Welcome to your new favorite appetizer! These Chicken Salad Puffs are incredibly easy to make, yet they look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Combining creamy chicken salad with light, buttery puff pastry creates a delightful bite-sized treat perfect for any gathering. Get ready to impress with this versatile and absolutely delicious party food.
Table of Contents
Chicken Salad Puffs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Unfold thawed puff pastry and cut along folds, then across to make 36 squares.
- Arrange pastry squares on a lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
- Cool completely, then slice each square in half horizontally to make tops and bottoms.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook (grill, bake, or poach), cool, and chop finely.
- In a bowl, mix chopped chicken, celery, grapes, onion, mayonnaise, kosher salt, and Creole seasoning.
- Spoon chicken salad onto bottom halves of pastry squares.
- Top with other pastry halves. Secure with toothpicks if desired and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mayo-sour cream blend.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add-ins like chopped nuts or Dijon mustard can enhance flavor.
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad Puffs Recipe
This Chicken Salad Puffs recipe is a true winner for many reasons, especially if you’re a busy parent or new to cooking.
- Quick Prep Time: You can assemble these delicious bites in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves the combination of savory chicken salad and crispy, flaky pastry. They vanish fast!
- Versatile for Occasions: These are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, brunches, or even a simple family snack.
- Easy Customization: Adjust the chicken salad ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare components in advance for stress-free assembly just before serving.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of irresistible Chicken Salad Puffs. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 1 sheet Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp kosher salt (for pastry)
- 3 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning chicken)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red grapes, quartered
- 1 tbsp onion, minced
- 1/2-3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for chicken salad)
- 1/2 tsp Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning
Notes & Substitutions
- You have flexibility with many of these ingredients to truly make these chicken salad pastry bites your own.
- For the chicken, you can grill, bake, or poach chicken breasts, or even use a rotisserie chicken for extra time-saving.
- If mayonnaise isn’t your preference, try Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or a blend of mayo and sour cream for extra tang.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings; fresh dill, a pinch of garlic powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice all add fantastic depth.
- Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a touch of Dijon mustard for a zesty kick to your creamy chicken salad.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to make these delightful Chicken Salad Puffs. Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen drawers.
- Baking sheet
- Silpat baking mat or parchment paper
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush (optional, for butter)
- Fancy toothpicks (optional, for securing)
Instructions For Chicken Salad Puffs Recipe
Creating flaky and flavorful Chicken Salad Puffs is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook. The key is to handle the puff pastry carefully and ensure your chicken salad is well-chilled before assembly.
Follow these detailed steps, and you will have beautiful appetizers ready to share. Remember that individual ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pastry during baking.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Thaw and Cut Pastry: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Using a pizza slicer or a sharp knife, cut the pastry along the fold lines into three even strips. Then, cut each strip horizontally in half, and finally, cut each of those halves to create 12 squares. One pastry sheet will yield 36 small squares in total.
- Bake Puff Pastry: Arrange the pastry squares on a silpat-lined or parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-14 minutes, or until the squares are beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Split Pastry: Once baked, remove the pastry from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack. Cooling is important for stability. After cooling, carefully slice each puffed square in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom piece for your mini sandwiches.
- Cook and Chop Chicken: Season the three chicken breasts with salt and pepper to your liking. Grill them until fully cooked through, or use your preferred cooking method like baking or poaching. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before finely chopping it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Chicken Salad: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, quartered red grapes, and minced onion. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
- Assemble Puffs: Spoon a generous dollop of the prepared chicken salad onto the bottom half of each cooled, split pastry square.
- Secure Puffs: Place the top half of the pastry over the chicken salad to form a mini sandwich. For an elegant presentation and to keep the chicken salad puffs together, you can secure each one with a small, decorative toothpick. Arrange them artfully on a serving platter.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect chicken salad puff appetizers is simple with a few smart techniques. Always ensure your puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but still cold; this prevents it from sticking and helps it puff up beautifully.
For more guidance, explore these essential tips for working with puff pastry. To prevent sogginess, make sure the chicken salad is chilled and assemble the puffs close to serving time.
If you need to make them ahead, keep the components separate.
For enhanced flavor, let your chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before assembly; this allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. Also, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet when baking the pastry for even puffing.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile chicken salad puff bites are a fantastic addition to any spread, offering both convenience and deliciousness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your freshly assembled chicken salad puffs immediately to enjoy their crisp, flaky texture. Garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
These pair wonderfully with a light vegetable soup for a casual lunch, or as part of a larger appetizer spread alongside fresh fruit and other finger foods. They are also fantastic with a simple green salad.
Storage Instructions
To maintain the best quality, it’s ideal to store the components separately if making ahead. Refrigerate the prepared chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Store the baked and cooled puff pastry squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or lightly covered on the counter. Assemble just before serving for optimal crispness.
Recipe Variations
Unlock even more delicious possibilities with your chicken salad puff recipes.
- Different Chicken Salad Flavors: Try a curry chicken salad with golden raisins, or a buffalo chicken salad with a hint of blue cheese.
- Alternative Fillings: Swap out chicken for tuna salad, egg salad, or even a savory vegetarian bean salad.
- Savory Pastry Seasonings: Experiment with sprinkling garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of paprika on the puff pastry before baking.
Nutrition Information
Each individual Chicken Salad Puff provides a modest and balanced contribution to your meal, perfect for an appetizer portion. This estimate ensures you can enjoy these delightful bites knowing their approximate nutritional value.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 88 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 4 g |
| Protein Content | 5 g |
| Fat Content | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 15 mg |
| Sodium Content | 162 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 1 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 4 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Values may vary depending on specific brands and preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these Chicken Salad Puffs be made entirely ahead?
It’s best to prepare the chicken salad and bake the pastry ahead of time, then assemble them right before serving to keep the pastry crisp.
What is the best way to reheat these?
Reheating is not recommended for assembled puffs as the pastry can become soggy. Serve them fresh for the best experience.
Can I use canned chicken for the chicken salad?
Yes, absolutely! Drain it well and shred it for a quick and easy substitute.
Conclusion
You now have the perfect recipe for delightful Chicken Salad Puffs that are sure to become a cherished favorite. Their irresistible combination of flaky pastry and savory chicken salad makes them ideal for any occasion, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whip up a batch today and enjoy the smiles they bring to everyone’s faces. We love seeing your creations, so share your results with us!
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