Phyllo Chicken
A flavorful chicken dish wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped scallions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- pinch of salt ⓘ
- pinch of ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, divided
- 12 sheets phyllo pastry ⓘ
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, half of garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with remaining garlic.
- Brush one pastry sheet with melted garlic butter.
- Top with a second sheet and brush again with garlic butter.
- Dip chicken breasts in the mayonnaise mixture, turning to coat thoroughly.
- Place chicken diagonally on one corner of the pastry sheets.
- Roll the pastry around the chicken, folding in sides to form a neat rectangular package.
- Brush the top of each wrapped chicken with melted butter and lightly sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian herbs to the mayonnaise mixture. If you don't have scallions, finely chopped onions or shallots can be a good substitute. Make sure to keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent them from drying out. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can expedite the process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Phyllo Chicken alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Summer Vegetables With Mozzarella or Briami - Greek Vegetable Casserole for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. A light dipping sauce, like tzatziki, can also enhance the dish. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a side of couscous or quinoa.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored 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 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the phyllo pastry. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Phyllo Chicken contains roughly 1167 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% 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 freeze the Phyllo Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the Phyllo Chicken before baking. Wrap each package tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if still cold.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt works well in place of mayonnaise and adds a nice tangy flavor. You can also use a combination of sour cream and a bit of mustard for a similar texture. For dairy-free options, try using avocado or a vegan mayonnaise substitute.
How do I make the pastry crispier?
To achieve extra crispiness, make sure to brush each layer of phyllo with enough melted butter. You can also sprinkle a bit of cornmeal on the baking sheet before placing the wrapped chicken to create a crunchy base. Bake at a higher temperature for the last few minutes to ensure a golden finish.
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).