These golden puff pastry crescents with chicken and gooey cheese are an effortless way to put a hearty, fragrant, and deeply satisfying bake on the table. A sesame-speckled crust, a creamy garlic filling, and just 40 minutes from start to finish — the result is a hot savory pastry that appeals to both children and adults.
Ingredients
- Yeast puff pastry — 400g (14 oz)
- Chicken breast, cooked and finely chopped — 300g (10.5 oz)
- Mozzarella, grated — 150g (5.3 oz)
- Cream cheese — 80g (2.8 oz)
- Sour cream or mayonnaise — 2 tbsp
- Garlic, minced — 1 clove
- Dill, chopped — 2 tbsp
- Salt — 1/2 tsp
- Ground black pepper — 1/4 tsp
- Egg, for brushing — 1
- Sesame seeds — 1 tbsp (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, grated mozzarella, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, and dill. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until smooth and evenly combined.
- Cut the puff pastry into triangles. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll into crescents, starting from the wide side toward the tip, pinching the edges lightly if needed.
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until deeply golden. Transfer to a rack and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot or warm — the cheese inside will still be deliciously stretchy.
Serving and Storage
Serve with your favorite sauce: garlic yogurt, herbed sour cream, tomato sauce, or a creamy cheese dip. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat for 6–8 minutes in a 170°C (340°F) oven to keep the pastry crisp.
Nutrition Facts
| Amount | Per 1 crescent (of 8) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
📹 Watch the video recipe on our Telegram channel: @alwaysyummy
Tips and Variations
- Cheese: swap mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or any good melting cheese.
- Pastry: regular puff pastry works too — the crescents will be a little more layered and crisp.
- Filling: add corn, sautéed mushrooms, or sweet bell pepper for extra texture and flavor.
- Seasoning: try smoked paprika, dried garlic, Italian herbs, or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Without egg: brush the tops with milk or cream instead — the color will be softer, but still appetizing.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
Yes, any cooked chicken without skin or bones works well. Shred it or chop it finely, then add it straight to the filling.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Ricotta, mild cottage cheese, thick sour cream, or Greek yogurt all work. The key is to keep the filling creamy and moist.
How do I make the crescents even crispier?
Bake on a preheated baking sheet and use convection if available. For a deeper golden finish, add 1–2 minutes at 200°C (392°F) at the end.