Healthy Chicken Salad Puffs

Chicken Salad Puffs are a delightful bite-sized appetizer perfect for potlucks, luncheons, or holiday gatherings. These flaky, buttery puff pastry squares are filled with a creamy, flavorful chicken salad made with grilled chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and a touch of Cajun seasoning. Elegant yet simple, they’re easy to make ahead and always a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for parties: Mini sandwiches that are easy to serve and eat.

• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the salad and pastry separately and assemble just before serving.

• Flaky and rich: Puff pastry delivers that irresistible golden crunch.

• Fresh and creamy filling: Grilled chicken combined with mayo, celery, grapes, and seasoning.

• Customizable: Use store-bought or rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.

• Elegant presentation: Secure with decorative toothpicks for a classy touch.

• Portable and tidy: Great for buffet-style spreads or finger-food platters.

• Freezer-friendly pastry base: You can bake the pastry ahead and freeze if needed.

• No special tools required: Just a knife and a baking sheet.

• Potluck gold: Always one of the first dishes to disappear.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheet (thawed)

• Butter

• Kosher salt

• Chicken breasts (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)

• Celery, finely chopped

• Red grapes, quartered

• Onion, minced

• Mayonnaise

• Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning

• Additional salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the pastry:

   • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet.

   • Cut along the fold lines to create 3 strips. Then cut each strip horizontally in half, and divide into 12 squares (36 total).

   • Place on a lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with salt.

   • Bake at 400°F for 12–14 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let cool, then slice each square in half horizontally.

2. Cook and prep the chicken:

   • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill (or bake/boil) until cooked through.

   • Allow to cool, then chop into small pieces.

3. Make the chicken salad:

   • In a bowl, mix chopped chicken with celery, grapes, onion, mayonnaise, salt, and Cajun seasoning.

   • Stir until well combined and creamy.

4. Assemble the puffs:

   • Spoon a small amount of chicken salad onto the bottom half of each puff.

   • Cap with the top half and secure with a decorative toothpick if desired.

5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 day before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 36 mini puffs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use different meats: Substitute turkey, ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken.

• Add crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or slivered almonds.

• Sweet twist: Add a touch of honey or chopped apples for added sweetness.

• Herb infusion: Add fresh dill, parsley, or thyme to the chicken salad.

• Make it spicy: Use jalapeños or hot sauce in place of Cajun seasoning.

• Low-carb version: Serve the salad in lettuce cups or mini bell pepper halves.

• Mini croissants: Use small croissants or biscuits instead of puff pastry.

• Add cheese: A small slice of sharp cheddar or brie adds extra richness.

• Asian twist: Use sesame oil and hoisin instead of mayo for a different flavor profile.

• Wrap style: Roll puff pastry around the filling and bake for a closed puff version.

Storage/Reheating

• Make-ahead:

  • Bake puff pastry up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight bag.

  • Prepare chicken salad and refrigerate in a sealed container.

• Assemble before serving:

  • To prevent soggy pastry, fill and assemble the puffs just before serving.

• Storage:

  • Assembled puffs can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.

• Reheating:

  • Best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating may cause the salad to separate and the pastry to lose its flakiness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor.

Can I freeze these?

You can freeze the pre-baked puff pastry, but avoid freezing the filled sandwiches—they’ll become soggy once thawed.

Do I have to use grapes?

No. You can replace grapes with dried cranberries, chopped apples, or omit them entirely.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free puff pastry alternative and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free.

What’s a good substitute for Tony Chachere’s?

You can use Cajun or Creole seasoning blends, or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne.

Can I serve this warm?

These are meant to be served chilled or room temperature. Heating the filled puffs may cause the mayo-based salad to separate.

How far in advance can I assemble them?

Assemble within a few hours of serving to keep the pastry crisp.

What can I serve alongside?

They pair well with a fresh green salad, fruit skewers, or a charcuterie-style appetizer spread.

Are these suitable for kids?

Yes, they’re bite-sized and kid-friendly. You can even make a milder batch without Cajun seasoning.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales well for larger gatherings. Just bake additional pastry sheets and double the salad ingredients.

Conclusion

Chicken Salad Puffs are the perfect marriage of buttery pastry and creamy, savory filling. Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, attending a potluck, or planning a brunch, these elegant little bites offer convenience, flavor, and presentation in one perfect package. Make them ahead, customize to your liking, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast every time.