Chicken Pecan Tarts
Delicious chicken pecan tarts combine tender cooked chicken with toasted pecans in a creamy, flavorful filling. Enclosed in flaky biscuit crusts, these savory bites are perfect for brunch, lunch, or a quick appetizer, offering a delightful mix of crunch, creaminess, and savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz.) tube refrigerated buttermilk biscuits ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter and add pecans; sauté until lightly browned.
- In a bowl, combine chopped cooked chicken, chopped celery, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, softened cream cheese, salt, and ground nutmeg; mix well.
- Separate the refrigerated biscuit dough and roll each into a 4-inch circle.
- Press each circle into a foil bake cup, letting the dough cover the bottom and sides.
- Place the bake cups in muffin pans.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into each bake cup.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding some diced bell peppers or green onions to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and crunch. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cooked chicken. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Pecan Tarts make a delightful appetizer or a light lunch. Serve them alongside a fresh garden salad or pair with a bowl of soup, such as Chicken-Broccoli Chowder, for a complete meal. They can also be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the biscuit crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pecan Tarts contains roughly 417 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but both options will still provide a nice crunch.
What can I serve these tarts with?
These tarts pair beautifully with a side of mixed greens or a creamy dip. For a heartier meal, consider serving them with a warm bowl of soup, like Low Fat Chicken Casserole, to complement the flavors.
Can I freeze the Chicken Pecan Tarts?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked tarts before cooking. Assemble them in the foil bake cups, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, cook directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).