Cheesy Chicken Taco Pockets

Get ready for a fun twist on taco night! Cheesy Chicken Taco Pockets are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. These little pockets are filled with all the best taco ingredients—tender chicken, zesty spices, melty cheese, and a hint of taco flair—all tucked inside a golden, flaky dough. It’s like taking the flavors of your favorite taco and wrapping them up in a cozy, handheld bite. Trust me, these little pockets are so satisfying, and they’re great for everything from busy weeknights to game day snacks. The best part? They’re easy to make and customizable for all tastes, so let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken Taco Pockets

Here’s why these taco pockets will become your go-to recipe:

Quick and Easy: With store-bought dough and a handful of ingredients, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes! They’re the ultimate weeknight dinner or snack.

Customizable: You can add your favorite taco toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa, or even switch up the protein with ground beef or turkey. They’re perfect for personalizing to suit everyone’s tastes.

Kid-Friendly: These cheesy pockets are an absolute hit with kids! Plus, they’re easy to eat with their handheld size—perfect for little hands.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time, and you’ve got meals or snacks ready for busy days. They’re great for reheating too!

Taco-Inspired: If you’re a taco lover, you’ll absolutely enjoy this twist. It’s all the fun of taco flavors in a new and delicious form!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Taco Filling:

• Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken forms the base of the filling. It’s juicy, tender, and so flavorful.
• Taco Seasoning: The key to getting that signature taco taste. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling, making it extra delicious and smooth.
• Cheddar Cheese: This is the melty, cheesy goodness that binds everything together and gives each bite a satisfying pull.
• Green Onion: A little bit of fresh onion adds crunch and mild flavor to balance the richness.
• Sour Cream (optional): If you like extra creaminess and a little tang, sour cream is a great addition to the filling.

For the Dough:

• Pillsbury Crescent Roll Dough: The easiest option for creating those golden, flaky pockets. You can use puff pastry or biscuit dough if you prefer.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked chicken, taco seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cheese is evenly distributed. If you’re using sour cream, add it in now and mix.
2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
3. Assemble the Taco Pockets
   Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Place a spoonful of the chicken taco filling in the center of each dough triangle. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. If you want extra crispiness, you can pinch the edges with a fork.
4. Bake the Pockets
   Place the filled taco pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked. The cheese should be melted inside and the pockets should be crispy on the outside.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Once baked, let the taco pockets cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 pockets
Calories per serving: ~220
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 450mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 10g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Taco Pockets

• With Salsa: These pockets are delicious when paired with a side of fresh salsa for dipping.
• Guacamole: If you love guac, serve a big bowl of homemade or store-bought guacamole on the side for added richness.
• Fresh Salad: Pair with a crunchy green salad to balance the richness of the cheesy pockets.
• Taco Sauce: For extra flavor, serve these with some zesty taco sauce or hot sauce on the side.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to make the pockets, just assemble and bake.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a tasty vegetarian version.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven to crisp them back up.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze the unbaked pockets. When you’re ready, bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of dough?
A1: Yes! You can use puff pastry, biscuit dough, or even pie crust as an alternative to crescent roll dough. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

Q2: Can I make these with ground beef or turkey?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or any protein of your choice.

Q3: Can I freeze these taco pockets?
A3: Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Just assemble the pockets, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q4: What can I serve these with?
A4: These taco pockets are great on their own, but you can serve them with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
A5: Of course! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, or even sautéed onions for added flavor and texture.

Q6: Are these pockets spicy?
A6: The taco seasoning gives a mild kick, but if you prefer spicier pockets, you can add jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling.

Q7: Can I make these ahead of time?
A7: Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pockets ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and bake when you’re ready.

Q8: Can I make a vegetarian version of this?
A8: Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Q9: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A9: Yes! You can use Monterey Jack, Mexican blend cheese, or any cheese that melts well.

Q10: Can I use leftover chicken for these pockets?
A10: Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great for these pockets.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Taco Pockets are the perfect way to bring taco night to a whole new level of convenience and flavor. With their crispy, cheesy exterior and flavorful filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a fun snack, these pockets deliver on all fronts. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

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