If you have ever dreamed of combining the fiery kick of buffalo chicken with the comforting, melty magic of pizza, then this Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine pockets of golden, crispy dough bursting with tender shredded chicken tossed in spicy buffalo wing sauce, melty mozzarella, and a hint of tangy blue cheese, all sealed up and baked to perfection. These pizza pockets are not only incredibly satisfying but also so easy to make that they’ll quickly elevate your weeknight dinners or casual gatherings to legendary status.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe so irresistible? It’s all about the simple, flavorful ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a key role—from the soft, pillowy pizza dough that forms the perfect pocket, to the zesty buffalo sauce that gives it a spicy punch, and the cheeses that add creamy richness and depth.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this is the foundation of your pockets, providing a chewy, golden crust.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed filling base that soaks up all the buffalo sauce flavor.
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce: Adds the signature spicy tang that makes these pockets truly special.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the filling and deliver gooey goodness in every bite.
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional): For those who love a sharp, creamy contrast against the spicy sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Brushed on top for a golden, slightly crispy finish.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Ensures a glossy, appetizing crust.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping: The perfect cooling companion to the spicy pockets.
- Flour for dusting: Prevents sticking and helps you roll out the dough easily.
How to Make Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking, then divide the pizza dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 6 to 7 inches in diameter. This size gives you a generous pocket without being too bulky to handle.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce, shredded mozzarella, crumbled blue cheese if using, and garlic powder. This step is where all the delicious flavors truly mingle, so make sure everything is evenly coated. The buffalo sauce provides heat, the cheese adds melty richness, and the garlic powder lends a subtle depth.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pockets
Spoon the filling evenly onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Carefully fold the dough over, creating a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges—this not only secures the filling inside but also adds a charming detail.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Place the sealed pockets on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one first with the beaten egg for that beautiful, glossy shine, then lightly with melted butter to help achieve a golden crust. To prevent the pockets from puffing up too much while baking, cut a small slit on top of each one to let steam escape.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Bake the pockets in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. When you pull them out, the smell alone will be enough to make your mouth water—the combination of spicy, cheesy, and buttery aromas is irresistible.
How to Serve Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
For that final pop of fresh flavor and color, sprinkle your pizza pockets with finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A light drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top or served on the side makes each bite cool down just enough to savor the spicy kick.
Side Dishes
These hearty pockets pair beautifully with a crunchy veggie platter—think celery sticks and carrot ribbons—which echo the classic buffalo wing experience. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances out the richness. If you want something heartier, crispy sweet potato fries make an excellent companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe into party stars by slicing each pocket diagonally and securing the halves with a toothpick. Arrange them on a platter surrounded by dipping bowls filled with ranch, blue cheese dressing, and even a little extra buffalo sauce for those who love turning up the heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat to enjoy that freshly baked taste all over again.
Freezing
Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe freezes wonderfully. To freeze, arrange the pockets on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. This makes for an easy, ready-to-bake meal whenever you want a quick snack or dinner.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your frozen or refrigerated pizza pockets in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred it up and mix with your buffalo sauce and cheeses for a quick and tasty filling.
How spicy are these pizza pockets?
The heat level depends on the buffalo wing sauce you choose. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sauce according to your tolerance, making this recipe customizable for every palate.
Can I make these pizza pockets vegetarian?
While chicken is the star, you can swap it out with cooked mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or even a mix of hearty beans and buffalo sauce to create a delicious vegetarian version that still packs a punch.
Is the blue cheese optional?
Yes, the blue cheese adds a tangy richness that complements the buffalo flavor beautifully, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or substitute with extra mozzarella for a milder taste.
Can these be baked ahead of time and reheated later?
Definitely! You can assemble and bake the pockets ahead, then reheat them in the oven before serving. This makes them perfect for entertaining or a hassle-free weeknight meal.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these little pockets of spicy, cheesy joy. They are perfect for game days, family dinners, or whenever you want a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for a tasty adventure that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 pizza pockets
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a delicious and spicy twist on the classic hot pocket. Filled with tender shredded chicken tossed in buffalo wing sauce, melted mozzarella, and tangy blue cheese, they offer a perfect balance of flavors wrapped in flaky, golden pizza dough. Baked until crisp and served with ranch or blue cheese dressing, they make a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course perfect for game day or any casual meal.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Assembly
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Flour for dusting
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
For the Filling
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Lightly flour a clean surface and divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6- to 7-inch circle, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the buffalo wing sauce, mozzarella, blue cheese if using, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauce and spices.
- Assemble Pockets: Spoon the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges to allow sealing. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges to seal tightly.
- Seal Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges of each pocket, which helps secure the seal and adds a decorative touch. This step prevents filling from leaking out during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pockets onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pocket with the beaten egg for a shiny golden finish, then lightly brush with melted butter to enhance browning.
- Vent Steam: Cut a small slit in the top of each pocket to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess inside.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until the pockets are golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken pizza pockets warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and simplify the recipe preparation.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- These pizza pockets freeze well. To reheat, bake them in the oven to retain their crispiness rather than microwaving.
