Wheat Pizza Pockets Recipe Baked with Chicken Filling
Description
Wheat Pizza Pockets with Chicken Filling offer a delicious and healthy twist on your typical pizza pocket. Made with whole wheat flour and filled with a savory mixture of chicken, bell peppers, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese, these pockets are perfect as a snack or appetizer. The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight, while the chicken filling can be prepared in advance, saving you time when you’re ready to bake. This recipe combines the goodness of whole wheat with the indulgence of cheesy goodness, perfect for satisfying your cravings.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1-1/2 cups |
| Lukewarm Water | 1/4 cup (+ extra if needed) |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Boneless Chicken | 300 grams, cut into small pieces |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/3 cup, chopped |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/3 cup, chopped |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/3 cup, chopped |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, minced |
| Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Ricotta Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for stuffing) | 2 teaspoons |
| Milk | For brushing |
| Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce | 3 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 120 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 140 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a small bowl, combine active dry yeast, sugar, and lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t activate, discard and start fresh with new yeast.
- In a separate large bowl, add the whole wheat flour and salt, mixing them together. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
- Begin kneading the dough in the bowl for 5-10 minutes until it forms a dough. Transfer it to a clean, lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough on the countertop for another 5 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.
- Once kneaded, place the dough in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Stuffing
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan (Kadai). Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing them for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the boneless chicken pieces and cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers (green, red, and yellow), and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Once the filling cools down, add 2 teaspoons of homemade pizza sauce and stir well. Avoid adding too much sauce to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pockets
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Punch down the dough after it has risen, releasing any air trapped inside. Gently knead the dough for another 2 minutes.
- Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and roll them out into small circles. You can make mini pizza pockets or larger ones, depending on your preference.
- On each dough circle, sprinkle a mixture of ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
- Add a spoonful of the chicken and bell pepper mixture on top of the cheese. Sprinkle more cheese on top of the filling, and season with black pepper powder and dried oregano.
- Carefully fold each dough circle in half, sealing the edges well by pressing them together. You can use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure they are tightly sealed.
- Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on the top of each pocket to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza Pockets
- Place the assembled pizza pockets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Brush the tops of each pocket with milk to help them turn golden and crisp while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, remove the pizza pockets from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve your Wheat Pizza Pockets Baked with Chicken Filling with a side of roasted tomato sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. For an extra refreshing touch, pair it with a Spicy Chilli Mango Virgin Mojito for a perfect evening snack. These pizza pockets also make an excellent party appetizer or a fun treat for family gatherings.
Enjoy your healthy and delicious homemade Wheat Pizza Pockets with Chicken Filling!
