Description
Homemade chicken pizza pocket brings Italian-inspired comfort right to your kitchen. Crispy golden dough enfolds savory chicken, melted cheese, and zesty marinara, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetable and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
Seasoning and Oil Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a culinary workspace by heating the oven to a crisp 400°F (200°C), ensuring an optimal baking environment for these savory parcels.
- Create a flavor-packed filling by combining tender shredded chicken with zesty pizza sauce, melting mozzarella, vibrant bell peppers, sharp red onions, briny black olives, and a subtle seasoning of salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Transform pizza dough into delectable pockets by rolling it out on a lightly floured surface and cutting into symmetrical shapes. Carefully center a hearty spoonful of the chicken mixture on each dough piece, then artfully fold and seal the edges, creating compact, delicious packages.
- Arrange the assembled pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each pocket ample space. Enhance the exterior with a gentle olive oil brush and a sprinkle of aromatic Italian seasoning, which will contribute a golden, crisp finish.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a rich, golden-brown coloration that signals perfect crispiness and complete cooking.
- Present the piping-hot pizza pockets immediately, accompanied by complementary dipping sauces like classic pizza sauce or creamy ranch, allowing diners to personalize their culinary experience.
Notes
- Swap regular pizza dough with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for healthier dietary needs.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
- Prep filling ingredients ahead of time for quick weeknight meal assembly and stress-free cooking.
- Seal pocket edges completely with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking and ensure a neat presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg