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Savory Chicken Cheese Pastry

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Quick recipe for a braided flaky pastry filled with seasoned chicken, sweet bell peppers, and a cheesy trio, baked to golden perfection.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:24:26 GMT
Golden baked pastry stuffed with chicken, red and yellow peppers, sprinkled with seeds and parsley. Pin it
Golden baked pastry stuffed with chicken, red and yellow peppers, sprinkled with seeds and parsley. | Tastyhush.com

This braided puff pastry chicken loaf has become my go-to recipe for effortless entertaining. The golden, flaky crust never fails to impress guests when served fresh from the oven. It's the perfect way to transform leftover roasted chicken into an elegant meal that looks far more complex than it actually is.

A Beautiful Braided Pastry

The combination of melted cheese and seasoned chicken filling creates an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Despite its impressive appearance, this braided loaf requires minimal effort to prepare. The flaky layers and rich filling make it an ideal choice for casual dinners or special occasions.

Key Ingredients

  • Pastry: 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry
  • Chicken: 350g fresh chicken breast
  • Vegetables: 1 onion, 1 ripe tomato, 1 red bell pepper
  • Cheese blend:
    • 2 portions cream cheese
    • 3 slices sharp cheddar
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Seasonings:
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon curry powder
    • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • For finishing: 1 egg yolk mixed with milk
  • Garnish: Black poppy seeds

Preparation Method

Prepare the Filling
Sauté vegetables and chicken with seasonings until golden brown.
Add Tomatoes
Simmer gently with tomatoes until flavors meld together.
Assemble
Roll out pastry, layer with cheese and cooled filling mixture.
Braid
Create lattice pattern by crossing pastry strips over filling.
Finish and Bake
Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with seeds, bake 30-40 minutes until golden.
A golden braided puff pastry filled with chicken, peppers and spices, topped with sesame seeds. Pin it
A golden braided puff pastry filled with chicken, peppers and spices, topped with sesame seeds. | Tastyhush.com

Tips for Success

For the best results, avoid overfilling the pastry to maintain its crisp texture. Fresh herbs add wonderful aromatics to the filling. Leftover roasted chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Serve alongside fresh arugula dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the filling the day before and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just make sure it’s completely cold before assembling the pastry.
→ How do I stop the braid from opening while baking?
Firmly cross the pastry strips over each other and seal the ends securely. Brushing with egg wash helps hold everything in place.
→ Is it possible to freeze the braided pastry?
Yes, you can freeze it either uncooked or baked. If freezing it uncooked, apply the egg wash just before baking, not before freezing.
→ Can I swap out the cheeses?
Sure! Feel free to use any cheeses you like, but for the best result, choose ones that melt well and are creamy.
→ How can I tell when it’s baked through?
Look for a golden, crispy surface. The base should be firm and fully cooked. If you gently tap it, it should sound hollow.

Braided Chicken Pastry

A flaky braided pastry stuffed with spiced chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy blend of three cheeses, ideal for family dinners.

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

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 6 Servings (1 braid)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 A single puff pastry sheet.
02 350 grams of chicken breast slices.
03 One onion.
04 A small red bell pepper.
05 One tomato.
06 Two tablespoons of neutral-flavored oil.
07 A teaspoon of chili powder.
08 One teaspoon of curry powder.
09 Salt and pepper to taste.
10 Two portions of Kiri cheese.
11 Three slices of cheddar cheese.
12 Shredded mozzarella.
13 The yolk from one egg.
14 A teaspoon of milk.
15 Poppy or sesame seeds for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the diced chicken, onion, and pepper in oil for about 10 minutes. Throw in the spices, stir in the tomato, and let it cook for another 15 minutes. Let the mix cool completely.

Step 02

Spread your puff pastry on a flat surface, cutting equal-sized strips along the sides but leaving the middle section untouched.

Step 03

Spread Kiri over the center part of the dough, then layer with cheddar cheese, the cooled filling, and finally sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cross the edges of the dough over the filling to create a braid of sorts.

Step 04

Brush the braid with the yolk-milk mixture to give it a golden finish and sprinkle on some seeds if you'd like.

Step 05

Pop it in the oven at 180°C for 30–40 minutes, until it’s golden brown and crisp.

Notes

  1. Make sure the filling is fully cooled before assembling the pastry. If it’s warm, it can make the dough soggy.
  2. Seal the ends of the braid tightly before baking so it doesn’t fall apart in the oven.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • 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