Chicken pastry: It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even a snack. It’s comfort food at its finest, and you can find different versions of it in cuisines all over the world.
This article is a comprehensive guide to chicken pastry recipes, covering everything from quick and easy puff pastries to hearty chicken rolls and even Southern-style chicken and pastry (which is more like a stew with flat dumplings).
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find plenty of tips, variations, and helpful information here to help you create the perfect chicken pastry dish. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking!
Chicken Puff Pastry (Chicken Patties)
Chicken puff pastries, sometimes called chicken patties, are a simple way to use leftover cooked chicken in a comforting and satisfying dish. The flaky puff pastry encases a creamy, savory chicken filling. Here’s a closer look at the process:
Understanding Puff Pastry
Puff pastry is a light, delicate pastry made from laminated dough. Laminated dough is made of many thin layers of dough separated by layers of butter. As the pastry bakes, the water in the butter creates steam, causing the layers to separate and “puff” up, creating that signature flakiness.
You can make puff pastry from scratch, but most home cooks opt for the convenience of store-bought puff pastry, which is readily available in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
When using store-bought puff pastry for chicken patties, you’ll need to thaw it according to the package directions. Then, you’ll cut the pastry into squares or triangles. It’s important to keep the puff pastry cold while you’re working with it, as this helps maintain the layers of butter and ensures optimal flakiness in the finished product.
Creamy Chicken Filling
The heart of these chicken pastries is the creamy chicken filling. You’ll need:
- Cooked and shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- Butter, flour, and milk for a classic creamy sauce
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of mustard
To make the filling, start by creating a roux with butter and flour. Cook the roux for a minute or two to remove any raw flour taste. Then, gradually add milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce. Incorporate the chicken and seasonings, and simmer until the filling is thickened and heated through.
Assembling and Baking Chicken Puff Pastries
Once the filling is ready and cooled slightly, you can begin assembling the pastries. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Fold the pastry over to create a triangle or rectangle, and crimp the edges to seal. A pastry crimper can make this step quicker and easier.
Brush the tops of the pastries with egg wash (a beaten egg with a little water) for a golden-brown finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls
These savory rolls are like little handheld chicken pot pies, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or light meal. The combination of chicken, cheese, and aromatic spices wrapped in flaky puff pastry is simply irresistible.
Making the Chicken Filling
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast, if you prefer)
- Your favorite cheese (cheddar and mozzarella are great choices)
- Aromatics: garlic, cilantro, jalapenos
- Optional: chipotle adobo paste for a hint of smoky flavor
Finely mince the garlic, cilantro, and jalapenos. Cook the chicken (baking, poaching, or pan-frying all work) and then shred or dice it into small pieces. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Assembling the Rolls
Store-bought puff pastry makes this part super easy.
- Thaw the puff pastry according to the package directions.
- Lightly roll it out on a floured surface.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the pastry up tightly, like a jelly roll. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into individual slices.
Baking and Finishing
Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) for a golden-brown finish. Make a few slits on top of each roll to allow steam to escape. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or black seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Southern-Style Chicken and Pastry
If you’re looking for a taste of the South, you can’t go wrong with chicken and pastry. This is a true comfort food dish, and while it’s sometimes confused with chicken and dumplings, there are some key differences.
The main thing that sets chicken and pastry apart is the flat, wide pastry noodles that are simmered in a creamy chicken broth.
Preparing the Chicken
For the most flavorful dish, use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. The bones and skin add richness to the broth. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken if you prefer, or even rotisserie chicken to save time.
Simmer the chicken in broth until it’s cooked through and tender enough to shred. For an even more flavorful broth, consider making your own homemade chicken broth.
Making the Pastry
The pastry is made from a simple dough consisting of all-purpose flour, baking powder, water, and melted butter.
Combine the ingredients to form a dough, then roll it out thinly. Cut the dough into strips or squares, depending on your preference.
Simmering and Serving
Add the pastry to the simmering chicken broth and cook until the noodles are tender. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.
If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer the chicken and pastry uncovered, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. If needed, you can also add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth to your desired consistency.
Serve the chicken and pastry hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. It’s delicious on its own, or with sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Chicken pastry is a flexible recipe, so don’t be afraid to play with it a little! Here are some ideas to get you started:
Tips for Success
A few things to keep in mind as you make your chicken pastry:
- Puff pastry pointers: Keep your puff pastry nice and cold. Don’t overfill the pastries, or they’ll leak. And seal the edges tight so the filling doesn’t escape.
- Chicken filling considerations: Shredding boiled chicken will help it soak up the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Baking basics: Ovens can be inconsistent, so using an oven thermometer can help you get the temperature just right. Also, check the expiration date on your puff pastry to make sure it’s still fresh.
Variations
Here are a few ways you can change up your chicken pastry:
- Filling variations: Try adding sauteed mushrooms to the chicken filling. Use a different kind of cheese, such as Gruyere or Swiss. Or add some extra veggies, like peas, carrots, or celery.
- Pastry play: You could use a different type of pastry dough, such as phyllo or shortcrust. You can also get creative with the shapes of your pastries, forming them into triangles, circles, or even little chickens!
- Sauce sensations: A little Dijon mustard can add a zing to your sauce. Or, you could use Alfredo sauce as a base. Fresh or dried herbs and spices can also add a new flavor dimension.
Storage and Freezing
Got leftovers? No problem!
- Storing leftovers: Put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, an air fryer or oven works best.
- Freezing instructions: You can freeze the pastries before baking. To do this, flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Putting It All Together
From the light and flaky puff pastries to the convenience of chicken pastry rolls and the hearty comfort of Southern-style chicken and pastry, there’s a chicken pastry recipe for everyone and every occasion.
Chicken pastry is wonderfully versatile. It works as an easy weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a special-occasion centerpiece. And because you can easily adapt the ingredients and seasonings, chicken pastry is endlessly customizable to your tastes and dietary needs.
So, don’t be afraid to try out a few different recipes. Get creative with the fillings and the crusts. You’ll quickly discover just how easy and enjoyable it is to make delicious chicken pastry in your own kitchen. Happy baking!