Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a delightful fusion of flavors that bring together the spicy kick of buffalo chicken and the comforting essence 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 hosting a party or simply craving a quick snack, 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 Filling
First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. I like to start by cooking the chicken breasts to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.
- In a medium-sized pot, add the chicken breasts and cover them with water. You can also add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken 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.
- 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’re a fan of blue cheese, now’s the time to fold in the blue cheese crumbles. This adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Preparing the Pizza Dough
Now that our filling is ready, let’s move on to the pizza dough. If you’re using store-bought dough, it’s super easy!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your pizza pockets bake perfectly.
- On a clean, floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface and on the dough.
- Once rolled out, cut the dough into squares or circles, about 4-5 inches in size. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for this. Make sure to keep the shapes as uniform as possible for even cooking.
Assembling the Pizza Pockets
Now comes the fun part—assembling our buffalo chicken pizza pockets!
- Take one piece of dough and place about 2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pockets difficult.
- Sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the filling for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Fold the dough over to create a pocket, pressing the edges together to seal. You can use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they’re well sealed.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling until everything is assembled. You should have about 8-10 pizza pockets, depending on the size you cut your dough.
Preparing for Baking
Before we pop these delicious pockets into the oven, let’s get them ready for baking.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. This will give the pizza pockets a beautiful golden color when baked.
- Using a pastry brush, gently brush the tops of each pizza pocket with the egg wash. This step is crucial for that lovely golden finish.
- If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top of the egg wash before baking.
Baking the Pizza Pockets
Now it’s time to bake our buffalo chicken pizza pockets to perfection!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 pizza pockets
- Buffalo sauce
- Shredded chicken
- Cheese
- Pizza dough
- Place the prepared pizza pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set a bit and make them easier to handle.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like diced celery or carrots for added crunch.
- These pizza pockets can be frozen before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snack game or impress guests at their next gathering. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken, gooey cheese, and a perfectly crispy 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 fresh veggies like celery and carrots on the side for a complete game day experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different fillings—try adding some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of your favorite herbs to customize the flavor to your liking. 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 these tasty treats together! Happy cooking! Print
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Game Day
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets are a tasty and simple snack or meal, featuring tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and melted cheese encased in a flaky crust. Ideal for game day or a quick weeknight dinner!
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