Easy Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Puffs: The Ultimate Flaky & Spicy Appetizer Recipe
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Jalapeno Chicken Puffs! This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the flaky, buttery texture of puff pastry with a rich, spicy, and cheesy chicken filling. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a savory snack, or need a quick appetizer, these chicken puffs are guaranteed to be a hit.
They require only simple ingredients and come together in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a special treat. Each bite offers a burst of flavor – from the tender chicken seasoned to perfection, to the kick of fresh jalapenos, and the creamy comfort of melted cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a golden, crispy pastry shell.
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If you’re on the hunt for a QUICK and EASY appetizer that truly impresses, look no further than this cheesy jalapeno chicken puffs recipe! I’ve served these spicy delights at countless dinner parties, holiday celebrations, and even casual get-togethers, and they never fail to disappear quickly. Guests always ask for the recipe, which is a testament to how irresistible they are.
The secret to their incredible flavor lies in the perfectly balanced filling: succulent chicken, finely chopped jalapenos for that signature kick, and generous amounts of sharp cheddar cheese that melts into gooey perfection. There’s just so much FLAVOR packed into each little chicken puff, making them an unforgettable bite.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Jalapeno Chicken Puffs
These versatile and flavorful jalapeno chicken puffs are perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Fantastic Appetizer: Ideal for parties, game nights, or holiday gatherings like New Year’s Eve. They are easy to serve and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Savory Snack: A great option for an after-school snack, a mid-day treat, or even a light lunch. The combination of chicken, cheese, and pastry is incredibly satisfying.
- Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Item: Easily customizable for younger palates. Simply omit the jalapenos and adjust the spices to your children’s preferences for a delicious and wholesome school lunch. They’re also great for picnics!
- Make-Ahead Marvel: You can prepare the chicken filling in advance or even assemble the puffs and freeze them for later. Perfect for busy schedules.
- Customizable Spice Level: Whether you love a fiery kick or prefer a milder warmth, you can easily adjust the amount of chili powder, paprika, and jalapenos to suit your family’s taste.
- Simple Ingredients: No exotic ingredients here! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, making this a fuss-free recipe.
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Jalapeno Chicken Puffs
Achieving perfectly golden, flaky, and flavorful chicken puffs is easy with these helpful tips:
- Dough Choice Matters: You can make chicken puffs with puff pastry dough OR crescent rolls dough. I highly recommend using puff pastry dough for its superior flakiness and crispy texture. Crescent roll dough works in a pinch but won’t give you that signature light and airy crunch. Remember to thaw your puff pastry according to package directions before use.
- Serving Suggestions: These puffs are absolutely delicious as is, straight out of the oven! However, you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. My son loves to dip them in ketchup, but ranch, a creamy sriracha mayo, or even a simple sour cream dip would be fantastic.
- Uniformity in Size: To ensure all your puffs bake evenly and look professional, try to cut your puff pastry dough into even square pieces. A ruler or a pastry wheel can help achieve precise cuts.
- Adjusting the Heat: The spice level in these puffs is entirely adjustable to suit your taste buds. For a milder version, reduce the quantities of chili powder, paprika, and jalapenos. For an extra kick, feel free to add a dash of cayenne pepper or an extra finely chopped jalapeno. Remember, you can also remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno for less heat.
- Leftover Filling Ideas: You might end up with a small amount of leftover chicken filling. Don’t let it go to waste! It’s delicious in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even as a topping for crackers. You can also use it to make additional puffs if you have extra pastry.
- Scaling the Recipe: This recipe is incredibly easy to double or even triple if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover jalapeno chicken puffs in a sealed airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the pastry soggy.
- Where to Find Puff Pastry: Most major grocery stores carry puff pastry dough in the frozen dessert or baking aisle. If you’re having trouble locating it, you can sometimes find them in bulk at warehouse clubs or specialty stores.
- Egg Wash for Golden Finish: For that beautiful golden-brown, shiny crust, consider brushing the tops of your puffs with a lightly beaten egg (egg wash) before baking. This also helps seal the edges.
- Freezing for Later: For ultimate convenience, you can assemble the puffs and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them directly from the freezer onto a baking sheet (no need to thaw) and bake for a few extra minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Don’t Waste Extra Dough: If you find yourself with extra puff pastry dough after making these savory delights, don’t let it go to waste! You can easily make these easy strawberry strudels for a sweet treat, or get creative with other fillings like cheese and herbs, or even mini quiches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Puffs
What are chicken puffs?
