Spicy Chicken Puff Pastries

Growing up in Panama one of my favorite snack foods was spicy chicken puff pastries (pastelitos de pollo). The soft flaky pastry filled with bits of savory chicken pieces was such a treat, every time. Pastelitos de pollo are definitely street food, as well as very delicious.

Ahh memories!

Driving out to the countryside with my family, there were road stands along the way that sold chicken puff pastries. If I would have had it my way, I would have stopped at every single one. Now, as an adult, every time I make spicy chicken puff pastries the process takes me right back to my childhood.

For starters, I want to admit that I have NEVER made my own puff pastry. It's just one of those things, you know. I have watched it on YouTube, as well as on cooking shows, but I still buy it at the store.  To properly cut the puff pastry I use a biscuit cutter, and for added detail I use a fork to seal the edges. I need to tell you that I have this really cute  set of biscuit cutters, (affiliate link) crimped edges and everything. I use the 3" cutter to make these.

Versions around the world!

My beloved spicy chicken puff pastry holds similarities to the Turkish meat pastries I made last summer. I think I have mentioned before that just about every country in the world has their own version of a meat or a vegetable wrapped in a pastry. It's convenient, delicious, and portable!

Finally, savory puff pastry recipes are a favorite in my family. I prefer chicken, while my husband and son prefer the meat version (pastelitos de carne).

Spicy chicken puff pastries is a fun recipe to make with the kids because it's an assembly line process.  Just make sure you rotate the tasks; I speak from personal experience.

If you love Latin American food then you have to try some of my all time favorite dishes or bookmark them for later. Here are some of the very popular ethnic dishes, their history and ingredients to make at home.
Mexican Pork Carnitas: Make this in the slow cooker and then broil for crispy goodness.

Cuban Ropa Vieja: A true comfort food of slow cooked beef served over rice.

Recaito: This is a very intense cilantro based ingredient used in many Latin soups, stews and black beans.

Sofrito: You need to have this base ingredient for Latin style beans and shredded chicken.

Latin Style Black Beans: If you have never tried these you are missing out and they are so easy!

5 from 2 votes

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Spicy Chicken Puff Pastries

One of my favorite Latin recipes: Pastelitos de Pollo or spicy chicken in puff pasty is a delicious and easy street food you can make at home.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Latin American

Keyword baking, chopped, Mexican food, pastelitos, Puerto Rican, puff pastry, pulled chicken

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings: Change to adjust-> 10 pieces

Calories 209 kcal

Author Analida Braeger

Ingredients

• 11 oz puff pastry 1 package
• 6 oz chicken breast boneless, skinless
• 2 tsp olive oil
• ¼ cup onion chopped
• 1 garlic clove minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp cilantro chopped
• 1 egg plus 1 Tbsp water for brushing on as the egg wash

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375'F
2. In a skillet, on medium heat, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add chicken, and sprinkle with salt, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Turn heat to low, add water, tomato paste, and cilantro. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and transfer to a cutting board. Allow the chicken to cool, then cut into small pieces.
4. Cut circles into the puff pastry using the 3" biscuit cutter.
5. Brush the bottom circle with egg wash, then place a small amount of the filling in the center of the circle, and cover with another circle. Crimp edges using the tines of a fork.
6. Brush with egg wash.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

Spicy Chicken Puff Pastries

Amount Per Serving

Calories 209 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 27mg9%

Sodium 234mg10%

Potassium 110mg3%

Carbohydrates 14g5%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 105IU2%

Vitamin C 0.9mg1%

Calcium 6mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.