Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, the fusion of two beloved dishes can often create something extraordinary. One such creation is the Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pocket. This recipe combines the zesty, spicy allure of Buffalo chicken wings with the cheesy, doughy goodness of a pizza pocket, resulting in a handheld, delicious meal that’s perfect for snacking, entertaining, or even a fun family dinner.

Buffalo wings have become a staple in American cuisine, known for their bold flavors and fiery kick. Paired with a creamy blue cheese or ranch dip, the spicy, tangy chicken has been a favorite for decades. Meanwhile, pizza pockets — little pockets of dough stuffed with all the goodness of pizza ingredients — offer the perfect solution for anyone craving pizza but without the mess or need for a knife and fork. By combining these two iconic dishes into one, the Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pocket hits all the right notes: spicy, cheesy, and perfectly portable.

This recipe is a perfect example of how fusion cuisine can take inspiration from different sources and create a unique and unforgettable dish. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory snack, something to serve at a party, or an easy dinner, these pizza pockets are sure to be a hit. The spicy Buffalo chicken, combined with gooey melted cheese, tender dough, and a crunchy exterior, creates a satisfying bite every time.

Moreover, these pizza pockets are incredibly versatile. You can tailor the recipe to your preferences, adjusting the level of heat, experimenting with different cheeses, or adding vegetables like onions, peppers, or even mushrooms to customize the filling. The versatility of the Buffalo chicken filling means that you can even make these pockets in advance and store them in the freezer, perfect for a quick meal on a busy day.

In this guide, we’ll take you through every step of the process, from preparing the flavorful Buffalo chicken filling to assembling the pizza pockets and baking them to golden perfection. We’ll also offer tips on how to make this dish your own, from making the dough from scratch to altering the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack, a fun dinner idea, or a game-day appetizer, the Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets recipe has you covered.

Let’s dive in and discover how you can create these mouthwatering pockets in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

Creating Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets is easier than it might seem. The process is simple, but the results are nothing short of delicious. Here’s how you can make these irresistible pockets from scratch.

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, this step will be a breeze. If you’re cooking the chicken yourself, simply bake or pan-fry chicken breasts until fully cooked and then shred using two forks.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce, and the cream cheese is fully incorporated. The cream cheese will help smooth out the spicy Buffalo sauce and create a creamy texture. If you’re using any optional add-ins like cheddar cheese, green onions, or blue cheese crumbles, mix them in at this stage. Taste the mixture to adjust the seasoning, adding more Buffalo sauce for spice or cream cheese for richness if needed.

2. Prepare the Pizza Dough

If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about ¼ inch (6 mm). If you’re making dough from scratch, allow the dough to rise according to the recipe instructions and then roll it out.

Use a round cutter, such as a glass or a biscuit cutter, to cut the dough into circles. You want each circle to be large enough to hold a generous spoonful of the filling but small enough to be folded into a pocket.

3. Assemble the Pizza Pockets

Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the Buffalo chicken filling into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overstuff, as this can make it difficult to seal the pocket. Leave a small border around the edges of the dough.

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the pocket. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a more decorative and secure seal. Repeat this process for the remaining pizza pockets.

4. Bake the Pizza Pockets

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Place the assembled pizza pockets on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other.

Brush the tops of the pockets with a bit of olive oil or melted butter to help them achieve a golden, crispy finish as they bake. You can also sprinkle some garlic powder or parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and texture.

Bake the pockets in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through. You may want to check the pockets halfway through and rotate the baking sheet to ensure even baking.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve the pockets warm, paired with a side of blue cheese dressing or ranch dip for dipping. The creamy dressing complements the spicy Buffalo chicken and adds a cooling effect.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets is their versatility. Here are a few ways to make them your own:

1. Heat Level Adjustments

• Mild: Use less Buffalo sauce and mix in some ketchup or honey for a milder version of the filling. You can also swap out the hot sauce for a milder variety.

• Spicy: If you love heat, add extra cayenne pepper to the filling or use a hotter variety of Buffalo sauce to amp up the spice level.

2. Different Cheese Combinations

• If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, try adding different cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack cheese can add a nice twist.

• Cheese Lovers: Mix multiple cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack, for a gooey, flavorful filling.

3. Add Vegetables

• Peppers and Onions: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling for more texture and flavor.

• Spinach or Kale: For an extra nutritional boost, mix in some cooked spinach or kale with the chicken filling.

4. Make It Vegetarian

• Swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein, such as tempeh or tofu. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for a more substantial vegetarian filling.

5. Use Different Dough

• If you want a flakier texture, use puff pastry instead of pizza dough. It’ll give the pockets a buttery, crisp crust.

• For a healthier version, use whole wheat pizza dough, or try gluten-free pizza dough if you have dietary restrictions.

Freezing and Make-Ahead Tips

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are perfect for meal prep and can be stored for future use. Here’s how you can make them ahead of time:

1. Freezing: After assembling the pizza pockets, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer the pockets to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

2. Baking from Frozen: When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen pockets on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. You don’t need to thaw them beforehand.

3. Refrigerating: If you plan to enjoy them within the next few days, store the assembled pizza pockets in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, just follow the regular baking instructions.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are an easy, fun, and flavorful meal that combines the best of two comfort food worlds: spicy Buffalo chicken and cheesy pizza. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving a delicious snack, these pizza pockets will definitely hit the spot. The versatility of the filling and dough options means you can customize them to suit your tastes, making them perfect for everyone at the table. Try them today and enjoy the bold, irresistible flavors of Buffalo chicken in every bite!