Chicken strips in puff pastry with white sauce

Chicken strips in puff pastry with white sauce

A delicious and elegant dish, chicken strips in puff pastry with white sauce are perfect for a special dinner or to impress guests. This recipe combines crispy textures with rich flavors, making it ideal for festive occasions as well as family meals. Get ready to enjoy an unforgettable culinary moment!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 60-65 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the chicken strips:
- 1/2 sheet of puff pastry (approximately 250 g)
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 400 g)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley

For the white sauce:
- 1 cup milk (approximately 240 ml)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons mascarpone
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 handful of fresh chopped parsley

Step by Step

1. Preparing the puff pastry
Start by thawing the puff pastry sheet. It is essential to let it reach room temperature for easier handling. If you have time, it is ideal to take it out of the freezer a few hours before you start cooking.

2. Preparing the chicken breast
While the pastry is thawing, wash the chicken breast under cold running water and pat it dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess water. Then, cut it into strips about 2 cm wide. This size will allow the chicken to cook evenly and remain juicy.

3. Seasoning the chicken
In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and dried parsley. This mixture will give the chicken a delicious flavor. Take each chicken strip and roll it in this mixture, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. This simple step adds fantastic taste to your dish.

4. Preparing the pastry
On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour and place the pastry sheet. Use a rolling pin to roll it out a bit more so that it is slightly flexible. Cut the pastry into strips about 2 cm wide, so you can wrap the chicken strips.

5. Wrapping the chicken
Take a strip of pastry and wrap each piece of chicken, leaving a little bit of the end uncovered. This detail not only adds an appealing look but also allows the chicken to brown nicely during baking.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a baking tray with a little margarine and place a sheet of baking paper. Arrange the wrapped chicken strips on the tray, leaving a little space between them to bake evenly. Bake the dish for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy, and the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Preparing the white sauce
In a bowl, dissolve the flour with 5-6 tablespoons of milk. Bring the rest of the milk to a boil in a saucepan. When it starts to boil, add the flour mixture through a strainer to avoid lumps. Mix well and let it boil for 3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy, similar to sour cream.

8. Finishing the sauce
Remove the sauce from the heat and season with salt and pepper. Add the butter and mix well until melted. Let the sauce cool slightly, then incorporate the mascarpone using a wooden spoon for added creaminess. Finally, add the chopped fresh parsley.

Serving
Once the chicken strips have cooled slightly, you can serve them with the delicious white sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or steamed vegetable sides. You can also add a few lemon slices for a pleasant contrast of acidity.

Tips and Variations
- Tip: You can also use other herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to add a touch of originality.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with strips of tofu or vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Enriching the sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the white sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Benefits
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, making it ideal for those looking to maintain or build muscle mass. Additionally, the mascarpone sauce adds a touch of calcium and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen puff pastry? Yes, make sure to let it thaw completely before use.
- How can I tell if the chicken is cooked? The simplest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 75°C.
- Can they be prepared in advance? You can prepare the chicken strips and sauce in advance, and bake them on the day of serving.

Chicken strips in puff pastry with white sauce are not just a delight but also a culinary experience you don't want to miss. I wish you great success in the kitchen and bon appétit!