Wrapped Chicken Breasts(With Cranberry Sauce)
Juicy poached chicken breasts wrapped in ham, cheese, and puff pastry, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for elegant dinners or special occasions with savory and flaky textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Poach chicken breasts in a mixture of chicken broth, white wine, and salt until fork-tender.
- Remove chicken from broth and drain. Set aside.
- Roll out each puff pastry sheet until thin.
- Brush each slice of ham with French mustard.
- Wrap each chicken breast half with a slice of cheese and a slice of ham.
- Wrap puff pastry around each chicken, sealing edges with water.
- Place wrapped chicken on a buttered cookie sheet.
- Brush each with melted butter.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Serve with cranberry sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the poaching liquid. You can substitute the Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar for a sharper taste. If you're short on time, pre-made puff pastry is a great shortcut. Ensure the chicken is well-sealed in the pastry to retain moisture while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the wrapped chicken breasts hot, drizzled with cranberry sauce for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. They pair wonderfully with sides like Rosemary Carrots or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with mashed potatoes or a light soup, such as Potato Soup To Go Mix.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover wrapped chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the pastry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wrapped Chicken Breasts(With Cranberry Sauce) contains roughly 1298 calories, with 7g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1848mg per serving (80% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure to fully thaw them before poaching. This will help them cook evenly and maintain tenderness. Poaching from frozen may require additional cooking time.
What can I substitute for puff pastry?
If you don't have puff pastry, you can use phyllo dough or even biscuit dough as alternatives. Both will provide a different texture but can yield delicious results. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness, ensuring the chicken is safe to eat.
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).