Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into small cubes.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until it turns golden and is fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the minced garlic to the pan with the chicken and sauté for30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Then, add the diced bell peppers and onions.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften but retain some texture.
Add Cream and Cheese:
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir to combine.
- Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Once everything is well-mixed, remove the pan from heat.
Cool and Mix:
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Once it has cooled, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- The cheese will melt into the mixture, making it extra creamy.
Prepare the Slurry:
- In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and water to create a slurry.
- Stir until smooth and thickened.
- This slurry will help seal the bread pockets when assembling.
Assemble the Bread Pockets:
- Flatten the slices of bread with a rolling pin and trim off the edges to form square or rectangular pieces.
- Brush a thin layer of slurry along the edges of the bread.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture on one half of the bread.
- Fold the other side of the bread over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal the bread pockets.
- Repeat the process with the remaining bread and chicken mixture.
Coat the Bread Pockets:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each bread pocket first into the egg mixture, coating it well, then coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
Freeze or Fry:
- You can freeze the bread pockets at this point for later use by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a storage bag. Alternatively, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, lower the heat to medium-low and fry the bread pockets in batches of 2-3 for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Notes
Freezing for Later
- If you're not frying immediately, freezing these bread pockets is a great option.
- Freezing them before frying ensures that they hold their shape and allows you to fry them straight from the freezer when you're ready to eat.
- Feel free to swap the bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or add some jalapeños if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Use whole wheat bread for a healthier option, or bake the bread pockets in theoven instead of frying for a lower-fat version.
