Garlic Chicken Puffs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

These Garlic Chicken Puffs are the perfect appetizer, snack, or even light meal. They’re incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Imagine flaky, buttery puff pastry encasing a savory filling of tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and creamy cheese. These puffs are incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize the ingredients to your liking. This recipe will guide you through creating these delicious morsels, step-by-step, ensuring perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, chicken, and cheese creates a truly irresistible flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** You can adapt the filling with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to suit your taste.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** These puffs are great for parties, potlucks, game day gatherings, or a simple weeknight snack.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy treat whenever you need them.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delectable Garlic Chicken Puffs:

* **Puff Pastry:** 1 sheet (about 14 ounces) of frozen puff pastry, thawed.
* **Chicken:** 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!).
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced (adjust to your preference).
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend).
* **Mayonnaise:** 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Egg Wash:** 1 egg, beaten (optional, for a golden-brown finish).
* **Optional Garnish:** Sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or chopped fresh parsley.

## Equipment Needed

* **Baking Sheet:** To bake the puffs on.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the chicken filling.
* **Cutting Board:** For preparing the chicken and garlic.
* **Knife:** For cutting the chicken and garlic.
* **Fork:** For crimping the edges of the puffs.
* **Pastry Brush:** For applying the egg wash (optional).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Garlic Chicken Puffs:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* If you’re using raw chicken breasts, cook them first. You can bake, boil, or grill them. Baking is a simple and hands-off method. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks or your fingers. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed to quickly shred the chicken.
* Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred the chicken meat and discard the skin and bones.

**2. Prepare the Garlic:**

* Peel and mince the garlic cloves. The finer you mince the garlic, the more evenly it will distribute throughout the filling. You can use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife.
* If you’re sensitive to the strong flavor of raw garlic, you can sauté it briefly in a little olive oil until fragrant before adding it to the filling. This will mellow out the garlic flavor.

**3. Make the Chicken Filling:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, minced garlic, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
* Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or dried herbs to enhance the flavor.
* If the filling seems too dry, add a little more mayonnaise or cream cheese to moisten it. If it seems too wet, add a little more shredded cheese to thicken it.

**4. Prepare the Puff Pastry:**

* Thaw the puff pastry according to the package directions. Typically, this takes about 30-40 minutes at room temperature.
* Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
* Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the puff pastry into squares. You can make them any size you like, but approximately 3-inch squares work well.

**5. Assemble the Chicken Puffs:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the chicken filling in the center of each puff pastry square.
* Fold the puff pastry square over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle. Gently press the edges to seal them.
* Use a fork to crimp the edges of the puffs, creating a decorative and secure seal. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

**6. Bake the Chicken Puffs:**

* In a small bowl, beat the egg to make the egg wash. Brush the tops of the puffs with the egg wash for a golden-brown finish. This step is optional, but it adds a nice visual appeal.
* Sprinkle the tops of the puffs with sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up.
* Keep a close eye on the puffs while they’re baking to prevent them from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil.

**7. Cool and Serve:**

* Once the puffs are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
* Serve the Garlic Chicken Puffs warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite sauce.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overfill the Puffs:** Overfilling the puffs can cause them to leak and not bake properly.
* **Seal the Edges Well:** Make sure to crimp the edges of the puffs tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
* **Use Good Quality Puff Pastry:** The quality of the puff pastry will affect the final result. Choose a brand that you trust and that is known for its flaky texture.
* **Adjust the Seasonings to Your Taste:** Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings in the filling to suit your preferences.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the puffs can make them dry and tough.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Gruyere, provolone, and pepper jack are all great options.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the filling.
* **Herb Variations:** Use different herbs in the filling, such as dill, chives, or rosemary.
* **Meat Substitutions:** Use cooked and shredded turkey, ham, or sausage instead of chicken.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free puff pastry to make these puffs gluten-free.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute the chicken with cooked and crumbled plant-based chicken alternative, use vegan cream cheese and vegan shredded cheese. Also, skip the egg wash or use plant-based milk.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* Enjoy as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
* Pack them in a lunchbox for a tasty and satisfying meal.
* Serve them alongside a salad for a light and healthy dinner.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerating:** Store leftover Garlic Chicken Puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Freezing:** These puffs are freezer-friendly. Let them cool completely before freezing. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat them in the oven directly from frozen until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per puff)

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Protein: 5-8g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Recipe Card

**Garlic Chicken Puffs**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 40 minutes
**Yield:** 12-16 puffs

**Ingredients:**

* 1 sheet (14 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
* 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon dried herbs (Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)
* Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, minced garlic, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Unfold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into squares.
4. Place a spoonful of chicken filling in the center of each square.
5. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle or rectangle and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Brush the tops with egg wash (optional) and sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these easy and delicious Garlic Chicken Puffs! They’re perfect for any occasion.