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Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

Homemade Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are an incredibly satisfying and easy-to-make Italian-American fusion dish perfect for lunches, snacks, or even a weeknight meal. This recipe transforms classic buffalo chicken flavors into a convenient, portable pocket of cheesy, spicy goodness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 pockets
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works wonderfully
  • 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Buffalo Chicken sauce or your favorite buffalo sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for a tangier kick
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pizza Dough
  • 1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough or your favorite homemade pizza dough recipe
For the Pizza Pocket Assembly
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
  • extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping (optional)

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Large baking sheet
  • - Parchment Paper
  • Lightly floured surface
  • - Pastry Brush
  • Sharp knife
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, melted butter, and garlic powder. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If the mixture seems a little dry, you can add another tablespoon of ranch dressing. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
    2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Buffalo Chicken sauce, 1/4 cup ranch dressing, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents your delicious pockets from adhering to the pan.
  3. Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If using homemade dough, roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut the pizza dough into roughly 6-inch squares. You should get about 4-6 squares depending on the size of your dough. If your dough is a bit sticky, dust your hands and the surface lightly with flour.
    1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
  4. Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the prepared buffalo chicken filling onto one half of each pizza dough square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixed mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the chicken filling.
    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  5. Moisten the edges of the pizza dough with a little water using your finger or a pastry brush. Carefully fold the other half of the pizza dough over the filling to create a pocket. Press down firmly around the edges to seal, then crimp the edges closed with a fork. This ensures that the delicious filling stays securely inside.
  6. Using a sharp knife or a fork, poke a couple of small vents in the top of each pizza pocket. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the pockets from puffing up too much or bursting.
  7. Carefully transfer the sealed pizza pockets to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The exact baking time will vary slightly depending on your oven.
  8. Remove the pizza pockets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
    2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, extra ranch or blue cheese dressing

Notes

These pizza pockets are best served fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
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