Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Game Day

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a delightful fusion of flavors that bring together the spicy kick of buffalo chicken and the comforting goodness of pizza. As someone who has always been a fan of both buffalo wings and pizza, I can confidently say that these pockets are a game-changer for any gathering or weeknight dinner. The history of buffalo chicken can be traced back to the 1960s in Buffalo, New York, where it quickly became a beloved staple in American cuisine. Today, it has evolved into various forms, and these pizza pockets are a testament to that delicious versatility.

People love Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets not just for their incredible taste but also for their satisfying texture. The crispy exterior gives way to a gooey, cheesy filling that is bursting with flavor. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party or enjoying them as a quick meal, these pizza pockets are sure to impress. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will surely become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of blue cheese crumbles (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough (about 1 pound)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Flour (for dusting)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready for the pizza pockets once we assemble them. 2. In a medium-sized pot, add the chicken breasts and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. 3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. It should come apart easily. 4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more buffalo sauce to taste.

Preparing the Dough

5. While the chicken is cooling, take your pizza dough out of the refrigerator. If it’s been in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with. 6. On a clean, floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. If you find the dough is sticking, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface and on the dough itself. 7. Once rolled out, use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into squares, approximately 4×4 inches. You should be able to get about 8-10 squares, depending on how large you cut them.

Assembling the Pizza Pockets

8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you haven’t already. This is the temperature we’ll bake the pizza pockets at. 9. Take one square of dough and place about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture in the center. If you’re using blue cheese crumbles, sprinkle a little on top of the chicken mixture for added flavor. 10. Fold the dough over to create a triangle shape, enclosing the filling. Press the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra secure seal and a decorative touch. 11. Repeat this process with the remaining squares of dough and chicken mixture until all the pizza pockets are assembled.

Preparing for Baking

12. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. 13. Place the assembled pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion during baking. 14. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pizza pockets. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked. 15. If you want, you can sprinkle a little extra garlic powder or some Italian seasoning on top for added flavor.

Baking the Pizza Pockets

16. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pizza pockets are golden brown and puffed up. 17. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t over-bake. The aroma of buffalo chicken will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know they’re almost ready! 18. Once they’re done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizza pockets cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set a bit and make them easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions

19. Serve the buffalo chicken pizza pockets warm with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also add some celery sticks or carrot sticks on the side for a crunchy contrast. 20. If you have

Conclusion:

In summary, these Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snack game or impress friends at a gathering. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, gooey cheese, and a perfectly baked crust creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or even add some veggies like diced celery or carrots into the filling for an extra crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different cheeses or even swapping out the chicken for shredded beef or a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so exciting! I encourage you to give these Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this fantastic recipe together! Print