Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Spicy Chicken Phyllo Bites?
They are crispy, flaky appetizers made with a creamy chicken, jalapeño, and lime filling wrapped in phyllo pastry.
What amount of chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/4 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How long should the chicken be poached?
Poach the chicken in boiling liquid for 7 minutes, then let it cool in the liquid for 20 minutes.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The chicken should be cut into 1/4 inch cubes after it has cooled.
What type of liquid is used to poach the chicken?
You can use 3 cups of either broth or water brought to a boil.
What ingredients are in the filling?
The filling consists of cubed chicken, sour cream, minced scallions, lime juice, minced jalapeño, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
Can I use non-fat sour cream?
Yes, you can use either non-fat or regular sour cream for the chicken filling.
How long does the filling need to chill?
The filling should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the egg wash?
Beat 2 egg whites with 2 tablespoons of water to create the egg wash.
What size should the phyllo pastry sheets be?
The phyllo sheets should be cut into 11" x 26" rectangles.
How much filling should I put in each phyllo bite?
Use one heaping tablespoon of the chilled chicken filling per bite.
How do I assemble the bites?
Place filling on the phyllo, fold the long sides over, and roll it up from the bottom.
How long do these take to bake?
Bake the bites for 20 to 30 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
How should the rolls be placed on the baking sheet?
Arrange the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets.
What should I serve with these chicken bites?
They are best served warm with your favorite salsa for dipping.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it has a kick from the inclusion of one seeded and minced jalapeño.
How many phyllo sheets are needed?
The recipe calls for 12 sheets of phyllo pastry.
How many scallions are used?
Use 3 tablespoons of minced scallions.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What spice is used to flavor the chicken?
One teaspoon of ground cumin is used in the filling.
Do I need to grease the baking sheets?
Yes, lightly coat two baking sheets with cooking spray before placing the rolls.
Why should I chill the filling before assembly?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld and makes the filling easier to handle during rolling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
What should I do with the jalapeño seeds?
The recipe recommends seeding the jalapeño before mincing it.
How do I prevent phyllo from drying out?
Keep the phyllo sheets covered while you are working with individual pieces.
Are these suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, they are an impressive appetizer ideal for parties and snacks.
Can I use water instead of broth for poaching?
Yes, the recipe allows for either broth or water to be used for poaching the chicken.
What color should the pastry be when finished?
The phyllo should be a beautiful golden brown color.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should add salt and pepper to the filling according to your personal preference.