Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pies
Ingredients:
- Puff Pastry: 500g (17.6 oz)
- Chicken Breast: 350g (12.3 oz), cut into 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:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium-high heat pan, add a drizzle of light olive oil.
- Sauté the diced onion for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2 ½ minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the mushrooms and cook for an additional 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the herbes de Provence and chopped parsley, stirring for 1 minute.
- Finally, add the cream cheese and mix for 1 ½ minutes until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste and stir for another 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200 °C (400°F) or 180 °C for fan ovens (Gas Mark 6).
3. Prepare the Pastry:
- On a floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry. Cut it into squares of approximately 12 x 12 cm (4.7 x 4.7 inches).
- Gently stretch the pastry squares using your fingers to make them slightly larger.
4. Assemble the Pies:
- Place about 1 ½ tablespoons of the filling in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry over to create a triangle and pinch the edges to seal tightly (refer to the video for visual guidance).
- Arrange the stuffed pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush and Bake:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk.
- Brush the mixture over the tops of the pastries to give them a beautiful golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
6. Serve:
- Allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh dill for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious chicken and mushroom puff pastry pies!
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: The pies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked pastries. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: These pies are simple to prepare, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and cream cheese creates a rich and satisfying filling that is sure to please.
- Versatile: Enjoy these pastries as a snack, appetizer, or paired with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein-Rich: The chicken breast provides lean protein, essential for muscle health.
- Vegetable Goodness: Mushrooms and onions add vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.