Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
500g lean chicken mince (ground chicken)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large bell pepper (any color), finely diced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
8 small (6-inch) whole wheat tortillas or wraps
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
Optional: a few sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the diced bell pepper, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the bell pepper starts to soften. Pour in the chicken broth or water and let it simmer for 1 minute to deglaze the pan and incorporate flavors.
Step 4: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts down, which usually takes 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese (1/2 cup). This is your delicious filling for the High-Protein Chicken Mince Pockets.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lay out the whole wheat tortillas on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mince mixture onto one half of each tortilla, leaving a small border. Sprinkle a little extra cheese over the filling.
Step 6: Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a semi-circle. Press down gently to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork if desired for a decorative and secure seal. You can also lightly brush the tops with a tiny bit of olive oil for extra crispiness.
Step 7: Place the assembled High-Protein Chicken Mince Pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
Step 8: Carefully remove the High-Protein Chicken Mince Pockets from the oven or pan. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. These pockets are fantastic for immediate enjoyment or for meal prepping in containers like Basics Glass Food Storage for later!
Notes
For extra crispiness, lightly brush the tops of the High-Protein Chicken Mince Pockets with a little olive oil before baking. If you don't have whole wheat tortillas, regular flour tortillas will work, but the nutritional profile will change. These pockets store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Contemporary
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pocket
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg