BBQ Chicken Pizza Phyllo Bites
Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, these BBQ Chicken Pizza Phyllo Bites are the ultimate quick-fix appetizer. Ready in just 6 minutes, they’re perfect for parties, weeknight snacks, or game-day spreads. With lean protein, reduced carbs, and a satisfying crunch, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl (medium size)
- 1 spoon for mixing
- 1 Baking sheet
- 2 Boxes mini phyllo shells (30 shells total)
- 1 Oven (preheated to 400°F / 200°C)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast diced
- 2 boxes 30 total mini phyllo shells
- ½ cup smoked gouda cheese grated
- ½ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons red onion finely diced
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat completely. A properly heated oven ensures that the phyllo shells bake evenly, crisp up quickly, and achieve the perfect golden color without overcooking the filling.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken breast with the barbecue sauce. Stir thoroughly so each piece of chicken is evenly coated. The sauce should lightly cling to the chicken, ensuring consistent smoky-sweet flavor in every bite.
- Arrange the Phyllo Shells: Place the mini phyllo shells in a single layer on a baking sheet. Space them slightly apart so hot air can circulate around each shell, helping them crisp evenly. Handle gently since phyllo shells are delicate and can crack easily.
- Fill with Chicken Mixture: Using a teaspoon, carefully spoon the barbecue chicken mixture into each shell. Aim to fill generously without overflowing, as this will help maintain the shells’ crispness and make them easier to serve. Distribute the mixture evenly so all 30 shells are filled consistently.
- Add the Onion and Cheeses: Sprinkle a few pieces of finely diced red onion over the chicken in each shell. Follow by topping with grated smoked gouda and mozzarella cheeses, dividing them evenly. Gouda provides smoky richness, while mozzarella adds the melty, stretchy texture.
- Bake Until Golden and Melty: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 6 minutes. Watch closely — the cheese should be fully melted and lightly golden on top, and the phyllo shells should be crisp around the edges. Avoid overbaking to prevent the shells from becoming too dark.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven and let them rest for 1–2 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. Top each shell with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast. Serve warm and crisp for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use small, evenly diced chicken so each bite has balanced flavor.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Choose a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce for the best flavor balance.
- Handle phyllo shells carefully as they are fragile and can crack easily.
- Bake just until the cheese is melted and the shells are golden to avoid over-browning.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro right before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
- Best enjoyed warm from the oven for maximum crispness.
