Homemade Chicken Pupusas Recipe – Simple, And Delicious
This Chicken Pupusas Recipe features tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and savory chorizo wrapped in soft masa dough. A simple and authentic way to enjoy traditional Salvadoran pupusa food at home.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 8 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 ½ cups warm tap water
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- 1 cup shredded roasted chicken
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco
- ¼ cup chorizo, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, warm tap water, and salt
- 2
Mix with your hands until the dough forms a soft, pliable texture. If it feels too dry, add a bit more water. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more masa harina
- 3
Let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the filling
- 4
In a separate bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, queso fresco, chorizo, and Cayenne pepper
- 5
Mix well to evenly distribute all the ingredients
- 6
Divide the masa dough into 8-10 equal balls
- 7
Flatten each ball into a thick disc (about ¼ inch thick) using your hands. If the dough sticks, wet your hands slightly
- 8
Add about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each disc
- 9
Carefully fold the dough over the filling and reshape it into a ball. Then gently flatten it back into a disc. Be sure the filling stays inside, but don’t stress if some cheese oozes out—it’s delicious
- 10
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- 11
Place the pupusas in the skillet, cooking 3-4 at a time depending on your pan size
- 12
Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and slightly crispy. The cheese may melt out a bit, and that’s perfectly fine—it forms an irresistible crust!