Chicken Nepiev is a delightful dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. Originating from a blend of traditional recipes, this dish features tender chicken breasts wrapped in flaky pastry and filled with a savory mix of herbs and spices. It’s perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or a comforting family dinner. Despite its sophisticated appearance, Chicken Nepiev is straightforward to prepare. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to make this delicious dish at home, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients for Chicken Nepiev
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Filling:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Pastry:
- 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Flour for dusting
How to Make Chicken Nepiev
- Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the dried thyme and rosemary. Add the white wine (if using) and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover and let the chicken simmer in the mixture for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Once cool, shred the chicken into small pieces.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth any creases.
- Cut each puff pastry sheet into two equal squares, giving you a total of four squares.
- Assemble the Chicken Nepiev:
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each puff pastry square.
- Place a portion of the shredded chicken filling in the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the chicken filling to form a neat package. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Place the assembled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the tops of the pastries with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake the Chicken Nepiev:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts:
- Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein and are widely used in many recipes due to their versatility. In Chicken Nepiev, they provide a hearty and filling component that pairs well with the creamy and herbaceous filling. To ensure they stay moist, the chicken breasts are simmered in a flavorful broth before being shredded.
- Puff Pastry:
- Puff pastry is a light and flaky dough that puffs up during baking to create layers of crispy, buttery goodness. It is essential for creating the elegant and delicious outer layer of Chicken Nepiev. Using store-bought puff pastry saves time and guarantees consistent results.
- Cream Cheese:
- Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the filling. It helps to bind the shredded chicken and other ingredients together, creating a cohesive and flavorful interior. Its mild flavor complements the herbs and spices without overpowering the dish.
- Herbs and Spices:
- Thyme and rosemary are classic herbs that bring an earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish. They are commonly used in poultry recipes and pair well with the savory notes of the chicken and pastry.
- Parmesan Cheese:
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the filling. Its sharp taste enhances the overall flavor profile of Chicken Nepiev, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
- White Wine and Chicken Broth:
- White wine and chicken broth are used to create a flavorful cooking liquid for the chicken breasts. The wine adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the other ingredients, while the chicken broth infuses the meat with additional savory notes.
