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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Transfer seared chicken to cooling rack and allow to reach room temperature while preparing filling.
- Combine tangy chimichurri with smooth cream cheese in mixing bowl, blending until uniform consistency is achieved.
- Gently roll puff pastry sheet into thin rectangular shape, then methodically divide into four equal rectangular sections.
- Spread chimichurri cream cheese mixture centrally on each pastry section, positioning seasoned chicken breast on top of herbed spread.
- Carefully brush pastry edges with whisked egg, then delicately fold corners over chicken, ensuring complete coverage and secure sealing.
- Position assembled parcels seam-side facing downward on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Meticulously brush exterior pastry surfaces with additional egg wash, creating glossy golden finish.
- Roast in preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes until pastry turns crisp and golden and chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
- 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