Wheat Pizza Pockets with Chicken Filling: A Tasty, Wholesome Snack
If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious snack that is easy to make and bursting with flavor, these Wheat Pizza Pockets with Chicken Filling are a must-try. Packed with lean chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a melty blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, these pizza pockets are a wholesome alternative to regular pizza. With the added benefit of using whole wheat flour, this recipe is not only flavorful but also loaded with fiber, making it a perfect snack for those who are conscious about their health.
This recipe offers a simple step-by-step guide on how to create these savory pockets from scratch. From making the dough to assembling the pockets and baking them to a golden crisp, you’ll be enjoying these pockets in no time. Pair them with a tangy roasted tomato sauce or a refreshing Spicy Chilli Mango Virgin Mojito for the ultimate snack experience!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Continental
- Course: Appetizer
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Lukewarm Water | ¼ cup (+ extra if needed) |
| Active Dry Yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
For the Chicken Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken (cut into small pieces) | 300 grams |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, chopped) | ⅓ cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum, chopped) | ⅓ cup |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum, chopped) | ⅓ cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic (minced) | 5 cloves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Homemade Pizza & Pasta Sauce | 3 tablespoons |
For the Assembly:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella Cheese | ½ cup |
| Ricotta Cheese | ½ cup |
| Milk (for brushing) | As needed |
| Dried Oregano | To taste |
| Pizza Seasoning | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast and sugar. Pour the lukewarm water over the mixture, stirring gently. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast begins to bubble and foam. If the mixture doesn’t foam, discard and start over with fresh yeast.
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Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, add the whole wheat flour and salt. Use your fingers to combine the ingredients. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients come together to form a dough.
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Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour as you knead.
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Proof the Dough: Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Set it aside in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours to allow the dough to rise and double in size.
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Punch Down and Final Knead: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air trapped inside. Knead for another 2 minutes to smooth it out. The pizza dough is now ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
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Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Add the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
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Add the Bell Peppers: Stir in the green, red, and yellow bell peppers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender but still crisp.
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Add Sauce and Season: Once the mixture cools, add the pizza sauce and mix well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be careful not to add too much sauce, as excess moisture may cause the pizza pockets to burst during baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pockets
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Shape the Dough: Take small portions of the dough and roll each one into a ball. Flatten each ball into a round shape about 4-5 inches in diameter. You can make mini-sized pockets or larger ones, depending on your preference.
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Fill the Dough: Sprinkle the ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture on top of each flattened dough circle. Add a spoonful of the chicken and vegetable mixture on top of the cheese. Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top and season with dried oregano and pizza seasoning.
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Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the pocket. Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits on top of each pocket to allow steam to escape during baking.
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Place on a Baking Tray: Arrange the filled pockets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
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Brush with Milk: Lightly brush the tops of each pocket with milk for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza Pockets
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Bake: Place the pizza pockets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the pockets from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. These pockets pair wonderfully with a side of roasted tomato sauce or a refreshing Spicy Chilli Mango Virgin Mojito for an evening snack.
Serving Suggestions:
These Wheat Pizza Pockets with Chicken Filling make for a great appetizer or snack, perfect for a cozy evening at home or a fun gathering with friends and family. For a complete meal, serve them with a side salad or dip into a rich tomato sauce.
Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful pockets, and don’t forget to experiment with different fillings like vegetables, meats, or your favorite pizza toppings!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
With these Wheat Pizza Pockets with Chicken Filling, you can indulge in a nutritious, homemade snack that’s both satisfying and health-conscious. The blend of whole wheat flour and lean chicken, combined with fresh vegetables and creamy cheeses, makes this dish an irresistible treat. Enjoy!
