Protein-Packed Chicken Pepperoni Pizza Melts

Looking for a delicious way to up your protein intake without sacrificing flavor? Look no further than these Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts – High Protein! This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition, giving you a gooey, satisfying meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick fix that doesn’t skimp on taste.

What started as a quest to meet my son’s high-protein demands during wrestling season turned into a family favorite that we now rely on, especially on hectic Tuesdays. These pizza melts pack over 40g of protein each, a fact that even the staunchest “anti-health food” folks, like my neighbor Tom, can’t resist once they take a bite. The secret lies in using frozen chicken burger patties and protein tortillas for a hassle-free assembly that ensures every mouthful is filled with delicious chicken, cheese, and pepperoni goodness.

Quick Benefits

• High-protein meal: Each pizza melt contains over 40g of protein, making it a great option for satisfying hunger and meeting macro requirements.
• Convenient and quick: Using frozen chicken burger patties and protein tortillas cuts down on prep time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Balanced and flavorful: By incorporating classic pizza flavors in a crispy tortilla, these pizza melts offer a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Protein-Packed Chicken Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe

• High Protein Content: Each pizza melt contains over 40g of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal option, especially for those looking to boost their protein intake.
• Convenient and Quick: Using frozen chicken burger patties and protein tortillas, this recipe can be whipped up in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without the long cooking process.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both picky eaters and health-conscious individuals, these pizza melts offer a guilt-free indulgence with classic pizza flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
• Customizable: Easily customize the recipe by swapping ingredients like turkey pepperoni, rotisserie chicken, or adding jalapeño slices for a personalized touch to suit different taste preferences.
• Portable and Handheld: These pizza melts are a convenient grab-and-go option, ideal for a quick lunch, snack, or even a light dinner. They are easy to eat on the run or pack in a lunchbox for work or school.
• Versatile Storage: Perfect for meal prepping, these pizza melts can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating instructions ensure that you can enjoy them crispy and delicious even after being refrigerated.
• Sneakily Healthy: A great option for those who may be skeptical of healthier food choices, these melts offer a delicious way to incorporate more protein into your diet without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients for Protein-Packed Chicken Pepperoni Pizza Melts

For the Filling

• 18 pepperoni slices
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 frozen chicken burger patties (Great Value or similar)
• ½ cup pizza sauce

For the Wraps

• 3 large protein tortilla wraps (or regular large tortillas)

How to Make Protein-Packed Chicken Pepperoni Pizza Melts

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook frozen chicken patties for approximately 6 minutes on one side. Flip and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 2: Slice the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken patties from the skillet to a cutting board. Cut each patty into 6 strips.

Step 3: Start Layering

Place 3 tortillas flat. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella down the center of each tortilla, dividing it evenly.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Arrange 6 sliced chicken strips on the cheese layer of each tortilla.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Pepperoni

Spread pizza sauce over the chicken on each tortilla and top with 6 slices of pepperoni for each wrap.

Step 6: Top with More Cheese

Evenly distribute the remaining mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni on each tortilla.

Step 7: Fold the Wraps

Fold the edges of each tortilla over the filling to create a wrap, ensuring everything is enclosed.

Step 8: Toast the Wraps

Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Arrange the wraps in the skillet with the seam side down to secure them closed.

Step 9: Brown Both Sides

Cook the wraps until the bottom is nicely browned, approximately 5 minutes. Flip them over and cook the other side until browned, about 5 more minutes. Ensure the cheese inside is melted and gooey.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Transfer the wraps to a cutting board, halve if desired, then serve hot to enjoy your pizza melts.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispy texture of the tortilla, it is recommended to reheat the pizza melts in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for a quicker reheating method, typically taking around 3-5 minutes. This will help to revive the crunchiness of the tortilla while ensuring the filling is heated through evenly.

It is important to note that using frozen chicken burger patties instead of fresh chicken breasts is crucial for the success of this recipe. The frozen patties are uniform in size and cook more quickly, ensuring even distribution of the chicken, cheese, and pepperoni in each bite. Additionally, you can customize the recipe by using turkey pepperoni or rotisserie chicken for variation in flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, adding jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes can provide a delicious kick to the pizza melts.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to change up the protein in this recipe, consider using turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni for a lighter option. You can also swap the frozen chicken burger patties with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker and possibly more flavorful alternative. Just shred the rotisserie chicken and use it as a filling for the pizza melts for a different taste and texture.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporating jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes into the filling can give the pizza melts a spicy kick. This addition can enhance the flavors and add a new dimension to the dish, perfect for those who like a little extra heat in their meals. Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness to suit your personal preferences.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of these Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts, consider serving them with a side of marinara dipping sauce or a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a pop of color and flavor. You can also cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter for a party or gathering. The individual portions make them perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends and family. These pizza melts are not only a convenient meal option but also a versatile dish that can be customized with additional toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a unique twist on the classic flavors.

FAQs for Protein-Packed Chicken Pepperoni Pizza Melts

Can I use fresh chicken breasts instead of frozen chicken burger patties in this recipe?

Fresh chicken breasts don’t work as well as the frozen patties in this recipe. They take longer to cook and can end up too bulky, whereas the frozen patties are uniform in shape, ensuring even distribution of ingredients in every bite.

How long can I store these pizza melts for, and how should I reheat them?

You can store these pizza melts in the fridge for up to 3 days. To restore the crunch, avoid using the microwave and instead reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes.

Can I make any substitutions to make this recipe lighter or spicier?

To lighten things up, you can try using turkey pepperoni or substitute rotisserie chicken for the chicken burger patties. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes to the filling.

What makes these pizza melts a good option for a high-protein meal?

These pizza melts are a good high-protein option due to the combination of ingredients like chicken burger patties, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and protein tortilla wraps. Each melt provides over 40g of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts – High Protein are not just a convenient meal option but also a delicious way to meet your high-protein needs without sacrificing flavor. These pizza melts have been a hit with picky eaters, fitness enthusiasts, and even skeptics like my neighbor Tom, who couldn’t resist their tasty appeal. The ease of using frozen chicken patties and protein tortillas makes this recipe a time-saving solution for busy weekdays when cooking feels like a chore.

Remember, don’t be afraid to customize these pizza melts to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different toppings like turkey pepperoni, jalapeños, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a unique twist. And don’t forget, leftovers can be easily stored and reheated to enjoy that crispy texture all over again. Whether you’re fueling up for a workout or simply craving a satisfying meal, these Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts – High Protein are here to prove that eating well can be both effortless and delicious.