BBQ Chicken Pockets with Creamy Cilantro Dip
A couple weeks back, I mentioned that Robbie is transitioning into solid foods now. Well, by ‘solid foods’ I mean pureed fruits and veggies. Pea mush. Carrot mush. Squash mush. Banana mush. You get the picture! That kid loves ’em all. We keep trying new foods, and we keep waiting to see if he makes a face and spits it out…but nope. If anything, that kid is picking up steam.
Robbie goes hog wild at dinner. He cries in between bites, and he grabs at his spoon as soon as it comes within reach. That’s ok, Robbie. Daddy cries when his meal is done each night, too.
All of this excitement over dinner means that his food often ends up all over the place. Carrots on his shirt? You know it. Oats in his hair? Been there, done that. Pureed peas all over the countertop? That’s Dad’s job to clean up each night after dinner. We grabbed the camera recently to capture the dinnertime entertainment. I suspect these photos may be used as blackmail one day.
Now that summer is in full swing here in upstate New York, Dad has been craving some classic picnic food. Pulled pork. Smoked brisket. BBQ chicken. Mac salad. Pasta salad. I can’t get enough of all the delicious picnic foods…and of course, they just taste better when eaten outside on the back deck! The other day, I decided to put a new spin on a classic summer dish. BBQ chicken sandwiches. I love ’em! Summer just hasn’t fully arrived until the BBQ chicken sandwich makes an appearance.
But slow cooking chicken to perfection takes time. I don’t mind jumping into the kitchen and tackling fun recipes, but somehow I just haven’t had as much time lately. (I think Robbie might have something to do with that.) Fortunately I stumbled across Farm Rich’s Smokehouse line in the frozen aisle at Price Chopper (my local grocery store) the other day. Pulled Chicken BBQ…Pulled Pork BBQ…Pulled Beef Brisket…Dry Rub Smoked Pork…oh, these flavors are right up my alley!
Needless to say, a package of the Pulled Chicken BBQ landed in my cart. Hickory-smoked chicken breast in an Applewood BBQ sauce? Yes, please! But instead of just putting the BBQ chicken on a bun, I decided to mix it up a bit. I added a bit of cheese and then created little bite-sized pockets of BBQ chicken deliciousness. These BBQ Chicken Pockets are perfect for summer entertaining!
Bite-sized food just calls out for a tasty dip, right? So while those BBQ Chicken Pockets were in the oven, I whipped up an easy Creamy Cilantro Dip. The freshness of the cilantro dip combined with the smokiness of the BBQ chicken created one delicious summer meal. As we were eating dinner that night (after cleaning up the nightly peas on the counter), Laura pointed out that this would make a great party appetizer. And she’s right! I think we need to invite some friends over and celebrate this long Memorial Day weekend. Good food + good friends. That’s what summer is all about, right?
The Farm Rich Smokehouse Pulled Chicken BBQ was an excellent addition to our summer lineup. They’ve done the hard work of slow cooking it for hours, so it’s ready in just minutes in your kitchen. That means more time for summer fun!
Speaking of Memorial Day, did you realize that there are 99 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day? That means 99 days of summer fun! That means 99 days of delicious summer food, too! What are your favorite BBQ recipes? Enter them in Farm Rich Smokehouse’s contest and you could win a year’s supply of BBQ (wow!) as well as a fun BBQ Party Pack. To enter, just share your BBQ hack/recipe on social media using the hashtag #99DaysofBBQ. Hey, maybe you’ll be one of the 10 winners!
As we head into the official summer kickoff weekend, swing by your local grocery store and pick up a pack or two of Farm Rich Smokehouse products. Click here to find a store location near you. Cheers to a long, sun-filled weekend of fun!
BBQ Chicken Pockets with Creamy Cilantro Dip
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Pockets
- 3½ cups Farm Rich Smokehouse Pulled Chicken BBQ
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Monterrey Jack cheese shredded
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- 1 17-oz. package frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg
For the Cilantro Dipping Sauce
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
For the BBQ Chicken Pockets
- Using a medium bowl, add pulled chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterrey Jack cheese and green onions; stir until well combined. Set bowl aside.
- In a small dish, whisk together egg with 1 Tbsp of water; set aside.
- Working on a lightly-floured countertop or cutting board, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Roll pastry into a 12” square. Cut into (9) 4” squares. Repeat with remaining sheet of puff pastry. (Note: This will create a total of 18 squares.)
- Place 1½-2 Tbsp of BBQ chicken mixture into middle of each square. Lightly brush edges of square with the egg mixture. Fold each pastry into a triangle, using a fork to crimp the edges.
- Place filled pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush top of pockets with any remaining egg wash.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with Cilantro Dipping Sauce.
For the Cilantro Dipping Sauce
- Using a food processor or mini-chopper, add all dip ingredients; process until smooth. (Note: Dip will taste better if allowed to rest for 30 minutes before serving.)
