Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Mini Pita Pizzas

These kid-friendly mini pita pizzas are packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and melty cheese for a fun and nutritious dinner the whole family will love.

⏱ 30 min total 🥣 4 servings ⭐ Easy 🌍 American
Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Total30 min
Serves4

Ingredients

  • 4 mini whole wheat pita breads
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely diced zucchini
  • 1/4 cup finely diced carrots
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the mini pita breads on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the marinara sauce with the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the sauce evenly over each pita bread.
  3. Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, and corn. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Evenly distribute the cooked chicken pieces over the sauce on each pita.
  5. Top the chicken with the sautéed vegetables, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each mini pizza.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the pita are golden and crisp.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  8. Serve warm. These mini pizzas can be paired with a simple side salad or apple slices for a complete meal.

Chef tips

  • If you don’t have mini pitas, you can use English muffin halves or naan bread cut into smaller rounds.
  • For picky eaters, you can finely chop or grate the vegetables to help them blend in more smoothly with the toppings.
  • Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Feel free to switch marinara sauce with a mild tomato basil sauce or even a white garlic sauce for variety.

Pros

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Incorporates vegetables in a kid-friendly, familiar format.
  • Customizable with preferred veggies and proteins.

Cons / watch-outs

  • Mini pita pizzas might get a bit crispy quickly, so watch the oven closely to avoid burning.
  • May not be suitable for gluten-free diets without a specialty pita.

Diet & nutrition notes

Diet notes: This recipe is a good source of protein from chicken and calcium from cheese. To make it dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Nutrition note: Each serving provides approximately 320 calories, 22g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. The colorful vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal.

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