A Cheesy Chicken-Stuffed Puff Pastry Bake sounds like the ultimate comfort food with a crispy, flaky twist! It’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach (or fresh spinach, wilted and chopped)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grease it lightly with olive oil or butter.
2. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, spinach, green onions (if using), garlic powder, oregano, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. You should have a cheesy, flavorful filling that holds together nicely.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. If using store-bought, be careful not to stretch the dough too much—it should be just enough to fold over the filling.
- Cut the puff pastry into a rectangle (or square) large enough to fully wrap around the filling.
4. Assemble the Bake:
- Spoon the chicken mixture onto the center of the puff pastry, leaving about an inch or so around the edges to seal.
- Carefully fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling, creating a “parcel” or “envelope.” If you like, you can fold the ends in as well, creating a loaf-like shape.
- Press down gently to seal the edges. You can use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure the pastry sticks together.
5. Egg Wash and Bake:
- Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the pastry. This will give it a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
- Place the stuffed pastry on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
6. Serve:
- Once done, remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. Serve it warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness inside.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Herbs: You can add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the filling for extra flavor.
- Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers could also be added for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, you could add some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
This cheesy chicken-stuffed puff pastry bake is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even for a special occasion. You can serve it with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Would you try adding any other fillings or toppings to customize it?