Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Hot Pockets

These Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Hot Pockets are the perfect balance of savory chicken, tender broccoli, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. The combination of textures makes each bite satisfying, whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or packing them for a delicious lunch.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the filling to suit your tastes – add extra cheese, switch up the veggies, or use a different type of dough for a unique twist. These hot pockets are incredibly easy to make, and the best part is that they can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for busy days. Whether you’re baking them fresh or reheating leftovers, these cheesy pockets will always hit the spot.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package puff pastry sheets (or pre-made pizza dough)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Steam the broccoli florets until tender, then chop them into small pieces.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll out the puff pastry or pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
Cut the dough into squares or rectangles (about 4 inches by 4 inches).
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken and broccoli mixture onto the center of each dough square.
Fold the dough over to create a pocket, sealing the edges with a fork.
Place the hot pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re a 90s kid, you probably remember the classic hot pocket, filled with all sorts of questionable fillings. But these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Hot Pockets are the opposite. The flavor combination of sharp cheddar, creamy cream cheese, and nutty parmesan will take you back in time, while the rotisserie chicken and broccoli provide a satisfying, healthier alternative. It’s the perfect fusion of nostalgia and convenience, with grown-up flavors you’ll love.

The dough, made from crescent roll sheets, bakes up into a beautifully golden and crispy crust, brushed with a mixture of egg white, garlic salt, and parmesan. It’s everything you want from a hot pocket – cheesy, crispy, and filling. Plus, they’re super easy to make. Just mix the filling, assemble, and bake!

How to Make It

The process is simple and requires only a few ingredients. Start by preheating your oven and mixing together the filling ingredients. The combination of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked rotisserie chicken, and broccoli creates the perfect creamy and cheesy filling.

Once the filling is ready, roll out your crescent roll dough and fill one side with the mixture. Seal it, brush the top with an egg wash, and sprinkle with garlic salt and parmesan. Bake until golden brown, and voilà – you have delicious homemade Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Hot Pockets. The best part is that they only take about 30 minutes to make, making them a great last-minute meal or snack.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly customizable. If you don’t have one ingredient, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to swap things out without sacrificing flavor.

Cream Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or goat cheese for a different texture and flavor.
Broccoli: Not into broccoli? You can easily replace it with other cooked greens like spinach, kale, or even zucchini.
Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to use other types of cheese that melt well, such as mozzarella, colby jack, or pepper jack, if you want to add a little kick.
Chicken: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken or use another protein source, like turkey or even bacon. You could also substitute the chicken with extra veggies for a completely vegetarian dish.
Dough: The recipe uses crescent roll dough, which gives the perfect flaky texture, but if you prefer a different dough, you can easily swap it out for pizza dough or puff pastry.
Egg: While brushing the hot pockets with egg wash helps create a beautifully golden crust, you can skip this step if you prefer not to use eggs. A quick sprinkle of olive oil will still yield a nice, crispy finish.
Parmesan and Garlic Salt: You can experiment with other cheeses and seasonings. Pecorino Romano is a great alternative to parmesan, and you can always use regular garlic powder with a pinch of salt instead of garlic salt.

Serving Suggestions

While these hot pockets are delicious on their own, pairing them with other sides can elevate the meal. Consider serving them with a light salad, crispy roasted vegetables, or some tangy dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.

Some great side dishes that pair well with Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Hot Pockets include:

Easy Dill Pickle Potato Salad (a tangy side that complements the richness of the hot pockets)
Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts (a crunchy, savory side)
Easy Italian Broccoli Pasta (a fresh, herby pasta dish to bring in some Italian flavors)
Lemony Boursin Chicken Meatballs (a light but flavorful protein-packed side)
Cheesy Asparagus Orzo (a cheesy pasta side with green vegetables)

All of these sides are easy to make and complement the hot pockets well, creating a complete meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack.

Storage and Leftovers

One of the best things about these Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Hot Pockets is how well they store. You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 375°F to restore their golden crispiness. They’re also perfect for meal prep, as you can make a batch ahead of time and have them ready to go for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Hot Pockets are the ultimate comfort food, combining nostalgic flavors with modern upgrades. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With customizable filling options and a golden, flaky crust, these hot pockets are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re reminiscing about the 90s or just looking for a quick and delicious meal, these hot pockets will hit the spot.

They’re perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or as a fun snack to share with friends. The combination of gooey cheese, tender chicken, and crispy dough makes them a hit every time. Try them out today and fall in love with this upgraded classic!