Pin it
Chicken and cheese brick pastries blend North African tradition with French cuisine in a delightful fusion. These crispy parcels feature aromatic spiced chicken enhanced with ras el hanout, melted into creamy cheese. The combination of Middle Eastern spices and rich dairy creates an exceptional flavor experience.
The key to these pastries is balancing the spices with the cream to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Essential Ingredients
- Brick Pastry Sheets - Choose fresh, pliable sheets that are easy to fold
- Chicken Breast - Use free-range chicken for best flavor
- Ras el Hanout - Select a high-quality spice blend
- Heavy Cream - Provides richness and binds the filling
- Emmental Cheese - Aged cheese adds more depth
- Fresh Cilantro - Brings brightness to the dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Preparing the Filling
- * Cut chicken into 1cm cubes
* Finely mince the onion
* Crush garlic to a paste
* Gather all ingredients before starting
* Proper mise en place ensures success - 2. Cooking the Chicken
- * Heat olive oil over medium-high heat
* Sauté onions until translucent
* Add garlic and spices to bloom
* Brown chicken on all sides - 3. Creating the Filling
- * Stream in cream while stirring
* Reduce sauce until thickened
* Mix in cheese while hot
* Add beaten egg off heat
* Fold in chopped cilantro - 4. Assembly Technique
- * Lay out brick pastry sheet
* Brush with melted butter
* Place filling in center
* Fold sides over maintaining tension
* Seal edges with butter
Storage Tips
Prepare pastries ahead and refrigerate between sheets of parchment paper. Only brush with butter just before baking.
Presentation
Arrange pastries in a fan pattern with lemon wedges and cilantro sprigs. Serve alongside dressed green salad.
Wine Pairing
A dry white wine like Chablis or Sancerre complements the rich filling perfectly.
Pin it
Recipe Variations
Experiment with different cheese varieties or adjust spices to taste. Ground cumin makes an excellent addition to the chicken filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I make these wraps super crispy?
- Brush them generously with melted butter before baking. Bake in a hot oven and watch closely to keep them from burning.
- → Is it okay to freeze the wraps?
- Yes! Prep them before baking, freeze them, and cook directly from frozen, just adding extra baking time.
- → How do I switch things up with this recipe?
- Swap the chicken with tuna, veggies, or tofu. Use different cheeses or spices based on your preferences.
- → What sides go well with these wraps?
- Serve them with fresh tomato salsa, creamy tzatziki, or a crisp green salad.
- → What’s the best way to reheat them?
- Warm them in the oven at 180°C for about 5-7 minutes to make them crunchy again. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soggy.