Leftover Pizza Chicken Sandwich (Printable)

A flavorful sandwich using cold pizza, shredded chicken, arugula, and melted cheese for a quick, satisfying meal.

# Components:

→ Sandwich

01 - 4 cold leftover pizza slices (any variety, similar size and thickness)
02 - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
03 - 1 cup fresh arugula
04 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
05 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or softened butter (for grilling)

→ Seasonings

07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - Pinch of salt (optional, depending on pizza saltiness)

# Method:

01 - Place two pizza slices crust-side down on a cutting board. Optionally, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of each slice for added moisture and flavor.
02 - Evenly distribute shredded chicken atop each pizza slice. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed.
03 - Top the chicken with a generous handful of fresh arugula, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend.
04 - Cover with the remaining pizza slices, crust-side up, to complete two sandwiches.
05 - Heat olive oil or softened butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
06 - Carefully place sandwiches in the skillet. Press gently with a spatula and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until cheese melts and pizza crust turns golden and crisp.
07 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest for one minute. Slice in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms sad, cold pizza into something hot, melty, and legitimately exciting for lunch.
  • Takes about as long to make as it takes to warm up the skillet—perfect when you're hungry and impatient.
  • Uses ingredients you probably already have scattered around your kitchen, no fancy shopping required.
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend—too high and your crust burns before the cheese finishes melting, too low and you get soggy sadness instead of crispy triumph.
  • Cold pizza in a hot pan is going to release steam, so don't be alarmed by the sizzle and don't cover it with a lid unless you actually want a steam bath.
03 -
  • The skillet needs to be nonstick or well-seasoned because you're going to need to flip these without them falling apart, and wrestling with a stuck sandwich is the opposite of the vibe you're going for.
  • If your pizza slices are thick and fluffy, you might need an extra 30 seconds per side—watch for the cheese starting to peek out the sides as your signal that things are getting done.
Return