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Easy Cheesy Chicken Puff

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

Quick recipe for a puff pastry plait filled with flavorful chicken, peppers, and a gooey cheese blend, wrapped in a crispy crust.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:26:51 GMT
A golden puff pastry stuffed with chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, topped with herbs and seeds. Pin it
A golden puff pastry stuffed with chicken, red and yellow bell peppers, topped with herbs and seeds. | Tasteofsavor.com

This braided puff pastry chicken is a favorite go-to dish that never fails to impress at impromptu gatherings. The golden braided crust always brings delighted smiles to guests' faces. It's a perfect solution for elegant yet effortless entertaining, and makes excellent use of leftover roast chicken from Sunday lunch.

The Magic of Braided Puff Pastry

This savory pastry has saved countless dinner occasions. The combination of melted cheeses and seasoned chicken creates an irresistible harmony of flavors. What makes it truly special is how such minimal effort yields such an impressive result - it's the perfect way to elevate a simple meal into something memorable.

Essential Ingredients

  • Pastry: All-butter puff pastry
  • Chicken: 350g fresh chicken breast
  • Fresh vegetables: 1 large onion, 1 ripe tomato, 1 red bell pepper
  • Cheese blend:
    • 2 cream cheese portions
    • 3 slices cheddar
    • Large handful mozzarella
  • Seasoning mix:
    • 1 tbsp mild paprika
    • 1 tbsp curry powder
    • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • For brushing: Egg yolk mixed with milk
  • Garnish: Black poppy seeds

Step-by-Step Method

Prepare the Filling
Sauté vegetables and chicken in oil with seasonings until golden brown.
Add Tomatoes
Simmer gently with tomatoes to allow flavors to develop fully.
Assembly
Roll out pastry, layer cheeses and cooled filling in the center.
Braiding
Create a braided pattern by crossing pastry strips over the filling.
Final Touches
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds before baking for 30-40 minutes.
Une délicieuse pâte feuilletée fourrée de poulet, poivrons et épices, avec des graines de sésame sur le dessus. Pin it
Une délicieuse pâte feuilletée fourrée de poulet, poivrons et épices, avec des graines de sésame sur le dessus. | Tasteofsavor.com

Tips for Perfect Results

For the best texture, avoid overfilling the pastry to maintain crispness. Fresh garden herbs make an excellent addition to the filling. Leftover roast chicken works beautifully in this recipe. Serve alongside fresh arugula salad dressed with homemade lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare it a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before assembling.
→ How do I keep the puff from opening up in the oven?
Cross the pastry strips tightly and pinch the ends securely. Using egg wash also helps hold it together.
→ Can I freeze this puff plait?
Absolutely, freeze it cooked or uncooked. If freezing it raw, skip the egg wash and apply it just before baking.
→ Can I swap out the cheeses?
Feel free to switch up the cheeses based on your taste. A mix of creamy and melty ones works best.
→ How do I know it’s cooked properly?
The pastry should be golden and crisp, with a fully-cooked base. Tap it lightly—it should have a hollow sound.

Chicken Plait

A generous puff pastry plait loaded with seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and a mix of cheeses. A great option for a family dinner.

Prep Time
40 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 6 Servings (One braided pastry)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 One pre-made puff pastry sheet.
02 Two pieces of Kiri cheese.
03 Three slices of cheddar cheese.
04 Grated mozzarella.
05 350 grams of diced chicken fillet.
06 One egg yolk.
07 Two tablespoons of neutral-flavored cooking oil.
08 A teaspoon of curry powder.
09 A teaspoon of chili powder.
10 Salt and black pepper to season.
11 A single onion.
12 One small red bell pepper.
13 One tomato.
14 A teaspoon of milk.
15 Poppy or sesame seeds for garnishing.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the diced chicken, onion, and bell pepper in the oil for about 10 minutes. Toss in the spices, then stir in the tomato and let it cook for 15 more minutes. Set aside to cool down.

Step 02

Roll out the puff pastry and cut even strips along the edges, leaving a rectangular part in the middle untouched.

Step 03

Spread the Kiri cheese along the center, add the cheddar slices, followed by the cooled chicken mixture, and top it off with mozzarella. Fold the pastry strips over each other to create a braid.

Step 04

Brush the pastry braid with the egg yolk and milk mixture, then scatter your choice of poppy or sesame seeds on top.

Step 05

Place it in the oven at 180°C and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until it looks golden and crisp.

Notes

  1. Make sure the filling has cooled completely before assembling so the pastry doesn’t get soggy.
  2. Seal the pastry braid ends tightly to keep it from opening while baking.

Tools You'll Need

  • An oven.
  • A frying pan.
  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 22 g