Save I was standing in front of the fridge at midnight, staring at two cold pizza slices and a container of leftover chicken, when it hit me. What if the pizza became the bread? It sounded ridiculous, but I was hungry and curious. Ten minutes later, I had created something that felt like a guilty secret and a genius move all at once. That first bite, crispy and melty and completely over the top, made me laugh out loud in my quiet kitchen.
The first time I made this for my roommate, she thought I was joking. But after one bite, she went silent, then immediately asked if we had more pizza in the fridge. We didnt, and she genuinely looked disappointed. Now, whenever we order pizza, we always get extra slices just so we can make these the next day. Its become our little tradition, born from a midnight experiment that shouldnt have worked but absolutely did.
Ingredients
- Cold leftover pizza slices: The foundation of this whole thing, use slices that are similar in size so your sandwich holds together evenly and grills uniformly.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here because its already seasoned and juicy, but any leftover cooked chicken will do the job.
- Fresh arugula: The peppery bite cuts through all the richness and adds a freshness that makes this feel less heavy than it sounds.
- Shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend: This is your glue and your gooey factor, dont skip it or the sandwich just wont melt together the same way.
- Mayonnaise: Optional, but it adds moisture and helps the inside stay creamy while the outside crisps up.
- Olive oil or softened butter: For grilling the outside to golden, crispy perfection without sticking to the pan.
- Freshly ground black pepper and salt: Just a little to wake up the chicken, but go easy on salt since pizza is usually salty enough on its own.
Instructions
- Prep the Pizza Slices:
- Lay two slices crust-side down on your cutting board. If youre using mayo, spread a thin layer on the inside of each slice now, it keeps everything moist and adds a subtle tang.
- Layer the Chicken:
- Divide the shredded chicken evenly between the two slices and season lightly with black pepper. Taste your pizza first, if its already salty, skip the extra salt entirely.
- Add Arugula and Cheese:
- Pile on a generous handful of arugula, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Dont be shy with the cheese, its what holds everything together when it melts.
- Close the Sandwiches:
- Top each with another pizza slice, crust-side up, pressing down gently so the fillings settle in place.
- Heat the Skillet:
- Warm your olive oil or butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesnt smoke.
- Grill the Sandwiches:
- Place the sandwiches carefully in the skillet and press gently with a spatula. Cook for three to four minutes per side until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden and crispy.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove from the skillet and let the sandwiches rest for one minute so the cheese sets slightly. Slice in half and serve while theyre still warm and gooey.
Save One Saturday morning, I made these for my nephew, who had declared himself too cool for leftovers. He took one bite, paused, then said, This is actually fire, which is the highest compliment a twelve year old can give. He ended up eating both sandwiches and asking if we could make them again for lunch. It was one of those small moments that reminded me how food can surprise you, no matter how simple or silly the idea seems at first.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you get the hang of the basic version, this sandwich becomes a playground. Toss your chicken in barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist, or mix it with buffalo sauce and add a drizzle of ranch inside. I once stirred pesto into the shredded chicken and used fresh basil instead of arugula, and it tasted like something from a fancy cafe. You can also swap the chicken entirely for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms if you want to keep it vegetarian. The beauty of this recipe is that it bends to whatever you have on hand or whatever mood youre in.
What Pizza Works Best
Honestly, almost any pizza works, but thicker crust slices hold up better during grilling and give you more structure to bite into. Thin crust can get a little too crispy and fragile, though it still tastes great if you handle it gently. I love using leftover pepperoni or margherita pizza because the flavors already complement the chicken and cheese. If your slices are wildly different sizes, just trim them a bit so they stack evenly, it makes flipping and eating so much easier.
Serving and Storage Tips
These sandwiches are best eaten fresh and hot, right out of the skillet while the cheese is still melty. If you do have leftovers, wrap them tightly and refrigerate, then reheat in a skillet over medium low heat to bring back some of that crispness. Microwaving will make them soggy, so avoid it if you can. Serve with a side of warm marinara for dipping, or keep it simple with a handful of chips and a pickle.
- Try dipping in marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a simple side salad to balance out the richness.
- These travel surprisingly well if wrapped in foil and eaten within an hour.
Save This sandwich is proof that some of the best recipes come from standing in front of the fridge and just going for it. I hope it brings you the same kind of joy it brought me, whether its a late night snack or a weekend lunch that makes everyone smile.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use any type of leftover pizza for this sandwich?
Yes, any pizza type works best if the slices are similar in size and thickness to ensure even grilling and easy handling.
- → What are good alternatives to arugula in this sandwich?
Baby spinach, fresh basil, or mixed salad greens can easily replace arugula depending on your flavor preference.
- → How do I ensure the sandwich crisps well without burning?
Cook over medium heat using enough olive oil or butter, pressing gently and flipping after 3–4 minutes to achieve a golden crust without burning.
- → Can I prepare this sandwich without chicken?
Absolutely, roasted or sautéed vegetables make a great alternative to keep it flavorful and hearty.
- → Is mayonnaise necessary in the assembly?
Mayonnaise is optional; it adds moisture and flavor but can be omitted or replaced with a spread of your choice.