Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 slices crispy bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Dough and Topping
- 1 sheet puff pastry or 1 portion pizza dough (about 12 x 8 inches)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Variations and Add-ons
- Chopped jalapeños or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Substitute roasted vegetables for chicken (vegetarian version)
- Low-carb tortilla or cloud bread (low-carb option)
- Alternative cheeses such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Shred or dice cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, chopped crispy bacon, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses, tossing gently to create a rich and creamy filling.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a clean surface, lay out your puff pastry or pizza dough and roll into a rectangle approximately 12 by 8 inches. Ensure the dough is thin enough to wrap around the filling without tearing but thick enough to hold the ingredients securely.
- Assemble the Bake: Evenly spread the chicken filling over one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to seal. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling carefully. Press the edges together by pinching or pressing with a fork to seal and prevent leakage during baking.
- Brush and Score the Dough: Brush the top surface of the dough with melted butter or olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy crust. Lightly score the top with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape and keep the crust flaky.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling and melted.
Notes
- Use warm chicken when mixing to help the cheese melt evenly in the filling.
- Do not overfill the dough to avoid bursting or leakage during baking.
- Freeze the assembled but unbaked chicken bake for 15 minutes before baking for easier slicing and cleaner edges.
- For extra shine and color, brush the dough with a beaten egg instead of butter before baking.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free dough)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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