Introduction
This delicious and easy-to-make chicken pizza pocket combines the crispy goodness of baked chicken strips with the delightful flavors of pizza. Perfect for a quick meal or snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this treat in no time.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 package pizza dough
– 5–6 frozen chicken strips
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
– ⅓ cup pizza sauce
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Prep Time
Approximately 10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 33 to 35 minutes
Total Time: 43 to 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 2 to 4 portions
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the frozen chicken strips on the baking sheet. Spray each strip with nonstick cooking spray and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
3. Bake the chicken strips for 18 to 20 minutes until crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. Cut the baked chicken strips into bite-sized pieces.
5. Unroll the pizza dough onto a new parchment-lined baking sheet, stretching it to an even rectangle.
6. Place the chicken pieces on one half of the dough.
7. Spread the pizza sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, stretching as needed. Pinch the edges to seal.
9. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
10. Cut 4 to 5 small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
11. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
12. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken Strips
Arrange the frozen chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet. Spray each strip with nonstick cooking spray, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Step 3: Bake Chicken Strips
Bake the chicken strips for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are crispy. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the chicken strips to cool slightly.
Step 4: Cut Chicken Strips
Once cooled, cut the baked chicken strips into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Prepare Pizza Dough
Unroll the pizza dough onto another parchment-lined baking sheet, stretching it into an even rectangle.
Step 6: Add Chicken to Dough
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces on one half of the stretched dough.
Step 7: Spread Pizza Sauce
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 8: Fold and Seal Dough
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, stretching it as necessary. Pinch the edges together to seal.
Step 9: Add Toppings
Brush the top of the dough with the melted butter. Sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 10: Vent the Dough
Cut 4 to 5 small slits in the top of the dough to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 11: Bake the Filled Dough
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 12: Rest Before Serving
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Cooking Time
Ensure the chicken strips are fully cooked and crispy before cutting them into pieces.
Note 2: Dough Stretching
If the pizza dough is difficult to stretch, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before attempting to reshape it.
Note 3: Cheese Variation
Feel free to use other types of cheese according to your preference for a different flavor.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Before starting any cooking process, preheating the oven is essential. Set your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the chicken strips and the pizza dough.
Baking Chicken Strips
When baking frozen chicken strips, arrange them evenly on a lined baking sheet. This ensures they cook properly and become crispy. Spraying them with nonstick spray and seasoning enhances flavor and texture.
Cutting Chicken
After baking, let the chicken strips cool slightly before cutting them. This will help retain the juices, making the chicken more enjoyable in the final dish.
Stretching Pizza Dough
When preparing pizza dough, unroll it gently onto a parchment-lined surface. Stretch it to form an even rectangle, making sure it’s not too thin to avoid tearing.
Folding and Sealing
For a stuffed pizza, place the fillings on one half of the dough and fold the other half over. Pinching the edges securely will keep the fillings from leaking out during baking.
Brushing with Butter
Brushing the top of the pizza with melted butter adds richness and helps achieve a golden-brown crust. This technique enhances both flavor and appearance.
Cutting Slits
Before baking, cut small slits in the top of the dough. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the dough from becoming soggy.
Resting Before Serving
After baking, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier and enhancing the overall texture.
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen strips?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken, but ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and seasoned well before adding it to the pizza.
What can I substitute for pizza sauce?
You can use marinara sauce, pesto, or a simple mixture of olive oil and herbs as an alternative to pizza sauce.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pizza dough?
Yes, there are various gluten-free pizza dough options available in stores or you can make your own using gluten-free flour.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables, other cheeses, or meats according to your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
This chicken pizza pocket combines the delightful flavors of crispy chicken, savory pizza sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, all enveloped in a golden, buttery crust. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a fun party snack. The blend of Italian seasoning and garlic gives it an aromatic touch, making it a hit among both kids and adults.
Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Use the same pizza dough but switch out the pizza sauce for Alfredo sauce, and add grilled chicken, spinach, and mozzarella for a creamy twist.
BBQ Chicken Calzone
Replace the pizza sauce with barbecue sauce, add cooked chicken, red onions, and cheddar cheese for a smoky flavor profile.
Pesto Chicken Foldover
Use pesto instead of pizza sauce, then add cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese for a Mediterranean touch.
Buffalo Chicken Roll
Incorporate buffalo sauce with the chicken for a spicy kick, and add blue cheese crumbles along with mozzarella for a tangy flavor.
Veggie and Chicken Fusion
Add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions along with the chicken for a healthier option, enhanced with Italian seasoning.
