Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken Puff Pastry Bites are a fantastic combination of savory chicken and the crisp, flaky texture of puff pastry. The spices, including cumin, coriander, and cayenne, add a warming depth of flavor, while the onions and garlic bring aromatic richness to every bite. The egg wash helps the pastries turn golden and crisp in the oven. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a main meal, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or paprika)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 12-15 puff pastry squares (or puff pastry sheets cut into squares)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (or paprika), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Chicken: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the seasoned ground chicken. Use two spatulas to break up the chicken into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and in small, crumbly pieces. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).
- Egg Wash: Crack the egg into a small bowl and scramble it. This will be used to brush the edges of the puff pastry.
- Assemble the Bites: Lay out a puff pastry square and brush the edges of two adjacent sides with the egg wash, creating an L-shaped border.
- Fill the Pastry: Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of the pastry square. Then, fold the corner that is not brushed with egg wash over the filling, making a triangle. Press the edges together to seal.
- Sealing Options:
- Twist and Fold: Twist and fold the edges to create a braided look. This ensures the filling is sealed tightly.
- Fork-Crimped Edge: Use a fork to crimp the edges, which seals the pastry and creates a decorative border.
- Sealing Options:
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the filled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring enough space between each for even baking. Make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastries with the remaining egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake the Pastry:
- Bake: Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 14 portions
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle some shredded cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, into the filling before sealing the pastry for a cheesy surprise.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley can be added to the chicken filling for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or a mixture of cooked vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing: Store leftover chicken puff pastry bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the puff pastry bites in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. You can also freeze them before baking and bake them directly from frozen.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! Using store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe much quicker and easier. Just make sure to thaw it properly before use.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can swap the ground chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
What can I serve with these puff pastry bites?
These puff pastry bites are great on their own but can also be paired with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a dipping sauce like sour cream or salsa.
Can I freeze the puff pastry bites?
Yes, these bites freeze wonderfully. Just assemble the pastries and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just place them directly in the oven from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion
Chicken Puff Pastry Bites are a flavorful and convenient snack or appetizer that’s sure to be loved by everyone. With their flaky, buttery exterior and savory chicken filling, these bites are perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion. Easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is one you’ll turn to time and time again! Enjoy!

Chicken Puff Pastry Bites
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 14 portions
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Finger Food
- Method: American, Mexican
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chicken Puff Pastry Bites are a savory, flaky appetizer filled with seasoned ground chicken, aromatic spices, and a creamy, cheesy interior. Wrapped in golden, buttery puff pastry, they’re the perfect treat for any gathering. With a combination of cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, along with the richness of cheese, these bite-sized snacks are sure to impress at your next party or game day!
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or paprika)
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
1–2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon oil
1 egg (for egg wash)
12–15 puff pastry squares (or puff pastry sheets cut into squares)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken Filling:
In a bowl, mix ground chicken with cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (or paprika), salt, and black pepper. Set aside. -
Cook the Onions and Garlic:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. -
Cook the Chicken:
Add seasoned ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with spatulas. Cook until fully cooked and crumbly. Set aside to cool. -
Prepare the Pastry:
Preheat oven to 356°F (180°C). Crack an egg into a small bowl and scramble it for the egg wash. Roll puff pastry into squares and brush edges with egg wash. -
Assemble the Bites:
Spoon chicken filling onto pastry squares, fold the pastry to form triangles, and seal edges by crimping or twisting. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with egg wash. -
Bake:
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Notes
To add some heat, increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
Add cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) to the filling for a cheesy twist.
For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or cooked veggies instead of chicken.