Leftover Pizza Grilled Cheese (Print version)

Cold pizza slices folded with shredded chicken, toasted until golden and melty for a satisfying snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main

01 - 2 large slices leftover pizza (any style with sturdy crust)
02 - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
03 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

→ For Toasting

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Place a cold pizza slice on a cutting board, cheese side facing up.
02 - Evenly spread ½ cup shredded chicken over the cheese side of each pizza slice. Optionally sprinkle extra shredded cheese.
03 - Fold each pizza slice in half, gently pressing to enclose the filling completely.
04 - Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on the outside of each folded pizza.
05 - Place folded pizzas in the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
06 - Flip pizzas and gently press with a spatula, cooking another 3 to 4 minutes until cheese melts and crust is golden.
07 - Remove from skillet, let cool for 1 minute, then slice in half and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms sad leftover pizza into something that feels intentional and exciting.
  • The whole thing takes less time than ordering delivery, and tastes infinitely better.
  • You get to use up odds and ends from your fridge and actually feel like a genius while doing it.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable—go too hot and the outside burns before the inside melts, go too cool and you end up with a soggy disappointment.
  • The pizza crust needs to be sturdy enough to hold up to folding and frying; paper-thin crusts are beautiful on day one but traitors on day two.
03 -
  • Have a lid for your skillet nearby in case the cheese needs extra time to melt while the crust stays golden—a quick 30-second steam can be the difference between good and perfect.
  • If your pizza has watery toppings like fresh tomatoes or excess sauce, blot the top side with a paper towel before adding the chicken to keep everything from getting soggy in the pan.
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