Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry: A Deliciously Simple Recipe
Looking for a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make? Look no further than Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or impressing your guests. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken filling encased in flaky, golden puff pastry is simply irresistible. This recipe builds on classic flavors and techniques, offering a delightful and satisfying meal.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Impressive yet Easy:** Despite its fancy appearance, this dish is surprisingly simple to put together. The use of pre-made puff pastry significantly cuts down on preparation time.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The creamy chicken filling, seasoned with herbs and spices, is a burst of flavor in every bite. The contrast between the savory filling and the buttery pastry is heavenly.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily customized to your liking. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own unique version.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a comforting meal, Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry is a fantastic choice.
## Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable dish:
* **Puff Pastry:** 2 sheets (about 14 ounces total), thawed
* **Chicken Breast:** 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces, sliced (cremini or button)
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 1/2 cups
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/4 cup (optional, but adds great flavor)
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon
* **Fresh Thyme:** 1 teaspoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Egg:** 1, beaten (for egg wash)
## Equipment
* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* Baking Sheet
* Parchment Paper
* Rolling Pin (optional, for slightly thinning the puff pastry)
* Pastry Brush
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry:
**1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:**
* Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
* Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
* Slice the mushrooms.
* Chop the fresh thyme and parsley.
**2. Sauté the Chicken:**
* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
**3. Sauté the Vegetables:**
* Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms are tender and have released their liquid, about 5-7 minutes.
**4. Make the Cream Sauce:**
* Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Stir in the heavy cream, white wine (if using), Dijon mustard, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:**
* Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cream sauce.
* Stir to combine and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
* Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
**6. Assemble the Puff Pastry:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets.
* Slightly roll out each sheet to your desired size and shape. You can cut the puff pastry into various shapes like squares, rectangles, circles, or even use cookie cutters for a more decorative look. The important thing is to have two matching shapes for each portion – one for the bottom and one for the top. Consider making individual portions or a larger family-style pastry.
* If making individual portions, spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto one half of each pastry shape, leaving a small border around the edge.
* Top with the other half of the pastry shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
* If creating a large pastry, spread the chicken mixture evenly over one sheet of puff pastry, leaving a small border. Top with the second sheet of puff pastry and crimp the edges to seal.
**7. Egg Wash and Bake:**
* In a small bowl, whisk the egg.
* Brush the top of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color.
* Cut a few slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the pastry from puffing up too much and bursting.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
**8. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Let the Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry cool slightly before serving.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as carrots, celery, peas, or spinach. Sauté them along with the onions and mushrooms.
* **Cheese Please:** Add a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or cheddar, to the filling for extra flavor. Stir it in before assembling the pastry.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
* **Make it Ahead:** The chicken filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the pastry just before serving.
* **Individual Portions:** Create individual servings by cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares or circles. This makes for an elegant presentation.
* **Herb Variations:** Experiment with different herbs, such as tarragon, rosemary, or sage, to change the flavor profile of the filling.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs well with this dish.
* **Using Leftover Chicken:** This is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or dice the chicken and add it to the sauce.
* **Storing Leftovers:** Store leftover Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
* **Freezing:** While technically possible, freezing the assembled puff pastries isn’t recommended as the pastry can become soggy upon thawing and baking. It’s best to make the filling ahead of time and freeze that separately. Thaw the filling completely before assembling and baking with fresh puff pastry.
## Serving Suggestions
Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich pastry.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes are a comforting accompaniment.
* **Steamed Rice:** Steamed rice or quinoa can be served alongside the pastry to absorb the delicious sauce.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful cream sauce.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 150-180mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Protein: 25-35g
## Conclusion
Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry is a delightful and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. With its flaky pastry, creamy filling, and customizable flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness! This recipe offers a comforting, flavorful, and relatively easy way to elevate your mealtime. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a more formal gathering, Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry is always a welcome addition to the table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Happy cooking!
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Nancy’s Chicken in Puff Pastry!