Savory Pesto Chicken Puff Pastries
Indulge in these delightful Savory Pesto Chicken Puff Pastries, perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. Made with tender chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, and a burst of basil pesto, all encased in flaky puff pastry, these pastries are cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. They are ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying a warm, homemade treat with your family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Sheets
2 sheets (Thawed)
Chicken Breasts
2 large (Diced into half-inch cubes)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For cooking chicken)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Crushed)
Cherry Tomatoes
8 (Quartered)
Basil Pesto
3 tablespoons
Grated Mozzarella Cheese
3/4 cup
Egg
1 (Beaten for egg wash)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Dice the chicken breasts into half-inch cubes for quick and even cooking.
3
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and crushed garlic. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet in half horizontally to create two short rectangles.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, basil pesto, and quartered cherry tomatoes, ensuring an even mix.
6
Spoon an equal portion of the chicken mixture onto one half of each pastry rectangle, leaving about a half-inch border around the edge for sealing.
7
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken mixture.
8
Beat the egg in a small bowl. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to help seal them.
9
Fold each pastry over the filling, pressing down the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp and ensure a tight seal to prevent any filling from leaking out.
10
Brush the top of each pasty with the remaining beaten egg for a golden finish.
11
Place the pastries on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
12
Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot for the best flavor!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Pesto Chicken Puff Pastries?
They are flaky puff pastries filled with a mixture of sautéed chicken, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include puff pastry sheets, chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, mozzarella cheese, and an egg.
How many sheets of puff pastry are required?
You will need 2 sheets of thawed puff pastry.
What is the best way to prepare the chicken?
Dice the chicken breasts into half-inch cubes and sauté them with olive oil and garlic until cooked through.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be diced into half-inch cubes for quick and even cooking.
How long should I sauté the chicken?
Sauté the chicken for about 10-12 minutes over medium heat until it is golden and cooked through.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (180°C).
How should the puff pastry be prepared before use?
Thaw the pastry according to package instructions and roll it out on a lightly floured surface.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil is used to sauté the cubed chicken and crushed garlic in the skillet.
How many cloves of garlic are used?
The recipe calls for 2 crushed garlic cloves.
How should the cherry tomatoes be cut?
The cherry tomatoes should be quartered before being mixed with the chicken.
How much basil pesto is added to the mixture?
Use 3 tablespoons of basil pesto for the filling.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
Grated mozzarella cheese is used to provide a cheesy texture.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
You will need 3/4 cup of grated mozzarella cheese.
What is the egg wash used for?
The beaten egg is used to seal the edges of the pastry and to brush the tops for a golden finish.
How do I ensure the pastries are sealed correctly?
Brush the edges with egg wash, fold the pastry over, and press down the edges to seal.
Why is a fork used on the edges of the pastry?
A fork is used to crimp the edges, ensuring a tight seal that prevents filling from leaking out.
How long do the pastries need to bake?
Bake the pastries for 15-20 minutes.
How do I know when the pastries are finished baking?
They are done when the pastry has puffed up and become golden brown.
Can I make these pastries ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking.
What is the best way to store leftover pastries?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can these chicken puff pastries be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking for longer storage.
How should I reheat the pastries to keep them crispy?
Reheat them in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave to maintain the flaky texture.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you could use turkey breast or even firm tofu as an alternative.
Are there any vegetable additions recommended?
Adding spinach or sautéed mushrooms would complement the pesto and chicken well.
What can I use if I don't have cherry tomatoes?
You can use sun-dried tomatoes or simply omit them.
Can I use a different type of pesto?
Yes, sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto would provide a different but delicious flavor profile.
Is it necessary to cool the chicken before filling the pastry?
Letting the chicken cool slightly helps prevent the pastry from becoming too soft before it reaches the oven.
What should I serve with these pesto chicken pastries?
They pair well with a fresh side salad or a light soup.
How can I prevent the bottom of the pastry from getting soggy?
Baking on a parchment-lined sheet and ensuring the chicken mixture isn't too watery helps prevent sogginess.