‘Čeburekai’ with Chicken Filling

Čeburekai, a beloved Lithuanian street food, is a golden, crispy pastry filled with juicy, flavourful meat. Traditionally made with minced pork, I’ve put my own twist on this classic dish by using chicken thighs. Blitzed in a food processor for the perfect texture, the chicken filling adds a lighter, yet equally delicious, flavour to this crowd-pleaser. Fried to perfection, these pastries are sure to bring a taste of Lithuania to your table!

Summer days in Lithuania wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach at Palanga. I can still recall the warm sand, the refreshing dips in the Baltic Sea, and the enticing aroma of freshly fried čeburekai from the food stands. These golden, crispy pastries were a must-have after a swim, their savoury filling perfectly satisfying after a day of fun in the sun.

Recreating čeburekai at home is like taking a culinary journey back to those carefree summer days. While I may have swapped the traditional pork filling for chicken, the essence of this beloved snack remains the same—comforting, crispy, and oh-so-delicious.

Čeburekai with Chicken Filling: Recipe Tips

Follow these tips for čeburekai perfection:

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavourful filling—blitz them in a food processor for the ideal texture.
• Resting the dough ensures it’s pliable and easy to roll.
• Brush the edges with a beaten egg before sealing to prevent leaks. For a traditional look, use a fork to crimp the edges.
• Maintain medium heat while frying for even cooking without burning.

Čeburekai with Chicken Filling: Recipe and Ingredient Variations

Čeburekai are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to make them your own:

• Meat variations: replace chicken with minced pork, beef, or turkey for a richer or lighter flavour.
• Vegetarian option: a filling of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and cheese makes a hearty alternative.
• Herbs: I used a mix of different herbs; however, you can use any herbs of your liking. You can use just one type like parsley or dill, or you can buy a premixed product for an easier solution (here is an example).
• Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
• Baking option: bake in the oven at 200 degrees for 20-25 minutes, brushing the tops with oil for a golden finish.

If you are adventurous enough and would like to try some other Lithuanian dishes, try out these recipes:

Fluffy Breakfast Curd Pie
Dumplings or ‘Koldūnai’ with Potato Filling
Curd Cake with Apple Filling
Sweet Pastries or Grietiniečiai with Curd and Raisins
Side Dishes for your Christmas Eve Dinner

Recipe

Čeburekai are a nostalgic delight, bringing the flavours of Lithuanian street food into your home. Whether you stick to tradition or put your spin on it, this dish is sure to become a favourite!

Ingredients

Pastry:
300g plain flour
150ml water
5g salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg (for sealing)

Filling:
400g chicken thighs, minced in a food processor
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon herb mix (parsley, dill, and rosemary)
Salt and pepper

Frying:
Vegetable or sunflower oil

Instructions

Prepare the dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add water and olive oil, stirring to combine.
2. Lightly knead your dough until all the ingredients are combined.
3. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. After the dough is rested knead it really well on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until is silky smooth.
5. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 1 hour.

Prepare the filling:

1. In a bowl, combine minced chicken thighs, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, herb mix, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until evenly combined.

Shape the čeburekai:

1. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into thin circles (about 15 cm in diameter).
2. Place a spoonful of filling on one side of each circle.
3. Brush the edges with a beaten egg, fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon, and press firmly to seal.
4. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a traditional look.

Fry the čeburekai:

1. Heat vegetable or sunflower oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
2. Fry each čeburekas until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Serve hot for the best taste and texture.