Chicken Pastelitos with Spicy Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, flaky pastries filled with seasoned shredded chicken and aromatic vegetables, paired with a vibrant tomato-based sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal. This Puerto Rican-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs cooked chicken, green bell pepper, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups shredded chicken, 1/4 cup diced tomato, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Roll out 2 sheets of puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 squares (12 total).
  4. Step 4: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square. Fold corners to form triangles, then crimp edges with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Brush pastelitos with 1 beaten egg and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Pastelitos with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken Pastelitos with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Pastelitos with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken Pastelitos with Spicy Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicken Pastelitos with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

Puerto Rican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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