Perfectly savory, creamy, and crispy bites—these Chicken Puffs are a crowd-pleasing dinner option!
Ingredients:
- 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on size and how many puffs you want to make)
- 1 roll of croissants (usually 8 croissants per roll)
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 4 tbsp butter, melted (for dipping)
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-frying until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer. Aim for small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix Chicken & Cream Cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 block of softened cream cheese.
- Stir until the chicken is fully coated and the cream cheese is evenly distributed. (If you love cream cheese, feel free to add more for a richer, creamier filling!)
- Taste the mixture and add extra seasonings as needed (garlic powder, onion powder, or a bit of paprika for flavor).
3. Prepare the Croissants:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the croissant can (typically 375°F).
- Open the can of croissants and unroll them onto a flat surface. Each triangle should be placed so the wider end is facing you.
4. Stuff the Croissants:
- Place a generous spoonful of the chicken/cream cheese mixture in the center of each croissant triangle.
- Carefully roll each croissant up, ensuring the chicken mixture stays inside. Make sure the ends are sealed so no filling spills out during baking.
5. Coat with Butter & Breadcrumbs:
- Dip each stuffed croissant in melted butter to coat it completely.
- Then, roll the buttered croissant in seasoned breadcrumbs to give it a crispy, golden exterior when baked.
6. Bake the Chicken Puffs:
- Arrange the stuffed croissants on a baking sheet.
- Bake them according to the instructions on the croissant can (usually 12-15 minutes at 375°F), or until the croissants are golden brown and firm on the sides.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the puffs cool for a few minutes before serving.
- These chicken puffs pair perfectly with mashed potatoes and chicken gravy for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Puffs
✅ Use leftover chicken – This is a great recipe for using up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and mix with the cream cheese!
✅ Add vegetables to the filling – Add diced onions, spinach, or shredded carrots to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
✅ For extra crispiness – After baking, broil the puffs for 1-2 minutes to give them a nice golden-brown finish. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
✅ Make it spicy – Add a bit of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
✅ Yes! You can swap the cream cheese with cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or cream cheese mixed with ranch dressing for a tangy twist.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
✅ Yes! You can assemble the chicken puffs the day before and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver!
Q: How do I store leftovers?
✅ Store leftover chicken puffs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze these?
✅ Yes! These puffs freeze well. After assembling, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours to freeze individually. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, do not thaw; just bake from frozen for 5-10 extra minutes.
Health & Nutritional Benefits
✅ Protein-packed – Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, great for muscle repair and energy.
✅ Versatile – You can easily adapt this recipe by adding veggies, different cheeses, or changing the seasonings to suit your preferences.
✅ Fun to Make – These chicken puffs are a great family-friendly recipe; kids will love helping with the stuffing and rolling!
These Chicken Puffs are sure to become a favorite, offering a crispy, creamy, and flavorful twist on traditional chicken dishes. Enjoy, and feel free to experiment with different fillings and seasonings! Let me know if you have any other questions or modifications in mind! 😊