Authentic Puerto Rican Chicken Empanadillas (Pastelillos) Recipe | Mari's Cooking

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat option.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: shredded rotisserie chicken

Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and money.

green olives

🥗Healthier: black olives

💰Cheaper: none

Black olives are often more accessible.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: none

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Cook chicken in water with chicken bouillon, bay leaf, and seasonings until tender; shred and set aside.

Sauté chopped onions and peppers in olive oil until soft.

Add sofrito, tomato sauce, and shredded chicken to the sautéed mixture; mix well and let cool.

Fill empanada discs with the chicken filling and cheese, then fold and seal the edges.

Heat oil in a deep pan and fry empanadillas until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens