Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken pesto bites are a fantastic fusion of flavor, texture, and convenience. The ground chicken mixture, flavored with a blend of spices, garlic, and aromatic pesto, is wrapped in delicate puff pastry and baked to golden perfection. The pesto topping gives an additional layer of flavor, while the tomato sauce serves as a tangy base that complements the richness of the chicken. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these bites are sure to impress with their savory goodness and easy preparation.

Ingredients

For the chicken mixture:

525 g ground chicken
4.5 g salt
3 g red bell pepper powder
4 g garlic powder
2 g cumin powder
3 g onion powder
2 g cayenne pepper powder
1.5 g black pepper powder
40 g Parmesan cheese
50 g fresh green pesto
35 ml olive oil

For the extra:

Tomato sauce

For the topping:

Green pesto
Parmesan cheese
Cherry tomatoes

For the wrap:

540 g fresh puff pastry

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken with all of the seasonings—salt, red bell pepper powder, garlic powder, cumin powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper powder, and black pepper powder. Add the Parmesan cheese, fresh green pesto, and olive oil. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll out the puff pastry: On a clean surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet. You may want to lightly flour the surface to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll it out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
Form the bites: Spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture onto the puff pastry. Fold and shape the pastry around the chicken mixture into small, bite-sized parcels. Ensure they’re sealed well to avoid leakage during baking.
Bake the bites: Place the wrapped chicken bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the topping: While the chicken bites are baking, prepare the topping by slicing the cherry tomatoes and grating additional Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the bites: Once the chicken pesto bites are baked and golden, remove them from the oven. Top each bite with a dollop of green pesto, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a slice of cherry tomato.
Serve: Serve the chicken pesto bites warm with a side of tomato sauce for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 servings (depending on bite size)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as lentils or a veggie blend, to make these bites vegetarian-friendly.
Spicy twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for a spicier kick.
Cheese variety: Swap the Parmesan cheese for another cheese like mozzarella or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Herb mix: Experiment with different herbs in the pesto, like adding basil or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken pesto bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, though the pastry might not stay as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine if you don’t have the time to make your own. Just ensure you choose a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.

2. Can I freeze the chicken pesto bites?

Yes, you can freeze these bites before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To bake, just place the frozen bites directly on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

3. Can I use a different type of pastry?

While puff pastry is ideal for a flaky and crisp texture, you can use a shortcrust pastry or phyllo dough as alternatives if preferred. Keep in mind that the texture and final result may differ.

4. Can I use cooked chicken instead of ground chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked shredded chicken instead of ground chicken. Just make sure it’s finely shredded and mixed well with the other ingredients.

5. How can I make these bites spicier?

If you like heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the chicken mixture or add some finely chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

6. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken pesto bites a day ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven.

7. Can I make these gluten-free?

To make these bites gluten-free, use gluten-free puff pastry. Just ensure that the pesto and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

8. How can I make these bites healthier?

For a healthier version, use lean ground chicken, and opt for a lighter puff pastry or a whole wheat version. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a lighter cheese.

9. What can I serve these with?

These chicken pesto bites are great with a side of mixed greens, a simple tomato salad, or a light dipping sauce like tzatziki or a yogurt-based dip.

10. How long do these bites stay fresh?

Chicken pesto bites are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making them, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Simple Chicken Pesto Bites are the perfect blend of savory chicken, aromatic pesto, and buttery puff pastry. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to suit various occasions, whether you’re entertaining guests or just enjoying a quick snack. With a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, these bites will surely become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy them warm, topped with pesto, Parmesan, and cherry tomatoes for an irresistible treat!