Description
Golden, oven-baked chicken pizza pockets filled with seasoned shredded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, all sealed inside soft pizza dough and baked until perfectly crisp and cheesy, making a delicious handheld meal or snack.
Ingredients
For the Dough and Filling
- 500 grams pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 300 grams)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 170 grams)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (240 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a flavorful filling.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle. Cut the dough into smaller, equal-sized rectangles suitable for individual pockets.
- Assemble Pockets: Spoon the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough rectangle, leaving a margin around the edges to allow for sealing. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the pocket completely to prevent leakage.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Place the assembled pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to promote browning and a crispy crust, then evenly sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pockets turn golden brown and the filling is heated through, with the cheese melted and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza pockets from the oven and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes to cool slightly and set before serving, as the filling will be hot.
Notes
- Do not overfill the dough to prevent leaking during baking.
- Seal edges tightly with a fork to keep filling secure.
- Allow pockets to cool slightly before serving as the filling will be hot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
