Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself craving something unbelievably delicious? Something cheesy, creamy, and bacony? Well, have I got a treat for you! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs .

Trust me; these little bites of addictive bliss are about to become your new obsession.

Quick Hook: The Addictive Little Bite

Are you ready for the easiest snack to be your new dinner? These Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs are inspired by my favorite recipe the "crack chicken" everyone loves.

These Puff Pastry Chicken Bites have a unique flavor profile and a crispy texture.

Brief Overview: From Tailgate to Posh Greggs

Crack Chicken, as we all know it, is originally an American dish known for its addictive flavor! These little pastry puffs bring that flavour in a small pastry.

These are not only yummy but also easy to make in your own kitchen. We're talking medium difficulty with about an hour and 15 minutes from start to finish including 30 minutes for chilling.

This recipe makes about 24 puffs. Perfect for sharing (or not!).

Main Benefits: Comfort Food, Elevated

Honestly, the main benefit here is pure, unadulterated deliciousness! But beyond that, you're getting a good hit of protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese.

Perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or even a fun weeknight dinner. What makes these Bacon Ranch Pastry Puffs special? That creamy, cheesy filling combined with the flaky, buttery pastry.

It's a match made in heaven!

Ready to get started? Let's gather those ingredients!

The Good Stuff: What You'll Need

Alright, let's gather everything you need. And don't worry, most of this stuff you probably already have lurking in your fridge!

Filling Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked and shredded chicken
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Pastry Arsenal

• 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Everything bagel seasoning (optional, but highly recommended!)

Tools Of the trade

• Large skillet or pot
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Cutting board and knife
• Baking sheet(s)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Small bowl and pastry brush

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Instructions

Right so, now for the fun part! Let's get cooking!

1. Prep the Chicken: Cook and shred your chicken. Rotisserie chicken is honestly a lifesaver here!
2. Make the Filling: Mix cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, ranch, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Combine Chicken and Filling: Stir in the chicken. Chill for 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400° F.
5. Assemble the Puffs: Cut pastry into 12 squares each, then place a spoonful of filling. Fold and seal the edges!
6. Egg Wash and Bake: Brush with egg and sprinkle with seasoning if you wish. Bake for 20- 25 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve: Let them cool slightly before devouring.

There you have it – Easy Party Appetizers with Puff Pastry that are sure to disappear fast! The cheesy, bacony flavor is truly something to behold!

Ingredients & Equipment for Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs

Ready to get cracking with these Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs ? Honestly, they're so addictive. You'll wanna make sure you have everything prepped before you start.

Let's dive into what you'll need to create these amazing Puff Pastry Chicken Bites .

Main Players

Here’s the lowdown on the ingredients. Precise measurements are key, you know?

• Chicken: 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rotisserie is an absolute winner for convenience. Check it's cooked through if using leftover chicken.
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (225g), softened. Full fat is where it’s at, seriously.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (115g) shredded. A sharp cheddar gives a great kick.
• Bacon: 1/2 cup (60g) cooked, crumbled. That's about 6-8 slices. Streaky bacon is my go-to, adds real flavour!
• Ranch Dressing: 1/2 cup (120ml). Shop bought or homemade, dealer’s choice.
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml). This adds a tang that cuts through the richness.
• Green Onions: 1/4 cup (30g) sliced, plus extra for garnish. Don’t skip these, adds freshness.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. It’s gotta have garlic, right?
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Freshly ground is always better.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional, for a little kick). I love a bit of heat!.
• Puff Pastry: 2 sheets (about 14 oz / 400g) store-bought, thawed. I use the kind from the chilled aisle. Avoid the block stuff if possible.
• Egg: 1 large, beaten (for egg wash). Don't skip this for that golden shine.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: For sprinkling (optional). Adds a delightful crunch and flavour.

Seasoning & Flavor

Seasoning is where the magic happens.

• Essential Spice Combination : Garlic powder, black pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes. This combo is epic.
• Flavor Enhancers : Ranch dressing and bacon create a crazy good base flavour.
• Quick Substitutions : No ranch? Mix mayo, buttermilk, and dried herbs.

Essential Kit

You don't need fancy gadgets for these Dinner With Puff Pastry delights.

• Large skillet or pot (for chicken).
• Large mixing bowl.
• Electric mixer or whisk (for cream cheese).
• Cutting board and knife.
• Baking sheet(s).
• Parchment paper or silicone mat.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife.
• Small bowl and pastry brush (for egg wash).

See? Pretty straightforward. The real star here is the Crack Chicken Appetizer filling. It's what makes these Cheesy Chicken Puff Pastry treats so darn irresistible.

Get prepped, and get ready for some serious deliciousness! Making these Bacon Ranch Pastry Puffs is easier than you think.

Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs: Little Bites of Addictive Bliss

Oh my gosh, you guys HAVE to try these Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs ! Honestly, they're totally addictive. Imagine creamy, cheesy, bacon-y chicken hugged by golden, flaky pastry.

Think of it like a little party in your mouth. These aren't just any pastry puffs recipe , they are a hug in food form.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get organized. This is what the fancy chefs call mise en place . Basically, it means having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

This is going to save you loads of time. This is a great way to get the dinners with puff pastry going without stress!

Essential mise en place : Cook and shred your chicken. Crumble the bacon. Soften the cream cheese. Chop those green onions. Measure out everything.

