Mama'S Chicken-Broccoli Pastries
Delicious chicken and broccoli pastries with creamy filling wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked, chopped chicken ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen broccoli ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 package crescent rolls ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook broccoli in microwave on High for 4 to 5 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Place butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt on High.
- Stir in flour, dill weed, salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Gradually blend in milk and microwave on High for 4 minutes or until thick, stirring 2 or 3 times during cooking.
- Microwave cream cheese until soft (about 30 seconds), then add to the sauce and beat until smooth.
- Add cooked, chopped chicken and drained broccoli to the sauce and mix well.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out crescent rolls and press into 4 squares of about 6 inches each.
- Spoon the filling onto half of each square.
- Fold over the dough to cover the filling and pinch edges to seal.
- Place pastries on an ungreased baking sheet and brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with dill weed.
- Bake for 18 to 24 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce or incorporating cooked mushrooms into the filling. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cooked chicken. You can also swap out broccoli for spinach or another favorite vegetable to vary the dish. Make sure to seal the pastry edges well to prevent leaking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious chicken-broccoli pastries with a fresh garden salad or a side of crispy roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal. They also pair beautifully with Jalapeno-Potato Soup for a comforting lunch or dinner. Consider garnishing with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra dill for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pastries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which helps retain their crispness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but this may result in a softer pastry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Chicken-Broccoli Pastries contains roughly 281 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Just steam it until tender before adding it to the filling mixture. Since fresh broccoli cooks faster, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make these pastries ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pastries ahead of time. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes for a great make-ahead meal for busy nights.
What other fillings can I use for these pastries?
The beauty of these pastries is their versatility. You can fill them with other chicken recipes, like shredded buffalo chicken or a mixture of vegetables and cheese. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination!
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).