bake evenly and come out perfectly golden and delicious! While that oven is heating up, you can get everything else ready.
Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with the buffalo sauce. Oh, the smell already! Next, add in the softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, along with the garlic powder and onion powder. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. You want that filling to be creamy and flavorful, so don’t skimp on the mixing!
Prepare the Dough
Now, let’s roll out the pizza dough! Lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking, and then roll the dough out until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Grab a cookie cutter or a glass and cut the dough into circles. Aim for about 4-5 inches in diameter. You’ll want enough space to hold that yummy filling without it spilling out everywhere!
Assemble the Pizza Pockets
Here comes the fun part! Take one of your dough circles and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture on one half. Don’t be shy with the filling! Then, fold the dough over to cover the filling and use a fork to seal the edges tightly. This is key to making sure that ooey gooey goodness stays inside while baking. Just press the fork down along the edge to create a nice little crimp!
Bake
Brush the tops of your pizza pockets with olive oil for that irresistible golden color. Then, pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake until they’re golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re done when the kitchen starts smelling absolutely incredible! Let them cool for just a minute before diving in—trust me, the filling will be *super* hot!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re making these for kids or those who aren’t fans of heat, feel free to dial back the buffalo sauce. You can even mix in some ranch dressing for a milder flavor!
- Even Dough Thickness: When rolling out the pizza dough, try to keep it as even as possible. This helps ensure that all your pockets bake uniformly and get that lovely golden color.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add a ton of filling, be careful! Overfilling can lead to messy pockets that burst open in the oven. Stick to a generous spoonful.
- Seal It Right: Make sure to seal the edges of the dough well with the fork. This will keep all that delicious filling inside where it belongs!
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your cheeses! A little cheddar or pepper jack can add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: These pizza pockets are fantastic with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side. It takes the flavor to the next level!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best buffalo chicken pizza pockets ever. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re working with:
- Serving Size: 1 pizza pocket
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
These little pockets pack a punch of flavor without breaking the calorie bank, making them a delightful addition to your snack or meal rotation. Just remember, if you’re watching your intake, it’s always good to enjoy them in moderation. Happy munching!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some common questions that pop up when making these ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets. Let’s dive right in!
How can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up to keep that deliciousness intact!
Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough would work beautifully. Just roll it out to the same thickness as the refrigerated dough, and you’re good to go!
What dipping sauces pair well?
Oh, I love serving these with ranch or blue cheese dressing—such a classic combo! You could also try a spicy mayo or even a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce for something different.
How do I adjust the spice level?
If you want to tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of buffalo sauce. You can also mix in some ranch dressing for a milder flavor, or even use a milder hot sauce if you want to keep some kick without overwhelming the taste buds!
Can I freeze these pizza pockets?
Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven without thawing; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap the chicken for some sautéed vegetables or even a mix of beans and cheese for a hearty vegetarian filling. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to bring out the flavors!
If you have any more questions or need tips while making these delicious pizza pockets, don’t hesitate to reach out. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, these pizza pockets are perfect for those busy days when you need something delicious in a flash!
- Great for Parties: They’re a crowd-pleaser! Serve them at your next gathering, and watch people flock to the snack table—they disappear fast!
- Versatile Meal or Snack: Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or just a quick snack, these pockets fit the bill perfectly. They can even be a fun addition to game day food!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids adore them! The cheesy, creamy filling and the fun shape make for an exciting meal that they’ll love digging into.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or filling to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Want to go vegetarian? No problem!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying these ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets, the right sides and sauces can elevate the meal to a whole new level! Here are some of my favorite pairings that you simply *must* consider:
- Ranch Dressing: This creamy classic is a match made in heaven with buffalo chicken. Drizzle it on top or use it as a dip for a cool contrast to the spicy filling!
- Blue Cheese Dressing: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, blue cheese dressing adds a tangy punch that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully. It’s a must-try!
- Celery and Carrot Sticks: Crunchy veggies not only provide a refreshing bite but also help balance out the richness of the pizza pockets. Plus, they’re classic buffalo wing accompaniments!
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a hearty side, crispy sweet potato fries bring a sweet contrast that pairs wonderfully with the spicy buffalo chicken. Yum!
- Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette can be a lovely counterpoint to the richness of the pizza pockets. Think mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a tangy dressing!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect meal experience. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more!
Print
Ooey Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets: 5 Flavorful Tips
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizza pockets 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Cut the dough into circles using a cookie cutter.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on one half of each circle.
- Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the buffalo sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza pocket
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets