Mini tarts with mushrooms and chicken meat

Mini Mushroom and Chicken Tarts

*A refined delight, perfect for any occasion, these mini tarts with mushrooms and chicken are not only delicious but also easy to make. Whether you're preparing them for a special dinner or as an appetizer at a party, these tarts will win you over from the very first bite. Let's discover together how to prepare them, step by step!*

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 6 mini tarts

Ingredients

For the tart dough:
- 1 egg
- 100 g cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 220 g flour
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 1/2 chicken breast
- 300 g mushrooms (you can use chanterelles, forest mushrooms, or champignon)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic (crushed or finely chopped)
- 50 g cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small glass of white wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a bowl, combine the cold butter cubes with the flour and salt. Use a mixer or spatula to mix them until the mixture becomes crumbly.
2. Add the egg and cold water, then mix until you obtain a smooth dough. Do not overmix to avoid elasticity.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps maintain the flaky texture of the dough.

Step 2: Preparing the molds
1. While the dough cools, prepare the mini tart molds. Grease each mold with butter or oil and dust with flour. This simple trick will ensure the tarts release easily after baking.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
1. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then place it in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
2. Flip the chicken breast and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly before cutting it into cubes.
3. In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms and let them sauté until they lose their moisture. This step will enhance the mushroom flavor, adding a rich taste to the filling.
4. Add the chicken cubes to the pan along with the white wine, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid reduces. Then, transfer everything to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
5. Once the mixture has cooled, add the beaten egg and mix well.

Step 4: Assembling the tarts
1. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into 6 equal parts. Roll each part on a floured surface, ensuring an even thickness.
2. Place each piece of dough into the mini tart mold, making sure it reaches the edges of the mold. Use a fork to prick the dough in several places – this will prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
3. Fill each tart with the chicken and mushroom mixture, then sprinkle some grated cheese on top and a pinch of butter for added flavor and creaminess.

Step 5: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dough turns golden and the crust is nicely browned.

Serving Suggestions
These mini tarts with mushrooms and chicken are delicious served warm, but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. You can accompany the dish with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with dill for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the tarts' flavor.

Practical Tips
- Mushrooms: Choose high-quality, fresh mushrooms for the best flavors. If you can't find chanterelles, champignons are an excellent choice.
- White wine: Use a quality dry white wine that can also be enjoyed at the table. This will add an elegant note to the filling.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables like peppers or zucchini, or you can replace the chicken with turkey or even a vegetarian option using tofu or your choice of vegetables.

Nutritional Information
These mini tarts are a good source of protein due to the chicken breast, and the mushrooms add fiber and vitamins. One serving can have around 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of butter and cheese used, making them a satisfying choice for a snack or light lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought pastry dough? Yes, you can use store-bought pastry dough to save time.
- Can I make these mini tarts in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare them a day ahead and bake them before serving.
- What is the best way to store them? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and before serving, you can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

By experimenting with different ingredients and combinations, you can transform this recipe into a customized dish, perfect for your tastes. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress everyone with these mini tarts with mushrooms and chicken! Bon appétit!