The craving is real! I gotta make those delicious chicken pockets again. They were so good, and I haven’t been able to get them off my mind. Here’s what goes into this cheesy, spicy goodness:
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Poaching them in simmering water with a bay leaf and some peppercorns keeps them juicy and flavorful. Once cooked, I shred them with two forks for nice, chunky pieces.
- Creamy Filling: Softened cream cheese is the base. A generous amount, about the same amount of chicken I use (3 for 3!), gets whipped until smooth. Then comes the heat! I love a good hot sauce, and I usually add about a cup and a half, but you can adjust this to your spice preference.
- Flavorful Extras: Green onions are a must for me. They add a nice freshness that cuts through the richness. I chop them finely, but some people like bigger pieces – it’s all about what you prefer!
- Cheesy Goodness: Mozzarella is my usual go-to for these pockets, but a sharp cheddar can also be a fun twist. I shred a good amount of cheese to create a melty, gooey center.
- Bringing it Together: A quick pan fry is all it takes to get these pockets golden brown and crispy. I heat up a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. A warmed flour tortilla gets filled with the creamy chicken mixture – don’t be shy,pile it in there! I fold the tortilla in half like a crescent moon, sealing the edges with a fork to prevent any leakage.
- Microwave Hack: To get a head start on melting the cheese, I sometimes give the filled pockets a quick zap in the microwave for about 40 seconds. Then, they hit the pan for a beautiful golden brown finish and a crispy shell.
Here are some of the benefits of this chicken pocket recipe:
- Easy and Quick: The recipe uses readily available ingredients and comes together with minimal prep work.Poaching the chicken and using pre-made tortillas keeps things simple.
- Customizable Heat: You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference, making it enjoyable for everyone.
- Adaptable Cheese: The recipe allows you to choose between mozzarella or cheddar cheese, depending on your desired flavor profile.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken breasts, cream cheese, tortillas, and hot sauce are all commonly found ingredients that are generally affordable.
- Leftover Friendly: If you have leftover cooked chicken, this recipe is a great way to use it up.
- Meal or Appetizer: The portion size can be adjusted to make it a satisfying meal or a delicious appetizer.
- Microwave Hack: The microwave trick helps pre-melt the cheese for an even more gooey center and reduces overall cooking time.