Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets! They’re the kind of comfort food that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Picture this: a crispy golden exterior giving way to a warm, cheesy, spicy filling that just oozes flavor.
I love making these for game days or when friends come over for a movie marathon. Just last weekend, we devoured a whole batch while cheering for our favorite team—it was pure bliss! Trust me, these pizza pockets will be the star of your next gathering.
Ingredients for ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets
Gather these simple yet delicious ingredients to whip up your ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets. Each one plays a vital role in creating that mouthwatering flavor and texture you’ll absolutely love!
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice preference!)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (because who doesn’t love cheese?)
1 package refrigerated pizza dough (easy peasy!)
1/4 cup ranch dressing (for dipping, of course)
1 tablespoon olive oil (to brush on top)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds that lovely aromatic flavor)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance all the deliciousness)
With these ingredients on hand, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying these irresistible pockets of goodness. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets
Now, let’s dive into how to prepare these scrumptious ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and before you know it, you’ll have a plate full of golden goodness ready to devour. Just follow these steps, and I’ll guide you through each part!
Preparing the filling
First things first, let’s get that filling ready! In a mixing bowl, combine your 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce. Mix it all together until the chicken is well coated—think of it as giving the chicken a spicy hug! You want it to be nice and saucy, but not swimming in it. A good, thick consistency is perfect so it doesn’t leak everywhere when you’re filling the pockets!
Rolling out the dough
Next up, we’re rolling out the dough! Dust your clean countertop with a little flour to prevent sticking. Unroll your package of refrigerated pizza dough and gently roll it out with a rolling pin. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick—just enough to hold your filling without being too thick or too thin. Once it’s rolled out, grab a pizza cutter or knife and cut the dough into squares, about 4 inches on each side. You’ll want enough space to fold and seal them easily.
Assembling the pizza pockets
Here comes the fun part—assembling those pizza pockets! Take one of your dough squares and place a generous spoonful of the chicken filling in the center. Don’t skimp on the filling; you want it to be ooey gooey, after all! Sprinkle a little of that 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken for that cheesy goodness. Then, fold the dough over to create a pocket. Pinch the edges tightly to seal them up. Feel free to use a fork to crimp the edges if you want a fancy touch! Finally, brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to give them that golden, flavorful finish.
Baking the pizza pockets
Now, let’s get these beauties in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you’re assembling. Once all your pockets are ready, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them—when they start to smell heavenly and look crispy, they’re ready to come out! Let them cool for a few minutes before taking a bite, as the filling will be super hot. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Loaded with a flavorful filling that packs a spicy punch—just the right amount of heat!
Perfectly portable, making them ideal for parties, game days, or picnics.
Customizable! Adjust the spice level or add your favorite ingredients for a personal twist.
Everyone loves them! They’re a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress friends and family.
Tips for Success
Want to make your ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets even better? Here are some pro tips that I’ve gathered through trial and error (and a few very delicious mistakes!).
Don’t rush the dough: Make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature before you start rolling it out. Cold dough can be tough to work with, so just let it sit on the counter for about 10-15 minutes.
Seal them well: It’s super important to pinch those edges tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. If you’re worried, you can also brush a little water along the edges before sealing to help them stick.
Experiment with fillings: Feel free to mix it up! Try adding some sautéed veggies, or even switch up the protein to shredded turkey or beef for a different flavor profile. The sky’s the limit!
Keep an eye on them: Ovens can vary, so start checking your pizza pockets a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them golden and crispy, but not burnt!
Let them cool: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let those pockets cool for a few minutes before eating. Trust me, the filling will be lava hot!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pizza pocket pro in no time! Enjoy the process and have fun with it—after all, that’s what cooking is all about!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured your ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets (and trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one!), you might have a few leftovers. To store them properly, let the pizza pockets cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes until they’re heated through and the outside is crisp again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might miss that lovely crunch. So, let’s keep that crispy goodness alive!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional benefits of these delicious ooey gooey buffalo chicken pizza pockets? Here are the estimated values for one pizza pocket, so you can indulge with a little knowledge!
Calories: 200
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 450mg
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 10g
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But one thing’s for sure—these pockets are not only tasty but also pack a nice protein punch to keep you fueled for your next adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different sauce instead of buffalo sauce? Absolutely! If buffalo sauce isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for BBQ sauce or even a sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the taste of your pizza pockets a bit!
What can I use if I don’t have ranch dressing? No worries at all! You can use blue cheese dressing if you prefer that tangy flavor. Or, if you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple yogurt dip can also work wonderfully.
Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time? Yes, you sure can! You can assemble them and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just remember to brush them with olive oil right before you pop them in the oven for the best results.
What should I serve with these pizza pockets? I love serving these with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. They also pair great with a fresh salad or some crunchy veggie sticks to balance out the richness!
Can I freeze the pizza pockets? Yes! Feel free to freeze them before baking. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
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