Cheesy Chicken Pizza Pockets

This cheesy chicken pizza pocket recipe transforms your favorite pizza toppings into portable, handheld delights that are perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or when you need a freezer-friendly meal option. The golden-brown pockets filled with savory chicken, pepperoni, and melty cheese make dinnertime exciting while offering the familiar flavors everyone loves.

I created these pizza pockets during a particularly hectic week when I needed dinner solutions that could please everyone. My daughter requested "pizza but different" and these pockets became an instant hit that now appear in our monthly rotation.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Homemade or store bought provides the perfect vessel for all the delicious fillings. Room temperature dough works best for easy rolling
• Rotisserie chicken: Adds protein and savory flavor without extra cooking time
• Mini pepperoni: Brings classic pizza flavor in perfect bite sized pieces
• Pizza toppings of choice: Like olives, peppers or spinach for customizing to your family's preferences
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that stretchy, melty texture essential for a true pizza experience
• Marinara sauce: Divided between filling and dipping provides moisture and rich tomato flavor
• Egg wash: Helps achieve that beautiful golden brown crust and seals the edges
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor to the crust exterior
• Pizza seasoning or dried oregano: For that authentic pizzeria aroma and taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready before you begin makes assembly much smoother and prevents your dough from getting too warm while waiting.

Shape The Dough:

Divide your dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a shape at least 6 inches across. Whether you choose circles, squares or rectangles doesn’t matter as much as ensuring even thickness throughout for consistent baking.

Create The Filling:

Combine shredded chicken, mini pepperoni, your selected pizza toppings, mozzarella cheese and half the marinara sauce in a bowl. Mix thoroughly but gently to distribute all ingredients evenly throughout the filling mixture.

Assemble The Pockets:

Place a generous portion of filling in the center of each dough piece, leaving a half inch border. Apply egg wash to the edges nearest the filling, then fold the empty side over and firmly press the edges together. This seal is crucial to prevent leakage during baking.

Finish And Bake:

Transfer assembled pockets to your prepared baking sheet, brush tops with remaining egg wash and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cut a small steam vent in each pocket top to prevent bursting. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.

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The mini pepperoni is truly the ingredient that makes these pizza pockets special. I discovered them by accident while grocery shopping one day, and they distribute perfectly throughout the filling. My youngest daughter now specifically requests "the little pepperonis" whenever we make these, and finding them has become her special job during shopping trips.

Make Ahead Options

These pizza pockets work wonderfully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare them completely through assembly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but are short on time. Just add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from refrigerated.

For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked pockets on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen by adding approximately 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of these pizza pockets lies in their versatility. Create a build your own pizza pocket bar where family members can select their preferred fillings. Some winning combinations include buffalo chicken with blue cheese, vegetarian with mushrooms and bell peppers, or a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and bacon.

For younger children, keeping the ingredients simple with just cheese and a bit of sauce often works best. Adults might appreciate more complex flavor combinations like caramelized onions with goat cheese and spinach. The possibilities are truly endless.

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Serving Suggestions

While these pizza pockets are satisfying on their own, pairing them with simple sides creates a complete meal. A fresh green salad with Italian dressing complements the rich flavors perfectly. For a more substantial dinner, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works great for this recipe and saves time.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can add olives, diced peppers, chopped spinach, or any of your favorite pizza toppings.

→ How do I prevent the pockets from tearing?

Avoid overstuffing the pockets with ingredients and ensure the dough is evenly rolled out.

→ Can I freeze these pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze them after baking and reheat for a quick meal later on.

→ What can I use instead of pepperoni?

You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, bacon, or leave it out for a vegetarian option.