These Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pockets are a flaky, buttery delight filled with a creamy, herby chicken and mushroom mixture. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal, they are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Puff Pastry: 500g (17.6 oz)
- Chicken Breast: 350g (12.3 oz), cut into small pieces
- Mushrooms: 250g (8.8 oz), cut into pieces
- Brown Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Cream Cheese: 150g (⅔ cup)
- Chopped Parsley: 1 ½ tablespoons
- Herbes de Provence: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Egg Yolk: 1
- Milk: 1 tablespoon
Directions
- Prepare the Filling
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the diced onion for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2 ½ minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the herbes de Provence and chopped parsley, cooking for another minute.
- Add the cream cheese, stirring until well combined, about 1 ½ minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into 6 equal squares or rectangles.
- Assemble the Pockets
- Place a generous spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Brush with Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk.
- Brush the top of each pastry pocket with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake
- Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and flaky.
- Serve
- Allow the pastries to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
5 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a bowl of creamy soup for a cozy dinner.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.
- Serve as an appetizer or snack at parties.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a dipping sauce like aioli or garlic butter.
5 Cooking Tips
- Ensure the filling is cool before placing it on the puff pastry to prevent sogginess.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the puff pastry for clean edges.
- For extra crispiness, bake the pastries on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet.
- Substitute cream cheese with ricotta or a soft goat cheese for a flavor variation.
- Freeze unbaked pastries for later use; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken Breast: High in lean protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Mushrooms: A great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like selenium.
- Parsley: Rich in vitamin K, which supports bone health.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: No (use plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian version).
- Vegan: No (requires substitutes for puff pastry, cream cheese, and egg wash).
- Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free puff pastry if available).
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky, golden puff pastry with a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Perfect for meal prep—freeze and bake as needed.
- Quick and easy to assemble, making it great for busy days.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
- Great for entertaining guests or family meals.
Conclusion
These Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pockets are a delicious and versatile recipe that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy filling, all wrapped in flaky pastry. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, shred or dice cooked chicken and reduce cooking time.
- Can I make these vegetarian? Yes, substitute chicken with spinach, feta, or sautéed mixed vegetables.
- What mushrooms work best? Button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms work great for this recipe.
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Absolutely, ready-made puff pastry saves time and works perfectly.
- What can I use instead of cream cheese? Ricotta, mascarpone, or a soft goat cheese are great substitutes.
- How do I prevent the filling from leaking? Seal the edges tightly with a fork and avoid overfilling the pastries.
- Can I add other seasonings? Yes, try smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- What can I serve these with? A fresh salad, dipping sauces, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully.
- Can I reheat leftovers? Yes, reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.
- Can I use filo pastry instead? Yes, but brush each layer with melted butter for a crisp texture.
Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful puff pastry pockets! 🥐✨