Elegant Chicken En Croute Recipe: Buttery Golden Perfection

Crafting a delightful chicken en croute can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Layers of buttery pastry envelop tender, seasoned meat like a delicate blanket of flavor.

Crisp, golden-brown edges promise a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Professional chefs might seem intimidated by this classic dish, but you can master it with confidence.

Flaky pastry and succulent chicken create a harmonious blend that impresses without complexity.

Simple ingredients and a dash of creativity will help you transform this recipe into a memorable meal.

Prepare to surprise yourself and delight everyone at the table with this elegant yet approachable French-inspired classic.

How To Store Chicken En Croute Recipe Properly

• Store leftover chicken en croute in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent soggy pastry.
• Place cooled chicken en croute in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Bake uncovered on a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes until heated through and pastry crisps up.
• Reheat for 1-2 minutes on 50% power. Use sparingly to avoid making pastry soggy.

FAQ Guide For Chicken En Croute Recipe

• What is chimichurri?

A zesty Argentinian herb sauce made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes that adds vibrant flavor to the chicken.

• Can I prepare the chicken en croute ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pastries and refrigerate them up to 4 hours before baking, which helps the pastry stay crisp and flaky.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll only need a skillet for searing, a baking sheet, and a rolling pin to create these delicious pastry-wrapped chicken parcels.

• Is this recipe good for entertaining?

Absolutely! These individual chicken en croute look impressive, can be prepared partially in advance, and are perfect for dinner parties or special meals.

Why Chicken En Croute Recipe Feels Fancy Yet Simple

• Elevate Your Dinner Game: Transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience with this elegant yet approachable recipe that looks impressive but comes together with simple steps.
• Quick and Delicious Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, this dish combines rich flavors of chimichurri and cream cheese with crispy golden pastry, satisfying everyone's taste buds.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can create a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties.
• Versatile Culinary Creation: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to more sophisticated gatherings, this recipe allows home cooks to feel like professional chefs with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need For Chicken En Croute Recipe

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that serves as the star of this elegant dish.
• Puff Pastry: A buttery, flaky dough that creates a golden, crisp exterior.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base for the chimichurri sauce.
• Chimichurri Sauce: Adds a zesty, herbal flavor to complement the chicken.

• Butter, Egg, Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning, searing, sealing, and creating a glossy golden finish on the pastry.

Steps To Make Chicken En Croute Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Masterpiece

Generously rub chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with butter until sizzling hot. Sear chicken on all sides until achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Remove from heat and let cool completely to room temperature.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Herb Filling

Blend chimichurri sauce with softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are completely integrated, creating a vibrant and flavorful spread.

Step 3: Prepare Pastry Canvas

Gently roll out puff pastry on a clean surface. Stretch the pastry to create a smooth 14-inch square. Carefully slice the pastry into four equal rectangular sections.

Step 4: Assemble Delicate Parcels

Place a generous dollop of chimichurri cream cheese mixture in the center of each pastry rectangle. Position the cooled chicken on top of the filling.

Step 5: Wrap and Seal Chicken Bundles

Whisk an egg in a small bowl. Use the egg wash to moisten pastry edges. Carefully fold pastry over the chicken, creating elegant sealed packages. Flip each bundle seam-side down to ensure a secure closure.

Step 6: Bake Golden Perfection

Brush the top of each pastry bundle with remaining egg wash. This will create a stunning golden sheen during baking. Place bundles in a preheated oven at 400°F. Bake until pastry turns a gorgeous golden-brown color, approximately 20-25 minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow chicken en croute to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. This helps the filling settle and makes cutting easier. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, flaky exterior and succulent interior.

Helpful Tips For Chicken En Croute Recipe

• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Brown chicken in butter to develop a rich, golden crust that locks in moisture and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Chill Chicken Before Wrapping: Let the seared chicken cool completely to prevent pastry from becoming soggy and ensure a crisp, flaky exterior.
• Perfect Pastry Sealing: Use egg wash as glue to create a tight seal, preventing filling from leaking and maintaining a beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Avoid Overfilling: Spread filling sparingly to prevent bursting and ensure even cooking of the pastry and chicken.
• Rest After Baking: Allow the en croute to sit for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and makes cutting easier without losing moisture.

Fun Variations On Chicken En Croute Recipe

• Vegetarian En Croute: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or tofu, seasoned with similar herbs for a meat-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap chimichurri for olive tapenade, add feta cheese, and incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired filling.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pastry with thin sliced zucchini or large cabbage leaves as a wrapper, keeping the core protein and cheese filling intact.

What Goes Well With Chicken En Croute Recipe

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty sauvignon blanc or a light chardonnay to complement the rich, buttery pastry and cut through the creamy chimichurri filling.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with arugula, parsley, and a lemony vinaigrette to balance the heavy, golden pastry and provide a bright contrast to the chicken.
• Select Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare quick roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized texture that enhances the chicken en croute's flavors.
• Recommend Sparkling Water Accent: Serve with lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds after each rich, buttery pastry morsel.

Chicken En Croute Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Chicken en Croute brings French culinary elegance to your dinner table with golden, flaky pastry embracing tender chicken. Crisp layers and rich flavors promise a memorable meal that invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts

Cheese and Spread:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons chimichurri

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 puff pastry sheet
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in bubbling butter over medium-high heat until rich golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
2. Transfer seared chicken to cooling rack and allow to reach room temperature while preparing filling.
3. Combine tangy chimichurri with smooth cream cheese in mixing bowl, blending until uniform consistency is achieved.
4. Gently roll puff pastry sheet into thin rectangular shape, then methodically divide into four equal rectangular sections.
5. Spread chimichurri cream cheese mixture centrally on each pastry section, positioning seasoned chicken breast on top of herbed spread.
6. Carefully brush pastry edges with whisked egg, then delicately fold corners over chicken, ensuring complete coverage and secure sealing.
7. Position assembled parcels seam-side facing downward on parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Meticulously brush exterior pastry surfaces with additional egg wash, creating glossy golden finish.
9. Roast in preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes until pastry turns crisp and golden and chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
10. Remove from oven and allow dish to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving, allowing flavors to settle and pastry to maintain structural integrity.

Notes

• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme in the chimichurri cream cheese filling for a personalized flavor profile.
• Choose high-quality puff pastry for a flakier, more delicate texture that elevates the entire dish.
• Ensure chicken is completely cooled before assembling to prevent soggy pastry and maintain crisp layers.
• Adjust baking time for smaller or larger chicken portions, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20-25 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1680 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg