Have you ever felt like making a crunchy, salty, cheesy, flavorful snack? You need this Chicken and Cheese Jalousie Recipe! With flaky puff pastry filled with flavourful chicken and melting cheese, its the most amazing thing you can bite into. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon snack. And with this quick recipe, you can enjoy a warm, cheesy treat in no time!
Chicken and Cheese Jalousie Recipe: Origin
The word “jalousie” is a French word that translates to someone in “jealousy,” which in terms of pastries is the name given for the shutters because its slatted top crust resembles those slats. The pastry is meant to hold everything together; a jalousie is made from puff pastry instead of strudel, which is made from filo dough. Traditionally, it is filled with fruits such as apricots or apples, but through the years people have started getting creative and replacing it with chicken and having cheese-type fillings, which is a perfect blend of chicken and delicious cheese wrapped in a flaky pastry.
Chicken and Cheese Jalousie Recipe
Chicken and cheese Jalousie is a delicious dish served in the form of chicken and cheese-filled pastry. This dish’s name derives from the French words ‘shutter’ or slatted ‘window,’ referring to the dish’s window-like structure. The dish is reminiscent of chicken pie and is served on its own or as part of a more comprehensive meal or buffet.
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets of puff pastries
- 2 cups of shredded or chopped cooked chicken
- 1½ cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves of crushed garlic
- 1 small leek, thinly diced
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 1 egg for egg wash (optional)
Preparation Steps:
Prepare the Filling:
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- Heat the olive oil in a pan on medium heat
- Sauté the diced leek and crushed garlic until the texture softens.
- In a bowl, mix cooked chicken, sautéed leeks and garlic, shredded cheese, and salt and pepper until combined.
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Assemble the Jalousie:
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- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced).
- Roll the puff pastry onto a surface dusted with flour.
- Place one sheet onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Spread the mixture of chicken and cheese equally over the pastry while leaving a 1 cm edge around the sides.
- Make slits on the second sheet of pastry to create a vented top.
- Place the vented sheet over the filling while ensuring that the edges line up with the bottom sheet.
- Press the edges together to seal it before giving it a decorative touch using a fork.
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Bake the Jalousie:
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- Brush the top with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Jalousie chicken and cheese recipes add a wonderful fusion of distinct flavors and a very soft and crunchy texture. This makes it an amazing dish choice during family dinners or special celebrations.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Cheese Jalousie
Chicken and cheese Jalousie is a dish that can go great with different sides and drinks. Here are some sides and drinks that you can serve to elevate your meal:
Side Dishes:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the jalousie.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal veggies add a hearty touch to your plate.
- Creamy Soups: Pairing with a warm bowl of tomato or butternut squash soup creates a comforting meal.
Beverage Pairings:
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay balances the savory flavors.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea serves as a non-alcoholic option.
- Sparkling Water: For a light and fizzy choice, opt for sparkling water with a hint of lemon.
Variations of Chicken and Cheese Jalousie
Chicken and cheese jalousie is a savory delight that fills up a person in a puff pastry. Here are some simple variations that will make it even better:
Add Veggies
- Spinach and Mushroom: Mix cooked spinach and sautéed mushrooms with the chicken and cheese for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leeks and Garlic: Cook leeks and garlic until soft, then add them to the filling for a sweet and aromatic touch.
Try Different Cheeses
- Blue Cheese: For a bold taste, combine blue cheese with the chicken filling.
- Taleggio Cheese: This creamy cheese pairs well with chicken and leeks, offering a rich flavor.
Add Some Spice
- Jalapeños: Include chopped jalapeños in the filling to give your jalousie a spicy kick.
- Spicy Seasonings: Season the chicken with chili powder or paprika for added heat.
Use Different Meats
- Bacon Addition: Mix crispy bacon pieces into the chicken and cheese filling for a smoky flavor. Ham Substitute: Replace chicken with diced ham for a new taste experience.
Make It Vegetarian
- Cheese and Leek: Skip the meat and fill the pastry with a mixture of cheeses and cooked leeks.
- Spinach and Ricotta: Combine fresh spinach with ricotta cheese for a light and tasty option.
Final Words
This Chicken and Cheese Jalousie Recipe is by far the easiest and the most delicious recipe you can serve. Every single pastry of the dish, generously wrapped in cheese, is simply mouthwatering. Best of all, it is so easy to prepare; you can tailor it as per your preference. If you like, make it even more special by sharing this scrumptious dish with your friends and family.
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