High Protein Chicken Hot Pockets
Skip the freezer aisle and make these cheesy, high protein chicken hot pockets at home in the air fryer. Stuffed with pesto, mozzarella, and sundried tomatoes, they’re quick, crispy, and seriously satisfying.
High Protein Chicken Hot Pockets
Remember those frozen hot pockets from childhood? These are like the glow-up version — cheesy, herby, and packed with protein. They’re made with ground chicken instead of dough, so you get all the melty, comfort food vibes without the crash.
Toss them in the air fryer and you’ve got a crispy, golden pocket stuffed with pesto, mozzarella, and sundried tomatoes in under 20 minutes. Basically… freezer aisle nostalgia, but make it healthy.
If you love high protein chicken recipes you may also enjoy my Chicken Crust Pizza or my Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas.
Simple Ingredients You Need For The High Protein Chicken Hot Pockets
You will need the full ingredient list below to make this high-protein snack (the exact measurements, nutritional information, macros and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):
Ground chicken (about 450 g) – lean and full of protein, or swap for ground turkey.
Paprika – adds a smoky depth.
Garlic powder – because garlic makes everything better.
Italian seasoning – for that herby, pizza-pocket feel.
Salt + black pepper.
Pesto – classic basil pesto, or try sundried tomato pesto for a fun twist.
Light mozzarella cheese – melty, stretchy perfection.
Fresh spinach
Sundried tomatoes – chopped small for bursts of flavor.
Red onion – thinly sliced for just the right bite.
Parmesan cheese – nutty and salty.
Optional – other spices, gluten-free breadcrumbs, oregano, marinara sauce, pepperoni, etc.
How To Make The Best Homemade Chicken Hot Pockets
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface and spread the chicken mixture on top.
Lay a second sheet of parchment over the chicken and roll it into a thin rectangle using a rolling pin.
Remove the top sheet of parchment and add the toppings to one half of the chicken rectangle (pesto, mozzarella, spinach, sundried tomatoes, and red onion).
Fold the parchment over so the chicken layer covers the toppings, forming a sealed pocket.
Press the edges with a fork to secure and fully seal the hot pocket.
Sprinkle parmesan over the top, gently pressing to help them adhere.
Transfer to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Repeat the process for the second hot pocket.
Slice and serve warm.
Tips And Tricks For Best Results
Seal well: Press the edges of the chicken firmly so the filling doesn’t ooze out.
Switch up fillings: Try spinach + feta, buffalo chicken + cheddar, or even a pizza-style filling with marinara and pepperoni.
Don’t skip the topping: The parmesan + optional breadcrumb crust gives the best crunch.
Air fryer magic: Cooking in the air fryer keeps them juicy on the inside but crispy on the outside.
Meal prep win: Make a batch ahead and reheat in the air fryer for a quick protein-packed snack or meal.
High Protein Chicken Hot Pockets
Ingredients
- 450 g ground chicken
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp pesto
- spinach
- red onion
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface and add half the chicken mixture on top. This recipe makes 2 chicken hot pockets so use half the ingredients for everything.
- Lay a second sheet of parchment over the chicken and roll it into a thin rectangle using a rolling pin.
- Remove the top sheet of parchment and add half the toppings to one half of the chicken rectangle (pesto, spinach, red onion, sundried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese).
- Fold the parchment over so the chicken layer covers the toppings, forming a sealed pocket.
- Press the edges with a fork to secure and fully seal the hot pocket.
- Sprinkle half the parmesan over the top, gently pressing to help them adhere.
- Transfer to the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Repeat the process for the second hot pocket. Slice and serve warm.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
Storing Hotpockets
Store cooked hot pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes until hot and crispy.
You can also freeze them individually wrapped in parchment and reheat straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Faqs
Can I bake these instead of putting them in the airfryer?
Yes! Bake in the oven at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely — it works the same way and is just as delicious. It will just yield more of a turkey flavor crust.
Can I make the chicken hot pockets ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble these ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them (cooked or uncooked) and reheat straight in the air fryer when ready.
Other High Protein Meals You May Enjoy!
- Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
- Easy Air Fryer Hamburgers (Quick And Juicy)
- Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Chicken Bites
- Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
- Steak Stir Fry
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Protein Mac And Cheese
- Greek Chicken Bowl
- Chicken Carcass Soup
- McChicken Tacos Recipe
- Easy Cajun Shrimp Tacos
IF YOU TRIED THESE HOT POCKETS FOR BUSY DAYS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THESE LOW CALORIE HOT POCKETS ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails
About Bailey
I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…
