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I have tried many a recipe in a bid to recreate a childhood favourite of mine since the ready made version was discontinued some time ago, and rejoice my beautys for I have done it!
A pretty little plaited parcel of gooey cheesey mouthwatering-ingly goodness !
Succulent (steamed in pastry) chicken, smothered in garlic & herb boursin, topped with a cheesey broccoli sauce & wrapped up in a beautifully buttery puff pastry parcel! The stuff dreams are...
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
Set your oven to Gas mark 6 (400° Fahrenheit or 200° Celsius) Cut the Broccoli tops into smaller pieces and put them on to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Get the pastry out of the fridge to prevent it breaking when unrolled and your chicken out to reach a slight room temperature to ensure even cooking.
Make the cheese sauce - Get your flour and butter into a saucepan and stir as the butter melts. Don't be alarmed by it forming into a paste - this is what we want to cook off the flour a touch. Slowly add your milk bit by bit while whisking into a smooth base. Once this is all formed it should resemble a consistency of double cream ( see tips and tricks) Add your grated cheese and keep stiring until fully melted and then take it off the heat.
Mix the broccoli in to the cheese sauce and set aside to cool.
Placing your chicken breast on the chopping board lightly place your hand on top of it while using a sharp knife to slice it in half in between the top and bottom - making 2 chicken steaks from the one breast. Repeat with the second bit of chicken.
Get your pastry unrolled and laid out and use the chicken to gauge the size needed in the middle to hold the breast. Score a line lightly with a knife down the middle on each side of the middle section. Using the same knife cut from the line outwards to the edge of the pastry in a diagonal cut.
Place your chicken steaks down the middle, season with salt & pepper ( I like to add a little sprinkle of onion & garlic powder at this point too) and use a knife or spoon to smear them in the garlic and herb boursin cream cheese.
Top this with the broccoli and cheese mixture and whatever other filling you fancy- some more grated cheese never hurt anyone!
Then take the second strip of pastry on one side, over to the next. Tucking it under as you take the opposite sides strip and repeat. Once it's all overlapped to the bottom you should have a strip left at the top and bottom end. Use this to tuck over and under the first strips or just tuck it under each end to envelope it in a parcel.
Using the paper under the puff pastry transfer to a tray or using the oven shelf if you've not got a tray wide enough like me - and use the egg yolk or milk to glaze the pastry before putting into the oven, around the middle, for 45 minutes to a 1 hour. Keeping an eye as you go. You want to ensure the chicken is cooked and the pastry isn't burning. If it's browning quicker then needed for chicken cooking time cover lightly with tin foil until the last 10-15 minutes.
Slice up into portions and enjoy while that lovely cheesey sauce is still melty and delicious!
Cheese sauce - using a spoon, run your finger down the back of it and if it leaves a track line /line through it it's the right consistency.
How do I make a creamy cheese sauce for my Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Parcel?
To make a creamy cheese sauce for your Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Parcel, start by melting butter in a saucepan and adding plain flour to create a paste. Gradually whisk in milk until the mixture resembles the consistency of double cream. Then, stir in your grated cheese until fully melted. This sauce will add a rich, cheesy flavor to your dish!
Can I make Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Parcels ahead of time and store them?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Parcels ahead of time! Assemble the parcels and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When you're ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients in Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Parcels?
If you're looking for substitutions, you can use turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. For the cheese, feel free to mix different types like mozzarella or gouda if you prefer a milder flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. You can also use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you're lactose intolerant.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Parcels?
Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Parcels are quite filling on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette or roasted carrots can complement the rich flavors of the parcels nicely.
Is the Chicken, Broccoli & Cheese Parcel recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The traditional recipe uses puff pastry, which contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the cheese and seasonings, are also gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
I started cooking at 15 and haven't lost my passion for it yet ! I intend to use this platform to give tips and tricks for pie making as is my business - Ms Lovetts Bottomless Pies ! But not just that ! As a busy mum of 2 I have developed some family favourites along the way and would love to share them with like minded foodies ! Check out my collections for a series of one dinner, two meals plan for when life's a bit hectic and having a rehashed homecooked in the fridge is a lifesaver! Enjoy 😉
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