Chicken Stuffed Sopapillas

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, crispy exterior of sopapillas paired with the savory richness of a chicken filling. In this recipe, we bring together these two elements to create a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Chicken Stuffed Sopapillas strike the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or a gathering of friends. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.

**Chicken Stuffed Sopapillas**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can (8 oz) diced green chilies, drained
– 8 sopapilla dough squares (store-bought or homemade)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, chopped cilantro

**Instructions:**
1. In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, along with the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and allow the flavors to meld together, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced green chilies until the cheese is melted and everything is well mixed. Set aside.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
5. Take a sopapilla dough square and gently stretch it out to make it slightly larger, if needed.
6. Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the center of the sopapilla dough square.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal and form a packet.
8. Carefully place the stuffed sopapilla into the hot oil, cooking until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Remove the fried sopapilla to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining sopapilla dough and chicken filling.
10. Serve the Chicken Stuffed Sopapillas warm, with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro on the side.

These Chicken Stuffed Sopapillas are a delightful twist on the classic sopapilla, combining the light, airy texture of the fried dough with the heartiness of the chicken filling. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even a fun game night. Customize the toppings to suit your preferences and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite. With this recipe in your repertoire, you’ll have a go-to meal that is sure to impress and satisfy everyone around your table.