Copycat Starbucks Jalapeno Chicken Pocket Recipe

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Starbucks has created yet another masterpiece that’s become a must-try for anyone who’s ever stepped foot in one of their ubiquitous coffee havens. I’m talking about the Starbucks Jalapeño Chicken Pocket, a concoction that effortlessly marries the zestiness of jalapeños with the hearty comfort of chicken, all snugly enveloped within a toasted chile lavash flatbread. It’s a dish that’s as daring as it is delightful, offering a bold flavor profile that’s hard to find in your average coffee shop fare.

How to make Starbucks Jalapeno Chicken Pocket

The Starbucks Jalapeño Chicken Pocket is a savory menu item. It features a toasted chile lavash flatbread filled with diced chicken, charred poblanos, green jalapeños, three-chile-pepper cheese, and jalapeño cream cheese.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Jalapeño Cream Cheese:

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 4 chile lavash flatbreads or any flatbread of your choice
• 1 cup shredded three-chile pepper cheese (or pepper jack cheese)
• 1 poblano pepper, charred, peeled, and sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken slices with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Jalapeño Cream Cheese: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, lime juice, and salt until well blended. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s fully cooked and slightly caramelized on the edges, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Pockets: Lay out the flatbreads and spread a generous amount of jalapeño cream cheese on each. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the cream cheese.
5. Add the cooked chicken, charred poblano slices, and red onion evenly among the flatbreads.
6. If desired, add some fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Wrap and Toast: Carefully fold the flatbreads to create a pocket (like a taco or burrito).
8. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Place the pockets on the pan and grill until the outside is crispy and the cheese inside has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Tips for Perfecting Your Jalapeño Chicken Pocket:

• Char the Poblanos: Don’t skip charring the poblanos. This step adds a deep, smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the spicy, creamy filling.
• Adjust the Heat: The jalapeños can be adjusted according to your heat preference. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat, or include them for an extra kick.
• Seal the Edges: When folding your pockets, press down slightly on the edges to seal them so that the filling stays securely inside while cooking.
• Serve Fresh: These pockets are best enjoyed fresh off the grill while the cheese is still gooily melted and the flatbreads are perfectly crispy.

What to serve with

Pairing side dishes with the Starbucks Jalapeño Chicken Pocket can make it more fulfilling. When selecting accompaniments, consider flavors, texture contrasts, and the overall balance of the meal.

1. Fresh Garden Salad:

Ingredients: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing.

Instructions: Toss all fresh ingredients and dress just before serving to keep the salad crisp. The freshness of the salad will complement the spiciness of the chicken pocket.

2. Sweet Corn Salsa:

Ingredients: Sweetcorn kernels, diced red bell peppers, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to marry. The sweetness of the corn will help balance the heat from the jalapeños.

3. Seasoned Rice:

Ingredients: Long grain rice, chicken or vegetable broth, a splash of lime juice, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Instructions: Cook rice in the broth for added flavor, then stir in lime juice and cilantro. This provides a neutral base for the spicy flavors.

4. Cilantro Lime Quinoa:

Ingredients: Quinoa, vegetable broth, lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Instructions: Cook the quinoa in the broth according to the package instructions. After cooking, toss with lime and cilantro for a light and zesty side dish. Quinoa is a good gluten-free alternative to rice.

5. Roasted Vegetables:

Ingredients: Your choice of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, red onions, and asparagus, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Instructions: Toss vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly caramelized. The smoky flavor of roasted vegetables is a great match for the jalapeño chicken pocket.

6. Sweet Potato Fries:

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Instructions: Slice sweet potatoes into fries, toss with oil and seasonings, and bake until crispy. Their natural sweetness counteracts the pocket’s heat, while the crispy texture adds contrast.

7. Black Bean Soup:

Ingredients: Canned black beans, vegetable or chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, cumin, and lime juice.

Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic, add other ingredients and simmer. Puree if desired for a smooth consistency. The hearty soup pairs well with the lighter chicken pocket, especially on cooler days.

8. Coleslaw:

Ingredients: Shredded cabbage and carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and celery seeds.

Instructions: Mix a dressing from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and celery seeds. Toss with cabbage and carrots. The coleslaw provides a creamy, tangy crunch that contrasts the pocket.

9. Guacamole and Chips:

Ingredients: Avocados, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt, with tortilla chips for dipping.

Instructions: Mash avocados with lime juice and salt, then fold in other ingredients. Serve with chips. The creaminess of guacamole complements the zestiness of the chicken pocket.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of the Starbucks Jalapeño Chicken Pocket allows for customization and ingredient substitution based on dietary preferences, availability, or simply to adjust to your taste.

1. Chicken:

Original: Cooked, shredded chicken breast.

Substitutes:

• Vegetarian Option: Canned chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and lightly mashed, or a plant-based chicken substitute. These alternatives mimic the texture of shredded chicken and make a great vegetarian filling.
• Other Meats: Cooked and shredded turkey or pork can be used as a direct substitute for chicken if preferred for taste or availability reasons.

2. Jalapeños:

Original: Fresh jalapeños, diced.

Substitutes:

• Milder Option: Green bell peppers for a crunch without the heat or poblano peppers for a very mild kick.
• Spicier Option: Serrano peppers, which are similar to jalapeños but pack more heat.

3. Cheese:

Original: Cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.

Substitutes:

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese, which are available in many supermarkets. Look for ones that melt well for a similar texture.
• Variety Option: Swap cheddar cheese with pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder taste. Goat cheese can replace cream cheese for a tangier flavor.

4. Dough/Pocket Exterior:

Original: Puff pastry or pre-made dough.

Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Option: You can buy gluten-free pastry dough at specialty stores or make your own using gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Whole Wheat Option: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pastry dough, which can be more nutritional compared to white flour versions.

5. Creamy Sauce:

Original: Mayonnaise or sour cream mixed with spices.

Substitutes:

• Healthier Option: Greek yogurt can replace sour cream or mayonnaise for a similar texture but with less fat and more protein.
• Flavor Variants: Add avocado for creaminess or a splash of lime for tanginess. Adjust spices, such as cumin or chili powder, for different flavor profiles.

6. Seasonings:

Original: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Alternatives: For a more vibrant flavor, use freshly minced garlic and finely chopped onions instead of their powdered forms.
• Herb Variants: To adjust the flavor profile, incorporate fresh or dried herbs like cilantro, parsley, or oregano.

7. Additional Veggies:

Original: This recipe typically doesn’t call for many veggies besides jalapeños.

Additions/Substitutes:

Inclusion Options: Adding diced red or green bell peppers, corn, black beans, or spinach can increase nutritional value and add varying textures and flavors.

Final Thoughts

By following these detailed steps and tips, you can recreate a version of Starbucks Jalapeño Chicken Pocket that’s not only satisfying but also customizable to fit your taste preferences right in your kitchen.

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