If you’re craving something irresistibly cheesy, savory, and wrapped in golden, flaky pastry, these Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender chicken mixed with gooey cheese and a touch of green onion, all tucked inside buttery puff pastry and baked to perfection. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a lunchbox treat, or a comforting snack, this recipe packs bold flavor and cozy comfort into every bite. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these delicious rolls come together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls couldn’t be simpler, and each one truly brings something special to the table. From the creamy cheeses to the crisp puff pastry, every element plays a role in creating those signature layers of flavor and texture.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or finely chopped): Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach your own for juicy, flavorful filling.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup): Choose your favorite for a melty, cheesy pull in every bite.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons, softened): Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling together.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): For a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses savory warmth without overpowering the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking for perfectly balanced flavor.
- Puff pastry sheet (1, thawed): The secret to those gloriously crisp, golden layers—don’t skip this shortcut!
- Egg (1, beaten): Brushing the top makes the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown in the oven.
How to Make Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps your Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting these prep steps out of the way means you can move straight to assembly once your filling is mixed!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed and the cream cheese has coated all the ingredients. This mixture should be creamy, cheesy, and dotted with green from the onions—taste and adjust your seasonings if needed.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry
Unroll your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out with a rolling pin just to smooth and even the thickness—don’t make it too thin, just enough to get a nice, even rectangle. This step ensures your Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls bake up with perfectly even layers and a hearty bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
Cut the pastry into three or four equal strips, depending on whether you’d like larger or smaller rolls. Spoon the chicken mixture straight down the center of each pastry strip, spreading it evenly and leaving a border along the edges for sealing. Now, fold the pastry over the filling and pinch the edges together tightly to seal everything inside.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your filled rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them that show-stopping golden shine. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool slightly before slicing—those cheesy centers will be piping hot!
How to Serve Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls
Garnishes
For a simple but beautiful touch, sprinkle your Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls with a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A light dusting of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce also adds a little flair and extra flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup for classic comfort. They also work well with a platter of roasted veggies or a crunchy slaw if you’re looking for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls into bite-size pieces and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for a party-ready appetizer. For lunchboxes or picnics, wrap individual rolls in parchment for a portable, mess-free snack. You can even serve them as sliders: slice open and tuck in a few arugula leaves or a thin slice of tomato for a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls left over (which is rare—they disappear fast!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead snack or lunchbox option.
Freezing
These rolls are freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling, wrap each roll tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze before baking, assemble the rolls and freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag—bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the rolls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the pastry soggy—oven reheating keeps that signature flakiness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls. It’s tender, flavorful, and shreds easily, saving you both time and effort in the kitchen.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a few hours ahead, store them covered in the fridge, and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve. This is perfect for party prep or busy weeknights!
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to get creative—try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a little kick. As long as the cheese melts well, it will work beautifully in Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls.
Do I need to use egg wash?
While you can skip the egg wash in a pinch, brushing the tops with beaten egg gives the pastry a gorgeously golden, glossy finish. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in appearance and texture.
Can I add extra veggies to the filling?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of baby spinach can be mixed into the filling. Just make sure to cook off any excess moisture so your pastry stays crisp.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls, you’ll understand why they’re such a hit in my kitchen. They’re easy, endlessly adaptable, and so deeply satisfying. I hope you give them a whirl—the golden, cheesy goodness is just too good to miss!
Print
Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 large rolls or 8 smaller pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and savory Chicken and Cheese Pastry Rolls made with tender cooked chicken, gooey cheese, and flaky puff pastry. Perfect as appetizers or a light meal, these rolls combine creamy and flavorful ingredients wrapped in golden, puffed pastry for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or finely chopped)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Roll Out Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently to even the thickness for consistent baking.
- Cut Pastry Strips: Cut the pastry into 3 or 4 equal strips depending on the preferred size of your rolls, ensuring each strip is wide enough to hold the filling.
- Fill Pastry: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly down the center of each pastry strip, distributing the filling evenly across all strips.
- Seal Rolls: Fold the pastry over the filling, then pinch the edges firmly to seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet spaced evenly apart.
- Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pastry rolls with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny crust after baking.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the rolls to cool slightly before slicing and serving to enhance the flavor and handleability.
Notes
- Add a splash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard to the filling for an extra kick of flavor.
- These rolls work perfectly as appetizers, lunchbox treats, or paired with salad for a light dinner.
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed and kept cold before working to maintain flakiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
