These Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups are a tasty treat! They combine juicy chicken, crunchy walnuts, and zesty cranberries, all wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry.
They’re perfect for parties or a light lunch! I love how easy they are to make, and I can’t resist munching on the flaky cups while sneaking bites of the filling—so good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This delicate pastry is essential for those crunchy cups. If you can’t find phyllo, you can use puff pastry instead. Just roll it out and cut it into squares.
Cooked Chicken: Any leftover chicken works well! Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and taste. If you’re vegetarian, you can use a chickpea salad or a mushroom mix for a satisfying option.
Mayonnaise: If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt is a great substitute! It adds creaminess and a bit of tang. You can also use vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
Dried Cranberries: If cranberries aren’t available, raisins or chopped dried apricots can also do the trick. Both will add a sweet touch to the salad.
Walnuts: Any nuts can work here! Pecans or sliced almonds are delicious options. If someone has nut allergies, simply omit them.
How Do You Handle Phyllo Dough Without It Drying Out?
Phyllo dough can be tricky since it dries out quickly. Here’s how to keep it moist while you work:
- Keep the phyllo sheets you’re not using covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel.
- Work quickly and brush each layer with melted butter to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Don’t worry if a few sheets crack; it adds character to your cups!
By following these tips, you’ll have the perfect base for your creamy chicken salad! Enjoy making these delightful cups!
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 1 package (about 12 sheets) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Chicken Salad Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, finely chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped or whole
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and roughly 10 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes to serve your tasty Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin to ensure your phyllo cups come out easily after baking.
2. Preparing the Phyllo Dough:
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and lay it flat on your work surface. Using a brush, lightly coat it with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush with butter again. Repeat this process until you have a stack of about 3 to 4 layers. This will give your cups a nice flaky texture!
3. Shaping the Cups:
Now, cut the layered phyllo stack into 12 equal squares. Gently press each square into the cups of the mini muffin tin, forming little cups ready for the delicious filling.
4. Baking the Phyllo Cups:
Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until your phyllo cups turn golden brown and crispy. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool completely in the tin.
5. Mixing the Chicken Salad Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, mayonnaise, optional Greek yogurt, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This filling is delicious!
6. Assembling and Serving:
When the phyllo cups are completely cool, carefully spoon the chicken salad mixture into each phyllo cup just before serving. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with additional cranberries or walnuts on top if you wish.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these little gems immediately and enjoy the crunchy, creamy, and flavorful goodness of your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups!
Can I Use Store-Bought Chicken Salad Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought chicken salad can save you some effort. Just make sure it fits your flavor preferences; you might still want to add in cranberries and walnuts for that signature taste!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these phyllo cups gluten-free, look for gluten-free phyllo dough or opt for gluten-free tortilla wraps. You can cut the tortillas into squares and bake them as a crispy base instead of using phyllo.
Can I Prepare the Phyllo Cups in Advance?
You can prepare the phyllo cups ahead of time! Bake them and let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. Just fill them with the chicken salad right before serving to keep them crispy.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No worries! If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can either use more mayonnaise or skip it entirely. The chicken salad will still be tasty and creamy with just the mayo!
