Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts

If you crave a pizza-inspired lunch but want something quick hearty and easy to eat Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts deliver all the melty cheesy flavors wrapped in a crispy golden tortilla. This became my go-to on busy weekdays when my teens begged for pizza but schedules demanded something faster and more portable.

I made these the first time when my freezer was nearly empty aside from chicken patties and pepperoni and now we make them whenever that pizza craving strikes fast.

Ingredients

• Frozen chicken burger patties: choose patties with simple ingredients for the best flavor
• Protein tortilla wraps: pick sturdy wraps with enough size to fit the filling and to stay crisp
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: opt for whole milk mozzarella if possible for extra meltiness
• Pizza sauce: look for a thick tangy pizza sauce so it does not seep through the tortilla
• Pepperoni slices: turkey or classic pork work just be sure they are not too thin so they crisp slightly when heated

Instructions

Cook the Chicken Patties:

Place the frozen chicken patties in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Let them cook undisturbed for about six minutes so a golden crust forms on the bottom. Flip each patty with a spatula and continue to cook until the second side is browned and the patties are heated to an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit. Feel free to press down gently with a spatula at the end for a crispier finish if desired.

Slice the Chicken:

Remove the chicken patties from the skillet and place onto a cutting board. Cut each patty into six even strips. Making the strips even in size helps every bite have a bit of everything.

Assemble the Wraps:

Lay each tortilla flat on a large surface. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese down the center of the tortillas creating a bed for the other fillings. Arrange six chicken strips on top of the cheese for each wrap. Carefully spoon pizza sauce evenly over the chicken so each bite has some tangy sauce. Top with six slices of pepperoni in a single line down the sauce. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella to seal it all in.

Wrap the Tortillas:

Fold both sides of the tortillas in towards the center so the filling is tightly wrapped and will not spill when cooking.

Toast the Melts:

Wipe out your skillet and heat again on medium-low. Place the folded wraps seam side down so they start to crisp and hold their shape. Let cook undisturbed for about five minutes until deep golden and fragrant. Flip each wrap over gently and toast the second side for another five minutes making sure both sides are equally crisp and the cheese inside is fully melted.

Serve and Slice:

Move the crisped pizza melts to a cutting board. Slice each in half on the diagonal for easy eating. Serve hot for the best gooey cheese experience.

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My favorite part of these pizza melts is the golden crust the tortillas develop when toasted just right. I always loved when my mom let me build my own wraps as a kid and now my family dives right in to help assemble these. Every person can add a bit more cheese or sauce so it is perfect for picky eaters.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat pop them in a dry skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken cut into strips if you do not have chicken patties. Any melty cheese like provolone or Monterey Jack can be used instead of mozzarella. Swap turkey pepperoni for a lighter version or even try veggie pepperoni for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these pizza melts with baby carrots or a crunchy side salad for a balanced lunch. They are also delicious with a cup of warm tomato soup for dunking. Kid friendly and perfect for casual gatherings serve them sliced for easy sharing.

Cultural and Historical Context

Pizza meets quesadilla in this playful American mashup. Busy families across the US love transforming classic flavors into fun hand held meals. Melts like these have become modern lunch staples for those looking to blend taste and convenience.

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These pizza melts are a true lunch marvel. The crispy exterior and gooey cheese inside will keep everyone reaching for seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen patties?

Yes, you can use grilled or cooked chicken breast strips as an alternative. Ensure they're cooked until fully done before assembling.

→ Which tortillas work best for these melts?

Large protein or flour tortillas are ideal for folding and wrapping the filling snugly. Make sure they're fresh for easy handling.

→ What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?

Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza-blend cheese if you prefer a different texture or flavor.

→ How do I prevent the wraps from getting soggy?

Drain any moisture from cooked chicken, and don't overload the sauce to keep tortillas crisp while cooking in the skillet.

→ Can these be made ahead and reheated?

For best results, prepare and grill just before serving. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to preserve the crunchy exterior.