Cheesy Chicken Puff Pastry Bites – A Savory, Easy-to-Make Snack

Introduction

Craving a savory, cheesy, and buttery snack that’s sure to impress? These Cheesy Chicken Puff Pastry Bites are exactly what you need! The crispy, flaky pastry is filled with a rich, creamy chicken mixture that’s packed with flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick appetizer, a delightful lunch, or even as a party snack. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting guests or just looking for a comforting treat. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Bites:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If using store-bought puff pastry, it’s usually already rolled out and ready to go. Cut the pastry into squares (approximately 3×3 inches) or rectangles, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The cream cheese should help bind the ingredients into a creamy filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Pastry Bites

1. Place a small spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each puff pastry square or rectangle.
2. Carefully fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to create a pocket or fold it into a triangle shape, pinching the edges to seal the pastry.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush a thin layer over each puff pastry bite to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.
2. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the filled and brushed pastry bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.

Step 6: Serve

1. Once the cheesy chicken puff pastry bites are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, if desired, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can easily use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook some chicken breasts and shred them for this recipe.
• Feel free to add your favorite herbs or seasonings to the filling to make it more personalized. Fresh basil or oregano would be great additions!
• For an extra creamy filling, you can mix in a little ricotta cheese along with the cream cheese.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Chicken Puff Pastry Bites are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of flaky pastry and cheesy, savory filling is absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a dinner party or enjoying them as a snack on a busy day, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Light, creamy, and packed with flavor, these puff pastry bites are a crowd-pleasing favorite!

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Tried these Cheesy Chicken Puff Pastry Bites? Let us know how they turned out in the comments below! For more delicious and easy recipes, don’t forget to check out our blog for other tasty snack ideas that are quick to prepare and full of flavor.