dominican chicken pastelitos recipe
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The Best dominican chicken pastelitos recipe
I’ve been making Dominican chicken pastelitos for years, and they’re still one of my go-to recipes whenever I need something quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. My kids ask for them all the time—whether it’s for an after-school snack, a weekend lunch, or even as an easy appetizer when we have friends over. There’s something about that flaky, golden crust and the savory, slightly spiced chicken filling that just hits the spot every time. Plus, they’re portable, which makes them perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even a simple grab-and-go meal when life gets busy.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make a big batch and freeze them for later, or whip up a fresh batch in under an hour. The filling is simple—ground chicken, sofrito, and a few spices—but it packs so much flavor. And because they’re baked (not fried), they’re a lighter option without sacrificing that crispy texture. I also appreciate that they’re packed with protein and can be made with whole wheat dough if you’re looking for a healthier twist. They’re a great way to get my family to eat something homemade without any complaints, and honestly, I don’t mind making them because they’re just that good.
Dominican Chicken Pastelitos
4.8 from 899 votes
Crispy, flaky pastries filled with savory seasoned chicken, a staple in Dominican cuisine. These golden pastelitos are perfect as an appetizer or snack, offering a delicious blend of spices and textures.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 12 pastelitosCuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal
🥘Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, finely diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sofrito (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp water
- Vegetable oil (for frying, optional)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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2 Add ice water and vinegar, mixing just until the dough comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
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3 Make the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft (3-4 mins).
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4 Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink (5-6 mins). Stir in tomato paste, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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5 Pour in chicken broth and sofrito (if using). Simmer for 5 mins until liquid reduces. Stir in cilantro and let cool.
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6 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles.
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7 Place 1 tbsp of filling in the center of each circle. Fold dough over to form a half-moon and seal edges with a fork.
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8 Brush pastelitos with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water). Bake for 20-25 mins until golden brown, or fry in oil until crispy.
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9 Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of spicy mayo or lime wedges.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Parchment paper
- Knife or pizza cutter
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 12g
📝Notes
Tips: For extra flakiness, keep dough cold until ready to use. Pastelitos can be frozen before baking—just add 5 extra mins to cook time. For a lighter version, bake instead of frying.
Watch Video Of How Dominican Chicken Pastelitos Works
This Dominican chicken pastelitos recipe is one of those foolproof dishes that always delivers, no matter the occasion. The flaky, buttery crust paired with the savory, well-seasoned filling makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to scale up for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for a satisfying snack, these pastelitos are a simple, delicious choice that never disappoints.
