Golden Chicken Spinach Walnut Bundles

Introducing a delightful culinary creation: Puff Pastry Chicken Bundles, a recipe that embodies elegance and flavor in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these bundles combine tender chicken breasts with creamy chive & onion cream cheese, earthy walnuts, and delicate spinach, all encased in flaky, golden puff pastry. 🍗🥐

Here’s a breakdown of the process to craft these exquisite bundles:

Puff Pastry Chicken Bundles Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 40 spinach leaves
• 2 tbsp chive & onion cream cheese per chicken breast
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp cold water

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 15×10-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Begin by preparing the chicken breasts.
   • Make a lengthwise slit in each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through, leaving about 1/2-inch intact on one side.
   • Open the breast like a book so it lies flat.
   • Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and gently pound it to flatten to about 1/8-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
   • Remove the plastic wrap and season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a saucepan, bring about an inch of water to a boil.
   • Add the spinach leaves, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
   • Drain the spinach and set aside.

4. Assemble the Bundles:

   • Lay out each chicken breast and place five spinach leaves on top.
   • Spoon 2 tablespoons of chive & onion cream cheese down the center of each chicken breast.
   • Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the cream cheese.

5. Roll and Wrap:

   • Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end and tucking in the sides as you go, to form a tight bundle.
   • Set aside.

6. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

   • Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut each into four equal portions, resulting in eight rectangles in total.
   • Roll out each portion into an 8×7-inch rectangle to encase the chicken bundles.

7. Assemble and Bake:

   • In a small bowl, beat the egg with cold water to create an egg wash.
   • Brush the edges of each puff pastry rectangle with the egg wash.
   • Place a rolled chicken bundle at one short end of each pastry rectangle and roll up tightly, ensuring the ends are sealed.
   • Place the prepared bundles seam-side down on the greased baking pan.
   • Brush the tops of the puff pastry with the remaining egg wash.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is beautifully golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once baked to perfection, remove the bundles from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
   • These Puff Pastry Chicken Bundles are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, served alongside your favorite side dishes or a crisp salad.

With each bite, savor the harmonious blend of flavors and textures, from the juicy chicken to the creamy filling and flaky pastry. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, these bundles are sure to impress. Embrace the culinary adventure and indulge in the goodness of homemade Puff Pastry Chicken Bundles! 🍽✨