This BBQ Chicken Pockets with Creamy Cilantro Dip post was sponsored by Farm Rich Smokehouse, but the recipe and opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Spiced!
Gotta love the mush, lol! Oh my goodness, that picture is just adorable!!! And, I agree, bite sized food does have to have a great dip and this creamy cilantro one has my name all over it!! This post came just in time for weekend eats, David 🙂 Have a great one!
Haha…thank you so much, Dawn! When I saw that photo pop up, I knew I had a good one. It totally captures our view each night! Oh, and definitely give these BBQ bites + cilantro dip a try. They’re super tasty…and perfect party food for summer get-togethers! 🙂
Haha, your kid is cool. That’s how you’re supposed to enjoy food 🙂
Haha…thanks, Fernando! He definitely goes all in when it comes to food…just like me! 🙂
I love eating on the deck. When the summer nights are hot, I wait until sundown and drag the TV out there to watch “drive in” movies. But anyway, did you wait all the way until the ingredient list to mention puff pastry? I mean, I like chicken, but I love puff pastry! I almost don’t care what’s in it! Almost … chicken and cheese sounds pretty appetizing. What a stroke of luck you stumbled across that chicken.
Oh, yes, I have definitely drug the tv out to the back porch when the weather is nice. In fact, I should do that again sometime soon. Haha! I had no idea you were such a puff pastry fanatic, Jeff. BBQ chicken + cheese + puff pastry = win!
Haha, what a cute photo! He looks like he is enjoying his dinner, that’s for sure!
Now let’s talk about this dip! Can I just dip my face in it?
That kid definitely enjoys his dinner! He slowed down a bit when we introduced mushed bananas, but I think that’s just because the texture is so different than everything else. And as far as the dip, you may absolutely dip your face in it. But only if I can take a picture and hang it next to this one of Robbie! 🙂
David!! Hello!! Robbie is beyond cute!! sooo funny!! after reading your post now, I am totally craving picnic food also!!! Theses little pockets look like something packed with flavor!!! looks sooo good!Hugs my friend!!
These BBQ chicken pockets are absolutely packed with flavor…and the dipping sauce goes so well with them, too, Gaila! Thank you so much for your kind words. Robbie is indeed a cute kid. His first tooth is coming in now, though, so he’s been a little grumpy lately. 🙂
It sounds like you have a healthy little eater on your hands! Good for you! I get upset when I realize all my good food is gone too Haha. This recipe sounds really good! I would never have thought to use the chicken in a pocket like that. And that creamy cilantro dip is something I would use on EVERYTHING! It would be perfect as a dressing or to dip veggies in…thank you so much for sharing!
I totally get upset when my favorite part of the meal is gone. (I save my favorite part for the last bite, too.) So BBQ chicken + cheese + cilantro dip? Perfect for summer! And I agree, that dip would be great in a bunch of different ways, too. Here’s to a long and fun summer filled with lots of delicious picnic foods! Thanks, Amanda! 🙂
Hi David! These would be perfect for an appetizer party! I like big holiday meals, but for parties I much prefer small bites! I’ll have to check out the freezer case. I just came across a recipe for “filthy burgers” that combines pulled pork, ground beef and bacon which has the attention of my taste buds! Robbie is just having fun with his food…after all, it’s important to fully appreciate all aspects of your food, not just taste! Have a fun food filled barbecue weekend! 🙂
Yes to summer appetizer parties, Dorothy! Laura and I went out for crawfish (yes, crawfish…in upstate New York…unheard of!) yesterday, and we decided that we should start throwing a big Memorial Day party each year. I have 364 days to start planning it now. 🙂
Filthy burgers, eh? I’m intrigued! I’ve made burgers with ground bacon in ’em, but the pulled pork is a whole new twist. I need to try those…and soon! I hope you and Gary had an awesome long weekend. Laura and I had a nice relaxing weekend, although Robbie is cutting his first tooth, so that led to a bit of fussy baby syndrome. Poor guy!
Oh my cute lil one. Adorable. my sweet hugs to him.
You should be enjoying all the fun while he has his dinner. Your kids pic reminded me of my lil one having his beet mush 14 yrs back. He and all his toys looked purple. I bathed him and his toys. 14 yrs back. Still your post brought all those fresh memories. Thanks
Dude, these are stunning bbq appetizers. Creamy dip has really added the cool feel to bbq.
I’ll pass those hugs along to Robbie, Smitha…thank you! 🙂 Hah. I can’t imagine giving a kid beet mush. I still turn my fingers red when cooking with beets, so I can only imagine what it would do to a kid. Robbie would have red cheeks (and nose and ears and fingers…) for days! And this bbq chicken + that creamy dip? Perfect for summer picnics!
Ooo that dip sounds so good! I love love cilantro and we add it to all Indian dishes! I need to make this!
