If you dream of a snack that’s saucy, cheesy, just a little bit spicy, and perfectly portable, these Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are about to become your newest kitchen obsession. Imagine everything you love about buffalo chicken and gooey pizza, hugged by golden, fluffy dough — every bite is a warm, zesty burst of flavor! Whether it’s game day, movie night, or a dinner that’ll actually excite everyone, these pockets completely deliver. With a crave-worthy combo of spicy sauce, tender chicken, and two irresistible cheeses, Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are fun to make, absolutely delicious, and destined to disappear as soon as they hit the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something extraordinary here. Each one plays an important role in flavor, texture, or that signature buffalo pizza color. Gather these, and you’re already halfway to hot, homemade pizza pockets!
- Pizza dough: Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade, this is your canvas for crisp yet pillowy pockets.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken makes things extra quick, but any leftover chicken works beautifully.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The heart of that signature spicy-tangy flavor — pick your preferred heat level.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Adds rich creaminess and tempers the spice; use your favorite variety.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy, and classic for pizza — this is what makes the pockets ooze!
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional): Go bold! It adds a punchy, salty kick that buffalo lovers adore.
- Melted butter: Brushed on top for a golden, inviting finish.
- Garlic powder: A simple sprinkle wakes up the flavors and adds irresistible aroma.
- Flour for dusting: Prevents sticking when rolling out your dough for easy shaping.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and flavor just before serving.
How to Make Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your pockets won’t stick and get perfectly golden bottoms — no tearing when you lift them off!
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out your pizza dough into a big rectangle, aiming for about 1/4-inch thickness. Try to keep it even for foolproof pockets, then slice into six equal squares or rectangles. No need to stress about perfect shapes; rustic is delicious!
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with your buffalo wing sauce and dressing of choice. Toss it all together until every bit of chicken is coated in creamy, fiery goodness. That’s the secret to juicy, flavor-packed pockets.
Step 4: Stuff Those Pockets
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each dough square. Next, pile on the mozzarella and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a little crumbled blue cheese. The more cheese, the meltier they’ll be!
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Gently fold the dough over the filling, creating either triangles or rectangles. Pinch the edges to seal and then use a fork to crimp them. This keeps all that glorious filling locked inside — and those fork marks look irresistibly homemade.
Step 6: Finish and Bake
Transfer your assembled Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets to the baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder for an aromatic, golden crust. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pockets are puffed and deeply golden.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your pizza pockets cool just long enough so you won’t burn your mouth, then garnish with chopped parsley for a little color. Serve while still warm and melty — maybe with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dunking!
How to Serve Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley across fresh-from-the-oven pockets instantly adds a dash of color and freshness. If you’re a blue cheese fanatic, crumble a little extra over the top. And don’t forget a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing on the plate for dipping — it’s the finishing touch that brings even more flavor and fun.
Side Dishes
Pair Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo wing vibe. A simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness beautifully. And if you’re hosting a party, add oven fries or onion rings for an over-the-top spread everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these pizza pockets into a meal by setting up a “make your own” bar with various dips and garnishes. Or slice them in half and serve on a platter for game day — they’re the perfect grab-and-go finger food. For lunchboxes, wrap pockets tightly in foil; they’ll stay warm and are just as tasty at room temperature.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets left, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll retain their flavor and make an awesome next-day snack or quick lunch.
Freezing
You can prepare and assemble the pizza pockets and freeze them before baking. Just place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When cravings strike, bake straight from the freezer at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes — they’ll come out puffed, golden, and just as delicious as fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftover pockets in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through. The crust stays crisp, and the filling gets hot and bubbly again. While microwaving is tempting, the oven preserves that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work. Grilled chicken, leftover roast, or even poached chicken breasts are all fantastic options.
How spicy are Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets?
The level of heat depends on your buffalo sauce and how much you use. For a milder version, choose a mild buffalo sauce and add a little extra ranch or blue cheese dressing to temper the spice.
Can I make these pizza pockets gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular pizza dough for your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. All other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be sure.
What if I don’t like blue cheese?
No worries at all! You can skip the blue cheese entirely. Stick with mozzarella and ranch, or use a little extra shredded cheddar for added richness and a new twist.
Can I bake a big batch for a party?
Definitely! Just double or triple the recipe as needed. You can assemble the pockets ahead and keep them chilled, then bake right before guests arrive so everyone gets a taste of freshly made Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing warm, gooey Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets to the table, especially when you know how easy they are to make. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just spicing up a regular weeknight, these little bundles pack a punch of flavor and plenty of fun. Give them a try and get ready to wow everyone — don’t be surprised if they quickly become a regular request in your home!
Print
Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 pizza pockets
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal, perfect for any occasion. Filled with spicy buffalo chicken, gooey cheese, and wrapped in a crispy crust, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Pizza Pockets:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- flour for dusting
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dough: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle.
- Prepare filling: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and dressing. Spoon mixture onto dough squares.
- Assemble pockets: Top with cheeses, fold dough over, and seal edges. Crimp with a fork.
- Bake: Brush pockets with butter, sprinkle garlic powder, and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- These pizza pockets can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pocket
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
