Chicken strips in puff pastry with white sauce

Chicken strips in puff pastry with white sauce

Discover the pleasure of a simple yet sophisticated recipe that transforms an ordinary meal into something truly special. Chicken strips in puff pastry with white sauce are a perfect choice for an elegant dinner or a festive occasion. This recipe combines the crispy texture of the puff pastry with the juiciness of the chicken and the creaminess of the sauce, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will delight you.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the chicken strips:
- 1/2 sheet of puff pastry (about 250 g)
- 1 boneless chicken breast (about 300 g)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the sauce:
- 1 cup milk (about 250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons mascarpone
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for serving

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed before starting the recipe. The chicken breast should be fresh and of good quality; opt for meat without additives or hormones for a healthier dish. Wash the chicken breast under cold running water and pat it dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess water.

2. Cut the chicken: Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken breast into strips about 1 cm wide. This size will allow the meat to cook evenly and quickly.

3. Season the chicken: In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and dried parsley. These spices will add a special flavor to the chicken. Roll the chicken strips in the spice mixture, ensuring they are well coated.

4. Prepare the pastry: Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface to prevent the pastry from sticking. Unroll the puff pastry sheet and, using a rolling pin, roll it out slightly to achieve an even thickness. Cut the pastry into strips about 2 cm wide.

5. Wrap the chicken: Take each strip of pastry and wrap it around each chicken strip, leaving part of the meat uncovered. This detail not only gives it an attractive appearance but also allows the pastry to become crispy during baking.

6. Bake the chicken strips: Grease a baking tray with a little margarine and line the bottom with parchment paper. Place the chicken strips in pastry on the tray, leaving a little space between them for even baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the strips for 40-45 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the chicken is cooked through.

7. Prepare the white sauce: In a bowl, combine the flour with 5-6 tablespoons of milk, mixing well to avoid lumps. In a saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a boil. Once the milk is boiling, strain the flour mixture through a sieve, gradually adding it to the milk in the saucepan. Stir constantly for 3 minutes until you achieve a consistency similar to cream.

8. Finish the sauce: Remove the sauce from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the butter and mix well until melted. Let the sauce cool slightly, then incorporate the mascarpone, stirring with a wooden spoon. Chop the fresh parsley and add it to the sauce for an extra touch of freshness.

9. Serving: Arrange the chicken strips on a platter and pour the white sauce over them. You can garnish with a few parsley leaves for an attractive look. This dish is served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.

Practical tips:
- You can add grated cheese or chopped olives to the pastry for an extra flavor boost.
- If you want a lighter version, you can use turkey strips or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- This dish can be served with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of ingredients used. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, while the mascarpone sauce adds calcium and healthy fats. The puff pastry provides carbohydrates, and adding vegetables as a side will enhance the fiber and vitamin intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I prepare the chicken strips in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken strips and freeze them before baking. Then, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
For a spicier sauce, add a little hot pepper sauce or chili flakes to the white sauce.

3. What side dishes go best?
This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, or grilled vegetables.

This recipe for chicken strips in puff pastry with white sauce is not only delicious but also extremely versatile. Try making it for your next special occasion and enjoy the compliments from your loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1/2 sheet of puff pastry 1 boneless chicken breast salt pepper sweet paprika dried parsleyFor the sauce: 1 cup of milk 1 tablespoon of flour 1 teaspoon of butter 2 1/2 tablespoons of mascarpone salt pepper fresh parsley