Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Puffs Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Puffs Recipe Perfect for Any Day

Crispy golden cheesy chicken and broccoli puffs dance between comfort and elegance on your plate.

Flaky pastry wraps tender morsels of savory chicken and vibrant green broccoli in a delightful embrace.

Light, airy, and packed with irresistible flavors, these bite-sized treasures promise a culinary adventure.

Melted cheese adds a creamy richness that makes each morsel melt in your mouth.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical and unexpected.

Impressive enough for guests yet easy to whip up, these puffs turn an ordinary meal into a celebration.

Prepare to be delighted by this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings gourmet flair to your kitchen.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Puffs Everyone’s Talking About

  • Whip up these cheesy chicken puffs in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy families craving delicious comfort food.
  • Packed with familiar ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and cheese, these puffs offer a playful twist that children will love, encouraging them to enjoy vegetables in a tasty package.
  • Suitable for casual gatherings, game nights, or as elegant appetizers, these handheld puffs can easily elevate any social event with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
  • Requires basic kitchen skills and simple ingredients, making these puffs accessible for home cooks of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Puffs

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that gives the puffs a hearty and satisfying filling, best when using shredded or finely chopped cooked chicken.
  • Cheese: Cheddar, cream cheese add rich flavor and creamy texture, select sharp cheddar for more intense taste.
Vegetable Component:
  • Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrition and texture, finely chopped for even distribution.
Pastry and Binding Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: Flaky, light wrapper that creates golden crispy exterior, thawed at room temperature for easy handling.
  • Egg: Used for egg wash to create shiny, golden-brown surface, helps seal pastry edges.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without fresh garlic chunks.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle aromatic background flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste profile.

How to Pull Off Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Puffs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400F (200C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Chopped broccoli
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything until the mixture looks evenly blended and super appetizing.

Step 3: Prepare Pastry Canvas

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour. Gently roll out the puff pastry and slice into 8 perfectly balanced squares.

Step 4: Craft Delicious Pockets

Dollop a generous spoonful of filling right in the center of each pastry square. Elegantly fold the corners over the filling, pinching edges tightly to seal. For an extra fancy touch, press fork edges to create a beautiful crimped border.

Step 5: Add Golden Shine

Transfer the pockets onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, lovingly coat each pocket with beaten egg for that irresistible golden-brown glow.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pockets puff up and turn a gorgeous golden color.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Let the pockets cool slightly. Plate them up and serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Quick Tips for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Puffs

  • Customize Filling Flexibility: Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary preferences and create personalized flavor combinations.
  • Cheese Variation Hack: Experiment with different cheese types like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Prepare extra puffs and freeze uncooked for convenient make-ahead lunches or quick snacks that can be baked directly from frozen.
  • Perfect Pastry Technique: Ensure puff pastry remains cold before working with it to achieve maximum flakiness and prevent dough from becoming too soft during preparation.
  • Dipping Sauce Companion: Create complementary sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo to elevate the taste and provide additional flavor dimensions for serving.

Keeping Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Puffs for Later

  • Store leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.
  • Restore crispiness by placing puffs on a baking sheet and warming at 350F for 8-10 minutes. This method helps maintain their flaky texture and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
  • For quick reheating, zap puffs on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Expect a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
  • Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Matches with Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Puffs

  • Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken puffs, creating a refreshing balance.
  • Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to complement the creamy, savory puffs and provide a zesty contrast.
  • Whip up a quick honey-mustard or garlic aioli to enhance the puffs' flavors, adding a creamy and slightly spicy dimension to each bite.
  • Pour a chilled sparkling apple or pear cider to bring a subtle sweetness that harmonizes with the cheesy, herby chicken filling.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Puffs with a Twist

  • Vegetarian Veggie Puffs: Replace chicken with diced tofu, mushrooms, or roasted cauliflower for a plant-based alternative that keeps the creamy, cheesy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or use almond flour-based dough to accommodate wheat sensitivities while maintaining the crispy exterior.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute puff pastry with thin sliced zucchini or use fathead dough made from cream cheese and almond flour, keeping the cheesy chicken filling intact.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar, and replace regular cheese with cashew-based cheese for those with lactose intolerance.
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Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Puffs Recipe

Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Puffs Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cheesy chicken and broccoli puffs bring comfort and creativity to classic appetizers, blending savory flavors in a golden, flaky pastry. Crispy edges and melted cheese promise a delightful bite you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Vegetables:

  • 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 ounces) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) broccoli florets, finely chopped

Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 g / 2.1 ounces) cream cheese, softened

Pastry and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Warm the cooking chamber to 400F (200C) and arrange a parchment-lined baking surface for optimal pastry preparation.
  2. Create a harmonious filling mixture by thoroughly blending diced chicken, finely chopped broccoli, sharp cheddar, creamy cream cheese, aromatic garlic powder, subtle onion powder, and seasoning until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Gently unfurl the delicate puff pastry on a lightly dusted work surface, carefully dividing the sheet into eight symmetrical rectangular sections.
  4. Strategically position a generous spoonful of the prepared filling at the center of each pastry segment, then artfully fold the corners inward, meticulously sealing the edges by pressing and crimping to prevent filling escape.
  5. Delicately paint each assembled parcel with a whisked egg coating, ensuring a lustrous, golden-brown exterior that promises a crisp and elegant finish.
  6. Slide the prepared pastry parcels into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 15-18 minutes until they emerge beautifully puffed and radiantly golden.
  7. Allow the savory puffs a brief moment to cool, then serve immediately as a delightful appetizer or light meal accompaniment, optionally paired with a complementary dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that keeps the creamy, cheesy texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or gouda to customize flavor profiles and add depth.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the filling for extra vitamins and color.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by ensuring filling isn’t too wet and using a preheated baking sheet to crisp the pastry quickly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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