Pesto Chicken Puff Pastry Packets

Serve guests these chicken puff pastry packets, an elegant yet easy appetizer filled with mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlicky pesto chicken.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 700 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• ¼ cup prepared pesto sauce
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (such as Pepperidge Farm®), thawed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Place each chicken breast between 2 sheets of heavy plastic on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a 1/2-inch thickness. Divide each breast into 2 even portions. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and until lightly brown, about 5 minutes. Remove garlic and discard.

Step 4

Cook chicken in the skillet until well browned on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Remove chicken onto a plate and coat with pesto. Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 5

Unfold pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 14-inch square and cut into four 7-inch squares. Sprinkle an equal portion of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over each square; place a piece of chicken on top.

Step 6

Whisk egg and water together in a bowl; brush mixture over the edges of the pastry squares. Fold corners of the pastry over the chicken to the center and press to seal. Place filled pastries seam-side down onto a baking sheet. Brush with the egg mixture.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.