🥟 Honey Chicken and Avocado Empanada Pockets
Golden, crispy pockets with a creamy, sweet-savory filling you’ll crave every week!
📝 Description
These empanadas combine tender shredded chicken, creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a drizzle of honey for a delightful balance of flavors—tucked inside flaky pastry and baked to perfection. Great as a lunchbox favorite, game-day snack, or a casual dinner, they bring a delicious twist to classic Latin flavors.
🧄 Ingredients (Makes about 10 empanadas)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 package refrigerated empanada dough discs (or homemade, about 10 rounds)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, avocado, honey, lime juice & zest, garlic, cilantro, chili flakes (if using), and cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center of each dough disc.
- Fold the disc in half to form a semi-circle. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
🧠 Notes
- The avocado should be just ripe—not overly soft, so it holds texture.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you don’t have empanada discs, use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry cut into 4–5 inch circles.
- These empanadas can be frozen before baking and baked straight from frozen (add 5 extra minutes to bake time).
💡 Tips
- For extra crunch, brush with oil instead of egg wash and sprinkle with a little sea salt.
- Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the filling for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a lime crema or spicy dipping sauce.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for a crispier, lighter version.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes: 10 empanada pockets
- Serving size: 1 empanada
🔍 Nutritional Info (per empanada)
(Approximate values)
- Calories: 200–230
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Rich in: Protein, healthy fats, Vitamin C, B-vitamins, Potassium
💪 Benefits
✅ Combines lean protein and healthy fats for long-lasting energy
✅ Avocado supports heart and brain health
✅ Lime & cilantro aid in digestion and detox
✅ Baked, not fried — lighter on the stomach
✅ Great for meal prep or snack boxes
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and freeze them uncooked. Bake directly from frozen, just add ~5 minutes to bake time.
Q: Can I substitute the chicken?
A: Sure! Try cooked shredded turkey, tofu, pulled jackfruit, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I fry them instead?
A: Yes, shallow-fry in oil for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Q: What dipping sauces pair well?
A: Try avocado-lime crema, chipotle mayo, or a honey-mustard yogurt dip.
Q: Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
A: Absolutely—it adds smoky flavor!