Chicken Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Pesto Pinwheels are a delicious and elegant appetizer or snack that’s surprisingly easy to make. Featuring tender chicken, vibrant pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta all wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these pinwheels bake to golden perfection in under 20 minutes.

The image shows several golden puff pastry pinwheels stacked on a wooden board. Each pinwheel has multiple layers of flaky, light brown pastry with a spiral of green pesto and small bits of browned filling mixed with bits of cheese and sun-dried tomatoes inside. The pinwheels have a crisp texture on the outside and a soft, cheesy inside with visible herbs scattered within. To the right, there is a white spoon with a dollop of bright green pesto sauce, and a blurred green bowl of pesto in the background. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1.1 lb pack of puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
  • 12 oz chicken breast
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup minced sun-dried tomatoes
  • ⅓ cup pesto, for mixing
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup feta cheese
  • ¼ cup pesto, for spreading
  • 1 egg white

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thaw the puff pastry sheets on top of parchment paper until pliable but still cool.
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and let cool until easy to handle, then dice into small pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Step 4: Add the feta cheese, minced sun-dried tomatoes, pesto (⅓ cup), olive oil, and a pinch of salt to the diced chicken. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
  5. Step 5: Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over each puff pastry sheet, leaving about 1 inch of one edge free of pesto. This edge will be used to seal the roll.
  6. Step 6: Divide the chicken mixture evenly over the pesto-covered pastry, spreading it out but leaving the 1-inch edge uncovered.
  7. Step 7: Starting from the edge with filling, roll the pastry tightly toward the uncovered edge but stop just before the end.
  8. Step 8: Whisk the egg white and brush it onto the uncovered pastry edge. Finish rolling to seal the edge firmly. Place each roll seam-side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with remaining egg white.
  9. Step 9: Using a serrated knife, cut each roll into pinwheels about 1 inch thick. Arrange the pinwheels on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.
  10. Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh chopped basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the chicken mixture.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it.
  • These pinwheels freeze well before baking; just thaw and bake when ready.

Storage

Store any leftover baked pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. You can also freeze baked pinwheels and warm them gently when needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several golden, spiral-shaped puff pastry pinwheels stacked on a wooden board. Each pinwheel has multiple layers of flaky, light brown dough with a filling made of green pesto and small bits of dark raisins or dried fruit spread throughout, giving a speckled texture inside the spirals. The edges of the pinwheels are slightly crispy, and the filling looks soft and moist. There is a small dollop of chunky green pesto placed on the board near the pastries. The background features a white marbled surface with a piece of gray cloth partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, cooked turkey or ham can be excellent alternatives and will work well with the pesto and feta flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and increase the quantity of sun-dried tomatoes and feta, or add sautéed mushrooms or spinach as a filling instead.

Print
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Chicken Pesto Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe


  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 20 pinwheels (10 per pastry sheet, depending on slicing thickness) 1x

Description

Delightful Chicken Pesto pinwheels made with flaky puff pastry sheets filled with a flavorful mixture of chicken breast, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Baked to golden perfection, these savory treats make for a perfect appetizer or snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry and Toppings

  • 1.1 lb pack of puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
  • ¼ cup pesto, for spreading
  • 1 egg white

Chicken Filling

  • 12 oz chicken breast
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup minced sun dried tomatoes
  • ⅓ cup pesto, for mixing
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup feta cheese
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Thaw Puff Pastry: Place the puff pastry sheets on top of parchment paper and allow them to thaw at room temperature until pliable but still cold enough to handle.
  2. Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat in a skillet, then cook the chicken breasts thoroughly until no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool until it can be comfortably handled.
  3. Prepare Chicken Mixture: Dice the cooled chicken into small pieces and place into a mixing bowl. Add the minced sun-dried tomatoes, ⅓ cup pesto, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ cup feta cheese, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Assemble Pastry Sheets: Spread about 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over each puff pastry sheet, leaving about an inch uncovered on one edge to serve as a sealing edge.
  6. Add Filling: Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the two pastry sheets and spread it evenly on top of the pesto-covered area, again leaving the one inch uncovered edge free of filling.
  7. Roll and Seal: Starting from the edge with the filling, carefully roll the pastry toward the uncovered edge but stop short before rolling completely. Whisk the egg white and brush it over the uncovered edge. Then continue rolling to seal the edge firmly. Place each roll seam-side down on the work surface and brush the tops of the rolls with the egg white.
  8. Cut Pinwheels: Using a serrated knife, cut across each rolled pastry log to create pinwheels approximately 1 inch thick. Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each.
  9. Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed to prevent tearing when rolling.
  • Use fresh pesto for the best flavor or store-bought pesto if pressed for time.
  • Adjust the salt according to the saltiness of feta and pesto used.
  • These pinwheels can be served warm or at room temperature, making them great for parties.
  • For a crispy texture, allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: Chicken Pesto, Puff Pastry Pinwheels, Appetizer, Finger Food, Party Snack, Italian Inspired

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