Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Delight
Indulge in this delectable Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Delight that combines the rich flavors of creamy herbed cheese with succulent chicken breast, all enveloped in a buttery, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a gourmet dinner or a special occasion, this delightful dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Serve it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that's both satisfying and elegant.
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
fresh basil leaf
1/4 cup (packed and chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
frozen puff pastry
1 package (thawed)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (trimmed)
egg
1 (well-beaten for egg wash)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 430 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2
In a food processor, blend the softened cream cheese, fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and the basil is finely chopped. Set aside.
3
On a lightly floured surface, carefully unfold each sheet of puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to roll out the pastry into a rectangle measuring approximately 14 x 10 inches and about 1/8 inch thick.
4
Cut each sheet of rolled pastry in half, creating two rectangles measuring 7 x 10 inches. Repeat the process with the second sheet of pastry.
5
Spread a quarter of the herbed cheese mixture lengthwise down the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on the edges. The spread should be roughly the size of a chicken breast.
6
Position a chicken breast on top of each cheese-covered area with the skinned side facing down.
7
Carefully lift the longer sides of the pastry to meet in the center over the chicken, pinching the edges and ends to seal securely.
8
Trim away any excess pastry, leaving a neat finish around the edges.
9
Arrange the sealed pastries seam-side down, spaced 2 inches apart, on a greased baking sheet.
10
Brush the tops of the pastries generously with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
12
For a twist, try substituting the cream cheese with Boursin cheese for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Chicken Puff Pastry Delight?
It is a gourmet dish featuring chicken breasts topped with a creamy herbed cheese mixture, wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked until golden.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 430 degrees F (220 degrees C).
How do I prepare the cheese mixture?
In a food processor, blend softened cream cheese, fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and the basil is finely chopped.
What size should the puff pastry be rolled out to?
Each sheet should be rolled into a rectangle approximately 14 x 10 inches and about 1/8 inch thick.
How many pieces do I cut the rolled pastry into?
Cut each 14 x 10 inch sheet in half to create two 7 x 10 inch rectangles.
How do I assemble the pastry?
Spread a quarter of the cheese mixture in the center of a rectangle, place a chicken breast on top, then fold the pastry over and seal the edges.
Which side of the chicken should face down when placing it on the cheese?
The skinned side of the chicken breast should be positioned facing down on top of the cheese mixture.
How do I seal the puff pastry?
Lift the longer sides of the pastry to meet in the center over the chicken, then pinch the edges and ends to seal securely.
How should the pastries be placed on the baking sheet?
Arrange the sealed pastries seam-side down, spaced at least 2 inches apart.
Do I need to prepare the baking sheet?
Yes, the pastries should be placed on a greased baking sheet.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing the tops with a beaten egg helps the pastry achieve a beautiful golden finish during baking.
How long does the dish take to bake?
Bake for approximately 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The internal temperature of the chicken must reach at least 165 degrees F.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with Boursin cheese for an added burst of flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 22.5 grams of protein.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe requires 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
What type of puff pastry should I use?
Use one package of frozen puff pastry that has been thawed.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much fresh basil should I use?
You need 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, packed and chopped.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What should I do with excess pastry?
Trim away any excess pastry after sealing to ensure a neat and even finish.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its elegant presentation and gourmet flavors make it perfect for dinner parties or special events.
What are some recommended side dishes?
Serve it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
How do I prepare the chicken before assembly?
Ensure the chicken breasts are trimmed and ready to be placed on the pastry.
Does the recipe use salt?
Yes, it uses 1/8 teaspoon of salt, or to taste, in the cheese mixture.
Can I make the cheese mixture manually?
While a food processor is recommended for smoothness, you can mix it by hand if the ingredients are very finely chopped.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, the description notes it is easy to prepare despite its gourmet appearance.