Description
This Greggs Chicken Bake recipe recreates the beloved bakery favorite with a creamy chicken filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry. The filling is made from cooked chicken breast combined with a velvety homemade white sauce seasoned with garlic and onion powder, finished with cheddar cheese and a touch of Dijon mustard. Perfectly golden and crisp from baking, these handheld savory bakes are ideal for a comforting lunch or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Pastry
- 1 package ready-rolled puff pastry (2 sheets)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken bakes.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the filling sauce.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the warmed milk until the mixture is smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped cooked chicken, grated cheddar cheese, and optional Dijon mustard. Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling.
- Prepare Pastry: Cut the puff pastry sheets into equal rectangular pieces—approximately 6 total pieces for 3 bakes.
- Assemble Chicken Bakes: Spoon the chicken filling onto one half of each pastry rectangle, leaving a border around the edges to allow sealing.
- Seal Pastry: Brush the edges with beaten egg, then cover with another pastry piece. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the bakes shut.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush the tops of the sealed bakes with more beaten egg for a golden finish. Cut small slits in the top of each bake to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Place the assembled bakes on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the chicken bakes to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the filling cools slightly before assembling to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Use cooked chicken breast for convenience; leftover rotisserie chicken works well.
- You can omit the Dijon mustard if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Make sure to seal the pastry edges tightly to avoid the filling leaking during baking.
- The egg wash gives the pastry a beautiful golden color and shine but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