Chicken puffs are a delightful savory appetizer or snack consisting of a flaky pastry shell filled with a cooked chicken mixture, often combined with cheese and/or a medley of vegetables. They are popular for their convenient size, delicious flavor, and appealing texture. The term “puff” refers to the puff pastry dough, which expands and creates numerous light, airy layers when baked.
How to make chicken puffs at home? How to make chicken puff pastry?
Making chicken puffs at home is surprisingly straightforward! The process typically involves two main parts: preparing the flavorful chicken filling and then assembling and baking the puffs. You start by cooking the boneless chicken with aromatics and spices until tender and shreddable. Once your filling is ready, you’ll spoon it into pre-cut pieces of puff pastry dough, seal them, and bake until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are wonderfully crisp. While making puff pastry from scratch can be a lengthy process, this recipe cleverly uses store-bought puff pastry, making the “how to make chicken puff pastry” part as simple as thawing and cutting!
How to make chicken puffs from scratch?
My recipe for the chicken filling in these jalapeno chicken puffs is indeed made entirely from scratch, ensuring you get the freshest, most flavorful core for your snack. This means you’ll be preparing the chicken, spices, and other delicious additions yourself. However, to keep the recipe quick and accessible for home cooks, I use high-quality store-bought puff pastry dough. This is a common and highly recommended shortcut that saves a significant amount of time and effort without compromising on the flaky, buttery texture that makes these puffs so special. If you’re an experienced baker and wish to make your puff pastry from scratch, you certainly can, but for most, the store-bought option is a fantastic time-saver!
Can I use ground chicken instead of cubes?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully for the filling. Simply cook it in the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns, then proceed with adding the spices and other ingredients as directed. This can even save you the shredding step!
What other cheeses can I use?
While cheddar cheese offers a classic, sharp flavor that pairs perfectly with jalapenos and chicken, feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, pepper jack (for extra heat!), or even a smoked gouda could add interesting dimensions to your chicken puffs.
How can I make these puffs even spicier?
For those who crave more heat, you can:
- Add an extra jalapeno or use a spicier pepper like serrano.
- Leave some seeds and membranes in the jalapenos.
- Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the chicken filling.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Can I bake them in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Air frying chicken puffs can give them an extra crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the puffs in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch, and air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them as air fryer cooking times can vary.
What to serve with jalapeno chicken puffs?
These puffs are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate the serving experience, consider pairing them with:
- A cooling ranch or blue cheese dip.
- A zesty lime crema or avocado dip.
- Sweet chili sauce for a tangy contrast.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- A simple tomato salsa.
Recipe Card
Jalapeno Chicken Puffs
Abeer Rizvi
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon Ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon Garlic paste
- 1 pound Boneless chicken cubes
- ½ teaspoon Chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika
- Salt And pepper to taste
- ½ cup Water
- 1 Jalapeno Finely chopped
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese Shredded
- 1 package Puff pastry dough
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden brown.
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Add the boneless chicken cubes to the pan. Season with chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated with the spices. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
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Pour in the water, then cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until it’s tender and cooked through.
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Remove the lid and continue to cook the chicken on medium heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the water has evaporated and the mixture is relatively dry. This prevents soggy puffs.
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Turn off the heat. Use a fork or two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the pan. Shredding it allows for a better texture and easier filling of the puffs.
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Add the finely chopped jalapenos to the shredded chicken mixture and mix everything together thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let the filling cool slightly.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and carefully spread out the puff pastry dough. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut out approximately 20 square pieces, each about 3×3 inches in dimension.
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Spoon a small amount (about a tablespoon) of the spicy chicken mixture into the center of one square puff pastry piece. Sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Place another square piece of puff pastry on top. Gently press the edges of the two pastry pieces together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal. This creates a neat, square pocket. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
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Carefully transfer the assembled chicken puffs onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the puffs are beautifully golden brown, visibly risen, and firm along the edges. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, homemade jalapeno chicken puffs!
Notes
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven for optimal crispness.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
Final Thoughts on Your Jalapeno Chicken Puffs
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to creating the most delectable and easy jalapeno chicken puffs that are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Their combination of crispy, golden puff pastry with a warm, spicy, and cheesy chicken filling makes them an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a party, a casual snack, or a unique lunch, these puffs promise flavor and satisfaction.
Don’t be afraid to customize the spice level or experiment with different cheeses to make them truly your own. The ease of preparation, especially with the smart use of store-bought puff pastry, means you can enjoy these savory delights more often without spending hours in the kitchen.
So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic. Your family and friends will thank you for these incredible jalapeno chicken puffs!
Until next time, happy baking!