Name: Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup celery, finely chopped; 3 green onions, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or dill), finely chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 package puff pastry sheets, thawed; Fresh dill or parsley sprigs; Paprika (light sprinkle); Finely chopped chives

Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups brings together the perfect blend of flaky, buttery pastry and a savory, creamy filling that delights every palate. Easy to make and elegant to serve, this dish is a fantastic choice for gatherings, appetizers, or a light meal. The crisp texture of puff pastry combined with the rich flavors of tender chicken salad makes it irresistible and an instant crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless elegance: These bites look fancy but come together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Perfect portion control: Individual puff pastry cups are ideal for serving at parties or as finger food without any mess.
Delicious contrast: The crunchy pastry shell contrasts beautifully with the creamy, flavorful chicken salad filling.
Versatile appeal: Works as a delightful appetizer, brunch item, or light lunch that’s both satisfying and fresh.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare and store components ahead of time for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple by spotlighting fresh, accessible ingredients that create a harmonious balance of flavor and texture. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s adding creaminess, zest, or a flaky crunch.

Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or cubed, it forms the protein-packed base of the salad.
Mayonnaise: Provides a smooth, creamy binder for the filling with rich flavor.
Celery: Adds crunch and freshness to balance the creaminess.
Green onions: Deliver a mild onion flavor that brightens the salad.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the mix.
Fresh herbs: Parsley or dill enhances aroma and adds vibrant color.
Puff pastry sheets: The flaky, buttery vessels that hold the salad make every bite delightful.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the overall taste and prevent dullness.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together perfectly.

Variations for Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups

Feel free to mix things up! This recipe adapts wonderfully to different ingredients, dietary preferences, or flavor profiles without losing its classic charm.

Greek style: Add diced cucumber, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Curry chicken salad: Incorporate curry powder and raisins to give a fragrant, exotic flair.
Avocado addition: Mix in mashed avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Nut crunch: Toss in toasted walnuts or pecans for added texture and nuttiness.
Dairy-free version: Swap mayonnaise for a vegan alternative and ensure the puff pastry is dairy-free.

Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups: Elegant Bites for Any Occasion

How to Make Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Salad Filling

Start by combining shredded cooked chicken breast with mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, and green onions in a mixing bowl. Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then fold in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Puff Pastry Cups

Thaw puff pastry sheets according to package instructions, then roll out slightly to smooth creases. Cut into squares large enough to fit into a mini muffin tin. Gently press each square into the cups, shaping them into little pastry shells ready to hold the filling.

Step 3: Bake Puff Pastry

Bake the puff pastry shells in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky. Remove and let cool completely before filling to maintain crispiness.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Once the pastry cups have cooled, spoon the prepared chicken salad generously into each shell. Garnish immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve for a polished and crowd-pleasing presentation.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups

Use cold ingredients: Keep the chicken salad chilled until assembly to maintain freshness and firmness inside the pastry.
Don’t overfill: Fill the pastry cups just enough to avoid spilling and keep the presentation neat.
Work with chilled puff pastry: This keeps it easier to handle and helps achieve a flakier texture when baked.
Prep ahead smartly: Make the chicken salad in advance and store it separately from the pastry shells.
Fresh herbs matter: Using fresh parsley, dill, or tarragon elevates flavor more than dried herbs.

How to Serve Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups

Garnishes

Top each puff pastry cup with a small sprig of fresh dill or parsley for a pop of color. A light sprinkle of paprika or finely chopped chives adds visual appeal and an extra aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these savory bites with a crisp green salad or a simple fruit platter to round out the meal. Light sparkling water with citrus is excellent for cleansing the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the filled pastry cups on a large wooden board or tiered serving tray for an eye-catching spread. For a festive touch, place edible flowers or microgreens around the edges to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the puff pastry cups in a sealed container at room temperature to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked puff pastry shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Chicken salad filling does not freeze well due to mayonnaise-based texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the pastry cups warm and crisp, reheat the empty baked shells in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes before filling. Avoid reheating the filled cups to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut providing tender, flavorful meat that works perfectly in Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute traditional puff pastry with a certified gluten-free version available in many stores, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How far in advance can I prepare the chicken salad?

Prepare the chicken salad up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Can these be served warm or only cold?

They are best served chilled or at room temperature, as heating the filled puff pastry may cause sogginess and loss of crisp texture.

What is the best way to store leftover filled puff pastry cups?

It’s best to consume filled cups fresh. If necessary, store them in the fridge and consume within a day to maintain taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a beautiful bite-sized delight, Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups is the perfect go-to. Their flaky, buttery shells paired with creamy, flavorful chicken salad offer a winning combination that’s easy to make and delightful to eat. Go ahead and give this recipe a try — your next occasion will thank you!

Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups

Author: Brooklyn
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 puff pastry cups 1x
Diet: Contains gluten and dairy (can be modified)

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Cups features flaky, buttery pastry paired with a savory, creamy chicken salad filling. This elegant yet easy appetizer offers a delightful texture contrast and versatile flavors, perfect for parties, brunch, or light meals. With simple ingredients and make-ahead convenience, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and fresh.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Salad Filling: Combine shredded cooked chicken breast, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, and green onions in a bowl. Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Fold in fresh parsley or dill to infuse flavor.
Prepare Puff Pastry Cups: Thaw puff pastry sheets as per package instructions. Roll out slightly and cut into squares large enough to fit mini muffin tin cups. Gently press each square into the tin, shaping them into cups.
Bake Puff Pastry: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake pastry cups for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Remove and let cool completely to retain crispness.
Assemble and Serve: Spoon chilled chicken salad filling into each cooled pastry cup. Garnish with fresh herbs, paprika, or chopped chives as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.