This is such an easy dip, too, Manali…it tastes like summer, and it’s perfect with so many different summer recipes! 🙂
Feel free to come over for mashed peas. Or send Robbie….I wonder is USPS ships smalls humans?
Okay, this recipe is pretty much perfection UNTIL you mentioned the C word. Cilantro. I will sub it with said mashed peas earlier.
Haha…well, I should warn you that Robbie is currently cutting his first tooth. You might not want to deal with him right now! (And I wouldn’t count on USPS getting anything anywhere…unless you don’t need it until 2019. Haha!) So you’re not a fan of cilantro, eh? Are you one of those that thinks cilantro tastes like lemon cleaning solution? Never fear! Just sub in basil instead. A creamy basil dip + BBQ chicken would equal summer deliciousness still! Perfect for a night camping out! 🙂
Robbie is growing!!! Wow – and he sure is a cutie!!!
Hahaha! I have a dozen or so blackmail pictures of Lil Shashi all decked out in mush – those pictures are priceless!
David, these little pockets are such a brilliant way to make use of Farm Rich pulled BBQ chicken – perfect for summer get-togethers!
Hope y’all have a wonderful Memorial day weekend, my Upstate NYC friend!
Tell me about it, Shashi! Laura and I keep saying that he grows like an inch or two every night. The kid is like a weed! As far as these BBQ chicken pockets, do it! They are perfect for summer picnics, and the creamy cilantro dip just tastes like summer in a bowl. We had an excellent long weekend, and I hope you and lil Shashi did, too! 🙂
Hi David! I was not specific enough about the “filthy burgers”. They are not burgers topped with pulled pork and bacon, that’s not special! You incorporate the ground beef, pulled pork and cooked bacon INTO the patties and then you grill them! Wanna have a cook out? I’ll make sides if you will do dessert! 🙂
Oh, I totally knew where you were going with those filthy burgers, Dorothy! And I am in! I’ll take you up on the sides, and I’ll have some sort of tasty dessert lined up for us, too. We’ll eat like kings and queens! 🙂
What a hilarious image of Robbie! Well, I made recently marshmallows…I cannot say that once I finished, I looked exactly the same, but there were some similar things to this photo:) These Chicken Pockets are amazing, and so is the cilantro dip. Great combo, David!
Oh man, I’ve made marshmallows a couple of times, too, Ben…and I definitely look like Robbie when I’m done! Those things are a mess to make! 🙂
Your kid is so so cute! I am in love with the dip and pockets. Super delicious combo 🙂
Thank you so much, Kushi! I couldn’t stop laughing when I took this photo! 🙂
How do you expect me to concentrate on this post when Robbie has made an appearance?? He’s so stinking cute!!
Oh, these chicken pockets look delish!! That sauce sounds amazing too!
Haha! Oh come on, Tamara…it’s BBQ chicken! I agree that Robbie looks super adorable in his cameo appearance here…but BBQ chicken! 🙂
I know how it is when the little ones are on solids … been there 🙂 Robbie looks so cute!
Chicken pockets looks so good and you added cheese !!:) I just love anything with cheese. Thanks for sharing David.
Haha…dinner is a challenge each night with the little guy now. He kinda faceplants into his spoon…sending mushed peas everywhere. And I do mean everywhere! And these BBQ chicken pockets are super tasty, Ruwi…perfect little bites for summer appetizer parties! 🙂
Outstanding. These puff pastry nibbles are right up my alley. I mean puff pastry, need you say more? Everything tastes better with tat stuff. Love the filling too, and that cilantro dip heck yeah, but I think the star of the post is Robbie. Awesome photo, thanks for sharing.
I know, right, Kevin! Puff pastry alone is pretty awesome…but then fill it with BBQ chicken and serve it with cilantro dip. Summer on a plate right there! At least Robbie isn’t old enough to get any of my BBQ chicken pockets…yet. Haha! 🙂
Robbie is such a cutie! And oh, I miss those days of jarred mush. Now my kids complain about dinner and I just want them to eat little jars of fruits and veggies and get excited about it!
Cilantro is one of the best summer herbs ever, so this dip is getting me very happy. And the chicken pockets ain’t too shabby, either. Looks amazing!
Haha! So I think you should do an experiment, Mir. Call your kids to dinner and just have little jars of mush sitting there for them. I mean the mush is literally just peas + water. Or peaches + water. Or green beans + water. Nothing scary at all! Oh, and you have to promise to take a photo of your kids after they eat the mush. We can put it up here next to Robbie’s photo! 🙂
oh my god he is seriously so so cute! and such a delicious recipe too… perfect for summer! 🙂
Haha…thank you so much, Thalia! Dinner time around our house is totally an adventure now. But he can have all the mashed peas he wants…just as long as I can have all the BBQ chicken that I want! 🙂 I hope you’re doing well!