If you’re searching for a snack that’s bursting with flavor and easy to whip up, this BBQ Chicken Pastry Puffs Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender, smoky chicken mixed with crispy bacon, savory cheddar, and tangy BBQ sauce, all wrapped in flaky, buttery puff pastry. These little golden pockets are perfect for game day, gatherings, or just a cozy night in when you crave something special without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to finger food that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is straightforward but oh so important, as each component brings its own perfect touch of flavor, texture, and color that makes these pastry puffs truly stand out.
- Puff pastry (1 17.3-oz package, defrosted): The flaky, buttery base that wraps all the delicious fillings in a tender, golden crust.
- Cooked chopped chicken (1¾ cups): Provides the hearty, smoky protein that’s the star of the filling.
- Cooked chopped bacon (¼ cup): Adds a crispy, salty punch that complements the chicken beautifully.
- French Fried Onions (¼ cup): This ingredient brings crunch and a subtle sweet onion flavor to balance the savory notes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a creamy, sharp layer that binds everything together.
- BBQ sauce (â…” cup): Infuses the filling with that classic tangy, smoky barbecue flavor that makes these puffs irresistible.
- Large egg (1): Combined with water to create an egg wash that glazes the pastry, helping it bake to a glistening golden finish.
- Water (1 Tbsp): Mixed with the egg to thin the wash for easy brushing.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pastry Puffs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 400ºF and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the puffs bake evenly and don’t stick. This prep work might seem small but will save you from any baking frustration later.
Step 2: Cut the Puff Pastry
Unfold the defrosted puff pastry sheets and cut each into 9 squares, giving you a total of 18 pieces ready to fill. It’s important to have neat, evenly sized squares so your puffs bake uniformly.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Combine the cooked chopped chicken, cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, French fried onions, and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Make sure everything is mixed gently but thoroughly to get even flavor with every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Pastry Puffs
Place the chicken mixture diagonally down the center of each pastry square. This placement helps the filling stay nicely contained when you fold the dough.
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Fold two opposite corners over the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal the puff. This step keeps all that delicious filling tucked in and prevents any leaks while baking.
Step 6: Apply Egg Wash
Beat the egg with water and brush this egg wash over each pastry puff. This little extra step gives your puffs that beautiful, shiny golden-brown color that makes them almost too pretty to eat.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the puffs on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they’re puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving—you’ll want to enjoy every warm, cheesy mouthful!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pastry Puffs Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the finished puffs with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a small side of ranch dressing can add another layer of flavor every guest will love.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve these pastry puffs alongside a crisp garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or even some smoky baked beans. The rich, savory puffs hold their own perfectly with vibrant, fresh, or tangy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress at your next party by arranging the BBQ Chicken Pastry Puffs Recipe on a wooden board with small bowls of different dips: think honey mustard, blue cheese, or spicy chipotle sauce. For casual gatherings, placing them in a basket lined with a rustic tea towel makes a warm and inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pastry puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it convenient to enjoy them later without much fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked assembled puffs by placing them on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes your BBQ Chicken Pastry Puffs Recipe a fantastic make-ahead appetizer or snack.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 8 to 10 minutes to regain that crisp pastry exterior and warm, melty filling. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that brings juicy, seasoned meat to your puffs without extra prep. Just chop it up and you’re ready to go.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, smoky, or tangy—just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the filling together without making the pastry soggy.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoked Gouda for different flavor profiles while keeping that melty texture.
Is it possible to make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken and bacon for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based chicken substitute, then adjust seasonings to maintain that mouthwatering flavor.
How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure your filling is not overly wet and make sure to seal the edges of the pastry well. Also, brushing the pastry with egg wash helps create a barrier that keeps moisture out.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Pastry Puffs Recipe is the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for a casual snack or a festive occasion. The combination of smoky chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and flaky pastry is nothing short of heavenly. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these as I do—they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pastry Puffs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 18 pastry puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Pastry Puffs are a delightful appetizer or snack featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mixture of chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, French fried onions, and tangy BBQ sauce. Baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or a tasty treat any time.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 (17.3-oz) package puff pastry, defrosted
Filling
- 1¾ cups cooked chopped chicken
- ¼ cup cooked chopped bacon
- ¼ cup French Fried Onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- â…” cup BBQ sauce
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare puff pastry squares: Unfold the defrosted puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into 9 equal squares to make a total of 18 squares for filling.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cooked chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, French fried onions, and BBQ sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Fill the pastry squares: Place a portion of the chicken mixture diagonally down the center of each puff pastry square to allow for folding.
- Fold and seal: Fold two opposite corners of each square over the filling so they meet in the center. Press the edges firmly to seal the puff pastry and prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Transfer the sealed puffs onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the large egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Using a brush, coat the tops of the pastry puffs with the egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Bake the puffs: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastry puffs are puffed up and golden brown. Baking time might vary slightly based on your oven.
- Serve: Allow the puffs to cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is fully defrosted before cutting to prevent cracking.
- You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce—spicy, sweet, or smoky—to customize flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and bacon, and add sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables instead.
- French fried onions add crunch and flavor, but you can substitute with crispy shallots or fried garlic.
- Egg wash is key to getting a nice golden color; don’t skip this step.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
