Chicken Cheese Purses Recipe

Picture this: I’m in my kitchen, laying out delicate sheets of phyllo dough and crafting these dreamy Chicken Cheese Purses, each stuffed with a luscious mix of mozzarella, cream cheese, and savory herbs. It’s like wrapping little parcels of joy that bake to golden perfection, creating the most delightful bite-sized treasures.

I love making Chicken Cheese Purses. They are a perfect blend of diced chicken and three cheeses: mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan.

Wrapped in crispy phyllo dough, they are a flavorful, textured pouch of goodness. My not-so-secret addition enhances the purses’ savory flavor with a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source, low in fat, versatile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy texture, good source of calcium and protein.
• Cream Cheese: Rich, creamy, adds thickness, contains calcium.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp flavor, high in protein and calcium.
• Phyllo Dough: Light, crispy layers, low in fat.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, antioxidant-rich, enhances flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm it up, and prepare a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the chicken, mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, olive oil, and seasonings until well combined. Do it well enough that you can’t easily see the different ingredients anymore.

3. Spread the phyllo out and keep it covered with a damp cloth while you work so that it does not dry out and become brittle. Use a soft, clean brush to apply a layer of melted butter to the top of the first sheet.

4. Put an additional sheet on top and brush it again with melted butter. Keep doing this until you have a total of four sheets, each brushed with butter.

5. Slice the phyllo piled with butter into individual servings, about 4-5 inches square. These are the base for the filling.

6. Put a spoonful of the mixture of chicken and cheese in the middle of each square.

7. To form a purse shape with the phyllo square, bring together its four corners. Twist them slightly to secure the shape. Before baking, brush each purse generously with melted butter.

8. Set the purses on the prepared baking sheet, with some distance between each one.

9. Put the purses in the oven. Preheated to 350°. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

10. Take the Chicken Cheese Purses out of the oven and let them cool for a bit. Then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Damp cloth
7. Pastry brush
8. Sharp knife
9. Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cheese?Certainly, you may try out various cheeses such as cheddar or gouda to achieve a distinctive flavor profile.
• What if I don’t have phyllo dough?Puff pastry can be used as an alternate, but be aware that it will yield a different texture.
• How do I prevent phyllo dough from drying out while working with it?Maintain a damp cloth over the phyllo sheets during the assembly of the purses so as to keep them from drying out.
• Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?You can, of course, put together the purses and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Can I freeze the assembled purses before baking?Of course. First, place them on a tray and freeze them. Once solid, move them to a bag or a container and store in the freezer. When ready to serve, bake directly from the freezer and add about 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
• What can I serve with Chicken Cheese Purses?They go nicely with a freshly made green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
• How do I know when the purses are done baking?The resulting items should be golden brown and crisp; they usually attain this state after baking for about 15-20 minutes at 375° Fahrenheit (190° Celsius).

Chicken Cheese Purses Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a different texture.
Change out the shredded part-skim mozzarella for a slightly different taste. Provolone and Monterey Jack are good substitutions.
For a filling that is less heavy than cream cheese, substitute ricotta cheese.
For a taste that is even more robust, use Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan.
Replace olive oil with butter or coconut oil for any culinary purpose. Both are fats; they will perform the same role in round dishes where the dominant flavor isn’t in the oil.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the diced chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes before mixing with the cheeses. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors more effectively.