Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken Salad Puffs are the ultimate party snack. The combination of tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and creamy mayo wrapped in a golden, flaky puff pastry makes each bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they are also a healthier alternative to other party appetizers. With the option to substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt, you get the creaminess you crave with a lighter twist. Perfect for any gathering, these puffs will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry
1 package Puff Pastry (opt for store-bought made with real butter)
For the Chicken Salad Filling
2 cups Cooked Chicken Breasts (must be cooled completely)
1 cup Celery (fresh, firm stalks)
1 cup Grapes (or swap with diced apples or raisins)
1/2 cup Mayonnaise (can replace half with Greek yogurt)
1/4 cup Onion (finely diced)
Salt and Tony’s Seasoning (to taste, adjust as needed)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, cut it into 2-inch squares and brush with melted butter to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
- Bake Pastries: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet, leaving space between each square. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
- Cook Chicken: Grill seasoned chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool completely before chopping into small pieces.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, grapes, onion, and mayonnaise. Mix everything together until well combined. For a healthier option, you can replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Assemble Puffs: Cut each puff pastry square in half. Fill the bottom half with 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken salad filling. Top with the other half of the pastry square and secure the puff using a toothpick.
- Serve: Arrange the Chicken Salad Puffs on a platter and serve immediately while fresh and warm. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness in every bite!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 puffs
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Swap: If you prefer something different from grapes, substitute them with diced apples, raisins, or even dried cranberries for a unique twist.
- Lighter Version: For a lower-fat option, replace the mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt or use a reduced-fat mayo.
- Add Nuts: Add a bit of crunch with chopped almonds or walnuts in the chicken salad filling.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme for an added burst of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the chicken salad filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The puff pastry can be stored separately.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the puffs for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using.
2. How can I make the filling spicier?
You can add a little bit of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad filling to give it some heat.
3. Can I make the chicken salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad filling ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before assembling the puffs.
4. Can I bake the puff pastry ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the puff pastry squares ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container and assemble them with the filling when you’re ready to serve.
5. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly for this recipe, making it an easy and efficient way to use up extra cooked chicken.
6. Can I use a different kind of fruit for the filling?
Yes, you can swap out the grapes for diced apples, pears, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a different flavor profile.
7. Can I freeze these puffs?
You can freeze the baked puffs after assembly. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
8. How do I know when the puffs are done baking?
The puffs are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open to check if the pastry is fully cooked and flaky inside.
9. Can I make these puffs vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and create a delicious vegetarian version of the puffs.
10. How can I make these puffs more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor of the chicken salad by adding some Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, or even a bit of garlic powder for an extra kick.
Conclusion
These Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs are the perfect blend of creamy, savory chicken salad and flaky pastry, making them a hit at any gathering. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these puffs are a great way to treat your guests to something delicious and light. Whether served as a snack or an appetizer, they will surely be enjoyed by all!
Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs for Effortless Party Pleasures
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs are a delightful combination of creamy chicken salad in flaky pastry, perfect for parties and casual gatherings. These bite-sized treats bring together the richness of chicken salad and the crispiness of puff pastry, creating an irresistible appetizer that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Ingredients
1 package Puff Pastry (opt for store-bought made with real butter)
2 cups Cooked Chicken Breasts (must be cooled completely)
1 cup Celery (fresh, firm stalks)
1 cup Grapes (or swap with diced apples or raisins)
1/2 cup Mayonnaise (can replace half with Greek yogurt)
1/4 cup Onion (finely diced)
Salt and Tony’s Seasoning (to taste, adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, cut it into 2-inch squares and brush with melted butter to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the puff pastry squares on a baking sheet, leaving space between each square. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
- Grill seasoned chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool completely before chopping into small pieces.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced celery, grapes, onion, and mayonnaise. Mix everything together until well combined. For a healthier option, you can replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Cut each puff pastry square in half. Fill the bottom half with 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken salad filling. Top with the other half of the pastry square and secure the puff using a toothpick.
- Arrange the Chicken Salad Puffs on a platter and serve immediately while fresh and warm. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness in every bite!
Notes
If you prefer something different from grapes, substitute them with diced apples, raisins, or even dried cranberries for a unique twist.
For a lower-fat option, replace the mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt or use a reduced-fat mayo.
Add a bit of crunch with chopped almonds or walnuts in the chicken salad filling.
Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme for an added burst of flavor.
Sushi is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s ideal to eat the rolls within the same day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
