If you’re searching for a lunch or dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, crave-worthy, and satisfyingly cheesy—the Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts just might become your new favorite. Layers of grilled chicken and zesty pepperoni are nestled inside toasty tortillas, then covered in gooey mozzarella and savory pizza sauce. In under half an hour, you’ll have a pizza-inspired melt that’s packed with flavor, perfect for weeknights, game days, or casual meals with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts is thoughtfully chosen to bring a punch of flavor and the right balance of textures. Nothing fancy—just simple, reliable components that make this recipe a repeat-worthy winner.
- Chicken burger patties: Pre-cooked or frozen chicken burgers make a speedy, lean filling and bring hearty flavor—try grilled chicken for extra char!
- Large protein tortilla wraps: These hold all the dreamy, gooey filling and crisp up beautifully—swap for your favorite tortilla if you prefer.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella gets perfectly melty and stringy, delivering that classic pizza goodness in every bite.
- Pizza sauce: A good, robust pizza sauce adds the essential tangy-sweet tomato flavor that ties everything together—don’t be shy with it!
- Pepperoni slices: Spicy, savory pepperoni gives a rich and bold punch—add extra if you love that classic pizzeria taste.
How to Make Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Patties
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken burger patties straight from the freezer or fridge, and cook them until golden on both sides—about six minutes per side—making sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. This ensures the chicken is juicy and safe to eat, and gives your melts that all-important meaty foundation.
Step 2: Slice the Chicken
Once the patties are cooked, transfer them to a cutting board and let them rest for a minute or two. Then, using a sharp knife, slice each patty into six strips. These strips fit perfectly inside each tortilla, making sure every bite of your Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts is loaded with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Tortillas
Lay out your tortillas on a clean work surface. Divide half of the shredded mozzarella across the center of the tortillas—this creates a gooey base that helps everything stick together. Next, arrange the sliced chicken strips over the cheese, layering generously.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Pepperoni
Spoon pizza sauce over the chicken strips, spreading it out so each melt gets that signature saucy taste. Place six slices of pepperoni on top of the sauce on each tortilla for a kick of spice and savory flavor. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top—because you can never have too much cheese in a pizza melt!
Step 5: Fold and Toast the Melts
Fold up the tortilla sides over the filling to make a snug, burrito-like package. Wipe out your skillet and heat it over medium-low, then place the wraps seam side down. Cook until golden and crisp, about five minutes per side, flipping halfway through so each side turns irresistibly crunchy and the cheese inside melts to perfection.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Transfer your toasted melts to a cutting board and let them cool for just a moment. Use a sharp knife to slice each one in half, revealing the luscious, cheesy, meaty layers inside. Now you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts
Garnishes
The right garnish takes these Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts from simple to standout. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and herby freshness. Love a little heat? Add a dusting of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey to take things up a notch.
Side Dishes
Turn your melts into a full meal with some classic sides. Think crisp Caesar salad, garlic parmesan fries, or a cheery Italian chopped salad. For dipping, serve with extra pizza sauce, ranch, or even a creamy garlic dip so each bite feels extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the sliced melts on a big wooden board for a family-style, pizza-night vibe. Or, tuck them into lunchboxes for a fun, portable treat. For parties, slice them into smaller portions and serve with toothpicks—they make irresistible finger food that’ll be gone in a flash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts, let them cool to room temperature first. Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps everything fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
Freezing
Want to get ahead on meal prep? You can freeze assembled but un-toasted melts individually in plastic wrap and stack them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and grill them up—nearly as good as fresh!
Reheating
To get the cheese melty and the tortilla crisp again, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid to trap the steam. Alternatively, warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Microwave in a pinch, but know the tortilla won’t be as crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie or grilled chicken instead of chicken burger patties?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works wonderfully here—just slice or shred it into strips so it layers well and absorbs that delicious pizza flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the melts from getting soggy?
Make sure your skillet is hot when toasting and don’t overload with sauce. The initial layer of cheese on the bottom helps form a barrier and keeps things crisp, just like a great pizza crust!
Can I make these Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken and pepperoni for roasted veggies and try a plant-based pepperoni or extra cheese for a delicious meat-free version.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
While mozzarella is classic, feel free to use provolone, smoked gouda, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor. A blend adds great depth and melty texture to your Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts.
How do I keep the tortilla from opening up when grilling?
Folding the sides tightly and starting seam-side down in the skillet helps seal everything in. If you’re worried, a toothpick can help secure them until the cheese melts and everything holds together.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts have that perfect combination of classic pizza flavors in a quick, crispy package that never fails to hit the spot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or whipping up a lunch for one, I hope this fun twist becomes a regular in your kitchen—give it a try and make it your own!
PrintChicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts Recipe
Chicken and Pepperoni Pizza Melts are a simple and delicious meal made with tortillas loaded with strips of grilled chicken, pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, and pizza sauce, then toasted until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is gooey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Ingredients
Frozen Chicken Burger Patties:
- 3 frozen chicken burger patties (I used Great Value brand)
Protein Tortilla Wraps:
- 3 large protein tortilla wraps (or any large tortilla of your choice if you don’t care about the protein content)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Pizza Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (I used Classico Traditional)
Pepperoni:
- 18 pepperoni slices (I used Fantino & Mondello)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken patties to the hot skillet. Cook for about six minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165F. Remove from skillet and cut each patty into 6 strips.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay out the tortillas and divide half of the shredded mozzarella between them. Place chicken strips on top, spoon pizza sauce over the chicken, add pepperoni slices, and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top. Fold up the sides to cover the filling.
- Cook the Wraps: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place wraps, seam side down, in the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes per side.
- Serve: Transfer wraps to a cutting board, slice in half, and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 725 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1522mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 63g
- Cholesterol: 118mg
