Description
These Chicken Pillows are crispy, golden pockets filled with juicy, flavorful chicken, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Quick and easy to prepare, they offer the perfect crunch and tender filling, making them ideal for appetizers, snacks, or quick meals. This versatile recipe can be customized to your taste and is suitable for family-friendly gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
Optional Variations
- Chili flakes or cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for cheese lovers)
- Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or mixed veggies (for a vegetarian twist)
- Gluten-free puff pastry (for gluten-free option)
- Alternative herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary instead of parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Dice the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken pieces, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is just cooked through and slightly golden. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley to create a savory and moist filling ready to be wrapped.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions. Once pliable, lightly roll them out on a floured surface to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into even squares approximately 4 inches each, which will serve as the outer pockets for the filling.
- Assemble the Chicken Pillows: Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each pastry square. Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage during baking. Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to ensure a glossy golden finish while baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the assembled Chicken Pillows on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow puffing. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy maximum crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken filling is not too wet to avoid soggy pastries.
- Seal pastry edges tightly using a fork or fingers to prevent leaking during baking.
- If time permits, refrigerate the assembled pillows for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Cut pastry squares evenly for consistent cooking and a better presentation.
- Do not overcrowd the baking tray; give each pillow enough space to puff properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Pillow
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Chicken Pillows, Puff Pastry, Appetizer, Quick Snack, Juicy Chicken, Crispy Pastry, Easy Recipe, Meal Prep
