Pin this I pulled open the fridge one morning and saw three cold pizza slices sitting in foil next to a container of shredded chicken. Instead of reheating them separately, I had this ridiculous idea: what if I just folded the pizza around the chicken and grilled it like a sandwich? It sounded chaotic, but the moment that buttery crust hit the pan and started crackling, I knew I'd stumbled onto something good. Now it's my favorite way to handle leftovers when I'm too hungry to think straight.
The first time I made this for my roommate, she watched me fold cold pizza in half and looked genuinely concerned. But after one bite, she grabbed the second slice off my plate and declared it genius. We ended up ordering extra pizza that weekend just so we'd have leftovers to make these again. It became our unofficial hangover cure and late night study fuel.
Ingredients
- Leftover pizza: Any style works, but thicker crusts hold up better when folded and don't get soggy as fast.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie is perfect here because it's already juicy and seasoned, no extra work needed.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar: This is optional but adds a ridiculous cheese pull when you bite in.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads easier and creates that golden, crispy shell without burning.
Instructions
- Prep the pizza:
- Lay your cold pizza slice on a cutting board, cheese side facing up. Make sure it's flat so the filling doesn't slide off.
- Add the filling:
- Spread half a cup of shredded chicken evenly over the cheese, then sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top if you want it extra melty. Press gently so everything sticks together.
- Fold it up:
- Fold the pizza slice in half like a taco, pressing the edges gently to seal. It doesn't have to be perfect, just compact enough to hold the chicken inside.
- Butter the outside:
- Spread a tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each folded pizza. Get it all the way to the edges so the whole thing crisps up evenly.
- Toast the first side:
- Place the folded pizzas in a hot nonstick skillet over medium heat, buttered side down. Let them sizzle for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom turns deep golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and finish:
- Flip carefully with a spatula, pressing down gently to help the cheese melt. Toast the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until it's golden and the filling is hot all the way through.
- Serve hot:
- Pull them off the heat, let them cool for a minute so you don't burn your mouth, then slice in half and dig in.
Pin this There's something weirdly satisfying about biting into this and tasting yesterday's pizza in a completely new way. It's messy and indulgent and makes you feel like you've hacked the system. I've served these at brunch, after long nights, and even to picky eaters who swore they didn't like leftovers.
Best Pizzas to Use
Pepperoni, veggie, and BBQ chicken pizzas all work beautifully because they have enough flavor to stand up to the added chicken. Avoid super thin or floppy crusts because they fall apart when you fold them. If your pizza has a lot of grease, blot it with a paper towel first so the outside crisps properly instead of steaming.
Flavor Boosters
A few dashes of hot sauce inside before folding adds a nice kick that cuts through the richness. Fresh basil or a pinch of oregano sprinkled over the chicken makes it taste brighter and less heavy. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach or arugula just to pretend I'm being healthy.
Serving and Dipping Ideas
These are incredible on their own, but dipping them takes it to another level. Marinara sauce is the classic move, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even a drizzle of hot honey all work. I like cutting them into strips and serving them with a little bowl of sauce on the side for a shareable snack situation.
- Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
- Pair with pickles or pepperoncini for a tangy contrast.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet, not the microwave, to keep the crust crispy.
Pin this This recipe proves that the best ideas come from staring into the fridge and refusing to settle for boring reheated food. Make it once and you'll never look at leftover pizza the same way again.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of pizza works best for this dish?
Choose sturdy crust pizza slices like pepperoni, veggie, or BBQ chicken to hold the filling without falling apart.
- → Can I add extra cheese inside?
Yes, adding mozzarella or cheddar inside enhances meltiness and flavor during toasting.
- → How do I toast the folded pizza evenly?
Use medium heat and cook each side 3–4 minutes with butter until golden and crispy for evenly melted cheese.
- → What sauces complement this dish?
Marinara sauce, ranch, or a splash of hot sauce pair well for dipping and add an extra flavor boost.
- → Is shredded chicken necessary?
Shredded chicken adds juiciness and protein but can be omitted or substituted with other leftovers as desired.