Time saving organization tip : Cook the bacon a day ahead. Trust me, your future self will thank you. If you are short of time, use shop bought rotisserie chicken! Also it will save on the dishes!

Let's Puff! The step-by-step

1. Chicken Time : If you aren't using rotisserie, cook the chicken. Then shred it. Let it cool a little.
2. Cream Cheese Magic: In a big bowl, beat the 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. This is important!
3. Add the Good Stuff: Chuck in the 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup crumbled bacon, 1/2 cup ranch dressing, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup green onions, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix well.
4. Chicken Meets Filling: Add the shredded chicken. Stir until everything is combined nicely. This makes a killer crack chicken appetizer .
5. Chill Out: Cover the bowl. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . Seriously, don't skip this. This is a step you really need to do, or else the pastry will be too soggy.
6. Pastry Prep: Preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the pastry and cut each sheet into 12 squares .
7. Fill 'Em Up: Put a spoonful of the filling in the middle of each square. Fold it over to make a triangle. Seal those edges with a fork. This is key to avoid the fillings coming out.
8. Bake Time: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . The pastry should be golden brown and puffed up.

Pro Tips for Puff Perfection

Here are some sneaky tips to make them really pop!

Chill Out (Again!): Chilling the filling is your best friend. It keeps the pastry from getting soggy.

Don't Overfill: Resist the urge. Too much filling will make them burst. No one wants that.

Seal the Deal: Really press those edges. This stops the filling from escaping. We are looking for the most of this comfort food pastry recipe , and not see it spread across the tray!

Common mistake to avoid : Forgetting to chill the filling! It's a game changer. Why not treat yourself to these puff pastry chicken bites , you deserve it!

Recipe Notes for Perfect Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs

So, you're about to embark on a culinary adventure with these amazing Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs ? Awesome! Before you dive in, here are a few nuggets of wisdom to make the process even smoother.

These Dinner With Puff Pastry are bound to be a hit.

Plating Perfection & Perfect Pairings

Honestly, presentation matters! For plating, arrange the Puff Pastry Chicken Bites artfully on a platter, maybe with a sprig of parsley for a pop of green.

Think about dipping sauces, too! Ranch dressing is classic, but blue cheese or even a sweet chili sauce would be lush.

As for sides, a simple green salad balances the richness of the puffs or some crudités. Pair these bad boys with an ice-cold beer.

Storage Savvy to Keep Your Puffs Fresh

Oh my gosh, leftovers might happen. If you have any Cheesy Chicken Puff Pastry left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .

For longer storage, you can freeze them! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for up to 2 months . To reheat, bake them in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for about 10- 15 minutes , or until heated through.

I avoid microwaving as the pastry becomes a bit soggy.

Variations on the Theme

Here’s some options to consider.

Want to lighten things up? Use light cream cheese and sour cream. It will still taste unreal. If you're feeling adventurous, try swapping the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or a more mature cheddar, like a creamy lancashire cheese.

These Bacon Ranch Pastry Puffs are extremely customizable, and would work with vegan cheeses too!

Nutrition Breakdown: Quick & Dirty

Okay, let's be real, these aren't exactly health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Each puff packs a punch of protein from the chicken and cheese.

They're also a good source of calcium. Just be mindful of the fat content. These easy to make Dinners With Puff Pastry are awesome.

Seriously, though, don’t sweat the small stuff. Just enjoy the process of creating these incredibly addictive Easy Party Appetizers with Puff Pastry ! I know I would, and I bet you will.

Now get in the kitchen and have some fun making Crack Chicken Appetizer ! These Meals With Puff Pastry are so great for sharing.

This Pastry Puffs Recipe is an easy one to follow and will provide Comfort Food Pastry Recipe for all to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs ahead of time? I'm having a party, you see!

Absolutely! You can assemble the puffs ahead of time, brush them with egg wash, and then keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop them straight into the preheated oven when you're ready to serve. It's like having your own posh Greggs ready to go!

Help! My Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs are soggy on the bottom. What did I do wrong?

Soggy bottoms are a pastry chef's nightmare! This usually happens because the filling is too wet, or the oven temperature isn't high enough. Make sure you chill the filling for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, and always preheat your oven fully before baking to give that pastry the kickstart it needs.

Using parchment paper can also help prevent sticking and sogginess, so you don't have a Mary Berry situation on your hands.

Are there any good substitutions I can make in the Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs recipe?

Definitely! If you're not a fan of ranch dressing, you can try using a blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for another cheese you enjoy, like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of a kick.

For a lighter version, try using reduced fat cream cheese and sour cream.

How should I store leftover Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs?

Leftovers? What leftovers?! But seriously, if you do manage to resist eating them all, store any remaining puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep for up to 3 days.

Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to help them crisp up again microwaving can make them a bit soggy, which is nobody's cup of tea.

Can I freeze these Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs for later?

You sure can. Assemble the puffs, but don't bake them. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you're ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen, but you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time just keep an eye on them until they're golden brown and delicious.

This is a game changer!

What kind of pastry works best for these Crack Chicken Pastry Puffs?

store-bought puff pastry is your best friend here! It's convenient and gives you that lovely, flaky texture we're after. Make sure to thaw it properly before using. Shortcrust pastry could also work but will give you a very different texture.

You want something that puffs up nicely in the oven, you know, like a good Yorkshire pudding.