Curried Chicken Puffs
Delicious bite-sized curried chicken puffs feature creamy filling with tender chicken, toasted almonds, and fragrant curry spices, perfect for entertaining or flavorful snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese, milk, salt, curry powder, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.
- Add cooked and chopped chicken, toasted slivered almonds, and finely chopped onions; mix lightly.
- Cut the tops off miniature cream puffs to create a pocket.
- Fill each cream puff with the chicken mixture.
- Replace the tops on the filled cream puffs.
- Bake at 375°F for 5 minutes or until warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well as a substitute for freshly cooked chicken. Feel free to experiment with spices by adding garlic powder or cumin for additional flavor, drawing inspiration from popular chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These curried chicken puffs make a delightful appetizer or party snack. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or a platter of assorted dips for a complete spread. They also pair beautifully with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover filled cream puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Chicken Puffs contains roughly 194 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (10% 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 make these chicken puffs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the puffs just before baking for the best texture. If you prefer, you can also freeze the unbaked puffs and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider using ricotta cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Both options will provide a creamy texture while slightly altering the flavor profile. Adding a bit of lemon juice can help maintain the tangy taste typically provided by cream cheese.
How can I make these puffs vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach, mixed with the cream cheese. You can also add cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein. Season with curry powder and spices to your taste for a delicious meat-free option.
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).