Chickaritos
Chickaritos are flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken pastries filled with seasoned cooked chicken, green chilies, onions, and cheese. Crispy and golden, they are perfect as appetizers or snacks, offering a spicy, cheesy bite that pairs well with salsa and guacamole for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 4 oz diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- pastry sheets thawed
- 1 (17 1/4 oz) box frozen pastry sheets thawed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- water ⓘ
- salsa
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chopped cooked chicken, diced green chilies, chopped green onions, shredded Cheddar cheese, hot pepper sauce, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
- Mix well and chill until ready to use.
- Remove half of the pastry from the refrigerator at a time.
- On a floured surface, roll each portion into a 9 x 12-inch rectangle.
- Cut the rectangle into 9 small rectangles.
- Place 2 tablespoons of filling across the center of each rectangle.
- Wet the edges of each rectangle with water and roll the pastry around the filling to seal.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to secure.
- Place the filled pastries seam side down on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot with salsa and guacamole.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier filling, consider adding diced jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of sharp Cheddar. If you don't have pastry sheets, you can use flour tortilla dumplings for a different texture. Make sure to keep the filling mixture chilled until you're ready to assemble to prevent the pastry from getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chickaritos hot with a side of salsa and guacamole for dipping. They pair beautifully with Judy's Tortilla Soup for a complete meal. Consider adding a fresh salad or some Mexican rice as a side to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chickaritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring they retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chickaritos contains roughly 61 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Chickaritos before baking?
Yes, you can freeze assembled Chickaritos before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for green chilies?
If you don't have green chilies, you can substitute with diced bell peppers or even a mild salsa for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
How can I make Chickaritos vegetarian?
To make Chickaritos vegetarian, simply replace the cooked chicken with a mixture of black beans, corn, and additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini. This will keep the filling hearty and satisfying while being meat-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).