Save I stumbled on this idea one late night when I opened the fridge and found two lonely slices of pepperoni pizza next to a container of shredded rotisserie chicken. Instead of reheating them separately, I folded the pizza around the chicken, buttered the outside, and pressed it into a hot skillet like a grilled cheese. The crust crisped up beautifully, the cheese melted into the chicken, and I stood there eating it over the sink, wondering why I hadn't thought of this sooner. It tasted like comfort food reinvented, and I've been making it ever since whenever I have leftover pizza.
The first time I made this for my roommate, she laughed at the concept until she took a bite and went completely silent. She finished hers in about four bites, then immediately asked if we had any more pizza left. We didn't, but the next weekend she bought an extra pizza just so we could have leftovers to fold into grilled cheese sandwiches the next day. It became our Sunday night ritual for a while, each of us experimenting with different pizza toppings and adding whatever protein we had around.
Ingredients
- Leftover pizza slices: Use sturdy slices with a crust that can hold up to folding, thinner crusts can tear, so save those delicate Neapolitan slices for reheating in the oven instead.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect here because it's already seasoned and juicy, but any leftover cooked chicken works, just shred it finely so it spreads evenly.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar: This is optional but adds extra melt and richness, mozzarella keeps it classic while cheddar brings a sharper, bolder flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads easily on the crust and creates that golden, crispy exterior, salted butter works too but can make it a bit too salty depending on your pizza.
Instructions
- Prep the pizza:
- Lay your cold pizza slice on a cutting board with the cheese side facing up. This makes it easier to see where you're adding the filling and helps you fold it evenly without tearing the crust.
- Add the filling:
- Spread half a cup of shredded chicken over the cheese, then sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top if you want it extra gooey. Press gently so the filling sticks and doesn't slide out when you fold.
- Fold it up:
- Fold the pizza slice in half like a taco, pressing the edges together gently to seal the filling inside. Don't press too hard or the crust might crack, just enough to hold its shape.
- Butter the outside:
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, then spread a tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each folded pizza. You want an even coat so it toasts uniformly and gets crispy all over.
- Toast the first side:
- Place the folded pizzas in the skillet, buttered side down, and cook for three to four minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. You'll hear a gentle sizzle, that's when you know it's working.
- Flip and finish:
- Flip carefully with a spatula, pressing gently to flatten it slightly, then toast the other side for another three to four minutes. The cheese inside should be fully melted and the crust should be evenly golden on both sides.
- Serve hot:
- Remove from the pan and let it cool for about a minute so you don't burn your mouth. Slice in half and serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and the crust is crispy.
Save One rainy Saturday afternoon, I made this for my nephew who was convinced he didn't like leftovers. He watched me fold the pizza with suspicion, but when I handed him half of the finished sandwich, he took one cautious bite and his eyes went wide. He ate both halves without saying a word, then asked if we could make it again for dinner. It's been his favorite snack ever since, and he's stopped complaining about leftovers entirely.
Best Pizza Styles to Use
Pepperoni, veggie, and BBQ chicken pizzas work beautifully because they have bold flavors that stand up to the added chicken and extra toasting. Avoid pizzas with too many wet toppings like fresh tomatoes or pineapple, as they can make the fold soggy and hard to crisp up. If your pizza has a thin or delicate crust, consider using two slices stacked together for extra structure.
Flavor Boosters and Add Ins
A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside before folding adds a nice kick without overpowering the pizza's original flavor. Fresh basil, arugula, or spinach tucked into the fold brings a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. You can also brush a little garlic butter on the outside instead of plain butter for extra savory depth.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
This is delicious on its own, but dipping it in warm marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli takes it to another level. Serve it with a simple side salad or some crispy pickles to cut through the richness and add a little crunch. It also pairs well with a cold beer or a sparkling water with lime if you want to keep it casual and satisfying.
- Try serving it with a handful of tortilla chips and salsa for a fun Tex Mex vibe.
- Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup for a nostalgic grilled cheese and soup combo.
- Cut it into smaller pieces and serve as party appetizers with a variety of dipping sauces.
Save This recipe has become my go to solution for leftover pizza, turning something ordinary into a meal that feels exciting and indulgent. I hope it brings you the same joy it's brought to my kitchen, one crispy, cheesy bite at a time.
Recipe Help
- → What type of pizza works best for this dish?
Use sturdy crust pizza slices like pepperoni, veggie, or BBQ chicken for optimal folding and to withstand toasting.
- → Can I add extra cheese inside the folded pizza?
Yes, adding shredded mozzarella or cheddar inside enhances the melty texture and flavor.
- → How do I achieve a crispy crust when grilling?
Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of the folded pizza before toasting to create a golden, crispy crust.
- → Is it necessary to use cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, use pre-cooked shredded chicken such as rotisserie or leftover to ensure the filling is ready and safe to eat.
- → What additional seasonings or dips complement this sandwich?
Fresh herbs inside or a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing add extra flavor and moisture to the grilled cheese.