Description
Salsa Biscuit Chicken Pockets
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp taco seasoning
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits)
Directions
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, salsa, black beans, cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning until well combined.
Flatten the biscuits: On a floured surface, flatten each biscuit into a 4-5 inch round.
Fill and seal: Place 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in the center of each biscuit. Fold the edges over and pinch tightly to seal.
Bake: Place the stuffed biscuits seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a side of Spanish rice or a fresh salad!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 pockets
Calories: 210 kcal per pocket
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, salsa, black beans, shredded cheddar, and taco seasoning. 3. On a lightly floured surface, use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten each refrigerated biscuit into a circle about 4-5 inches wide. 4. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of each biscuit round. 5. Carefully gather the edges of the biscuit dough up and over the filling, pinching them firmly together at the top to create a sealed pocket. Ensure no filling is leaking. 6. Place each pocket seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is puffed and a deep golden brown. 8. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile pockets pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a fresh garden salad with cilantro-lime dressing, a scoop of Spanish rice, or creamy cilantro-lime coleslaw. For dipping, offer extra salsa, cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, or a quick ranch dressing mixed with a dash of taco seasoning.
How-to Summary
Create a flavorful chicken and salsa filling, stuff it into flattened canned biscuits, seal them tightly, and bake until golden. The result is a hot, handheld meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pockets, place them on the baking sheet, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Cooked ground beef, turkey, or even rinsed canned pinto beans work well as substitutes for the shredded chicken.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for best texture, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
My filling is leaking. How can I prevent this? Ensure you are not overfilling the biscuits (stick to 2 tbsp) and pinch the seams very tightly. Letting the sealed pocket rest seam-side down for a minute before baking can also help.
Can I freeze unbaked pockets? Yes. After assembling, flash-freeze them on the baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-8 minutes to the baking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the biscuits, which causes them to burst open during baking.
- Not pinching the dough seams securely, leading to filling leakage.
- Using biscuits that are too cold; let the can sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for easier handling.
- Placing pockets too close together on the baking sheet, preventing proper air circulation and browning.
- Skipping the cooling step; the filling will be extremely hot right out of the oven.
Conclusion
Salsa Biscuit Chicken Pockets are the ultimate solution for a quick, satisfying, and family-approved dinner. With minimal prep, customizable fillings, and a delicious result, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy the perfect fusion of comforting biscuits and zesty Mexican-inspired flavors in every bite.