Ooey-Gooey Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are everything you want in a snack or meal. The combination of tender shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce and the melty mozzarella and cheddar cheeses is irresistible. The dough is quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients, and baking them results in a perfectly crispy and golden outside. Whether you're serving them at a party or enjoying them on your own, these pizza pockets are both delicious and comforting.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded

• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For the Topping:

• 1 tablespoon melted butter

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and knead until a smooth dough forms. Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes.

2. Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything is well mixed.

3. Assemble the Pockets: On a floured surface, roll out the dough and cut it into circles or rectangles. Place a spoonful of the filling onto one half of each dough piece. Fold the dough over to cover the filling and seal the edges with a fork.

4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pizza pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter, and sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley on top.

5. Cook: Bake the pizza pockets in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

6. Enjoy: Serve these delicious pizza pockets with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 pizza pockets

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 18 minutes

• Total Time: 33 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Substitute:pork for a unique twist. If you prefer a different protein, swap the shredded chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork for a unique twist.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra buffalo sauce to give your pizza pockets an extra spicy kick.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version of these pizza pockets.

• Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper Jack or provolone would work beautifully in this recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pizza pockets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the dough may lose some of its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I freeze these pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza pockets before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Certainly! If you're short on time, feel free to use store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own.

Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I prevent the dough from getting too sticky?

Be sure to flour your surface generously when rolling out the dough. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on top and knead until it becomes smooth and manageable.

Can I make these pizza pockets spicier?

To make them spicier, simply add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also add sliced jalapeños for an extra heat boost.

What should I serve with these pizza pockets?

These pizza pockets pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a side of celery sticks.

Can I use a different sauce other than buffalo sauce?

Yes! You can substitute the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy ranch dressing, depending on your flavor preferences.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

How can I make the dough fluffier?

To get a fluffier texture, make sure not to overwork the dough. Also, letting the dough rest for 10 minutes helps it rise and become lighter.

Are these pizza pockets gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder you use is also gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a spicy, cheesy snack or meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time. Perfect for busy nights, game days, or when you need something satisfying and delicious, these pizza pockets are sure to become a new favorite!

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