Leftover Pizza Chicken Sandwich (Print View)

A creative sandwich with pizza slices, shredded chicken, peppery arugula, and melted cheese for bold flavors.

# Components:

→ Sandwich

01 - 4 cold leftover pizza slices
02 - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
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)

# Directions:

01 - Place two pizza slices crust-side down on a cutting board. Optionally, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each slice's inside for added moisture and flavor.
02 - Evenly distribute shredded chicken across each slice. Season with black pepper and salt if desired.
03 - Layer each with a generous handful of arugula, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
04 - Cover the fillings with the remaining two pizza slices, crust-side up, forming two sandwiches.
05 - Warm olive oil or butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
06 - Place sandwiches into the skillet. Press gently with a spatula and cook 3–4 minutes per side until cheese melts and crust turns golden and crispy.
07 - Remove sandwiches from skillet, let rest for one minute, then slice in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the ultimate zero-waste move that actually tastes luxurious, not like you're scraping by with scraps.
  • The whole thing takes twenty minutes from fridge to plate, making it perfect for when you want something indulgent without the production.
  • Your leftover pizza gets a redemption arc that feels like culinary genius but requires almost zero skill.
02 -
  • If your pizza slices are too thin or fragile, they'll fall apart in the pan, so check their structure first and consider using thicker slices from a deeper-dish pizza.
  • Don't skip the resting step or that gentle press with the spatula—these small moves keep your sandwich intact instead of turning it into a melted mess.
03 -
  • Tear your arugula into smaller pieces by hand rather than leaving long stems—it's easier to eat in a sandwich and distributes more evenly.
  • If your leftover pizza has toppings you're not excited about, just wipe them off before assembling—the crust is doing all the heavy lifting here.
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