Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pastry Pies

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.