Chicken Mince Puff Pastry Recipe – Easy Indian Snacks

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Chicken Mince Puff Pastry Recipe – Easy Indian Snacks

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you always need a quick and tasty snack recipe up your sleeve. Especially one that’s a little bit special, you know? Well, let me share my go-to: these Chicken Mince Puff Pastries. They’re flaky, savory, and packed with flavour – seriously addictive! I first made these when my niece came to visit, and they disappeared in minutes. They’re perfect for a tea-time treat, a party snack, or even a light lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pastries are a delightful fusion of Indian flavours and Western convenience. The spiced chicken mince filling is wonderfully aromatic, and the puff pastry gives it a lovely, light texture. They’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – I’ll share tons of variations later on!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious pastries:

• 400gm chicken mince
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 3 green chillies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 0.5 tsp garam masala
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
• 12 puff pastry squares (approx. 10cm x 10cm)
• 1 small egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best flavour:

• Garam Masala: This is the heart of Indian flavour! It’s a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Every family has their own blend, so feel free to use your favourite. It originated in North India and is used in so many dishes.
• Kasuri Methi: Don’t skip this! It adds a unique, slightly bitter, and wonderfully fragrant flavour. Rubbing it between your palms before adding it releases even more aroma. It’s a staple in Punjabi cuisine.
• Puff Pastry: You can find pre-made puff pastry sheets in most supermarkets in India now, especially in the frozen section. If you’re struggling to find it, you can substitute with shortcrust pastry, but the texture won’t be quite as flaky. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden. Then, add the minced green chillies and ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Mince: Add the chicken mince to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and the oil starts to separate. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Spice it Up: While the mince is cooking, dry roast the coriander and cumin seeds in a small pan until fragrant. Crush them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Add the crushed spices, turmeric powder, and garam masala to the mince. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Bind it Together: Stir in the eggs, kasuri methi, and salt. Cook briefly, just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overcook, or the mixture will become dry.
5. Prep for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
6. Assemble the Pastries: Place the puff pastry squares on the prepared baking tray. Gently press down the center of each square with your fingers. Add about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mince filling to the center of each square.
7. Seal and Bake: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with the beaten egg. This will help them seal and give them a beautiful golden colour. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the mince. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly.
• Rubbing the kasuri methi between your palms releases its flavour.
• For extra flavour, marinate the chicken mince with a little ginger-garlic paste and turmeric powder for 30 minutes before cooking.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based mince instead of chicken. Substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and a little maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free puff pastry. It’s becoming more widely available now!
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add more or fewer green chillies to adjust the heat. You could also add a pinch of red chilli powder.
• Festival Adaptations: These are fantastic for Diwali or Eid! My aunt always makes a huge batch for our family gatherings.
• Cheese Please!: Add a sprinkle of grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well) on top of the filling before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These pastries are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a side of:

• Mint-coriander chutney
• Tamarind chutney
• A simple tomato ketchup
• A cup of masala chai!

Storage Instructions

• Leftovers: Store leftover pastries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze these pastries after baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

FAQs

What type of chicken mince is best for this recipe?

Regular chicken mince works perfectly! You can use lean mince if you prefer, but it might result in a slightly drier filling.

Can I make the filling ahead of time? If so, how should I store it?

Yes, absolutely! You can make the filling a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for puff pastry if it’s unavailable?

Shortcrust pastry is the closest substitute, but it won’t be as flaky. You could also try using spring roll pastry sheets, but they’re much thinner.

How do I ensure the puff pastry is perfectly golden and crisp?

Make sure your oven is properly preheated. Brushing the pastry with egg wash helps it brown beautifully.

Can I freeze these pastries after baking?

Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing.

Enjoy making these delicious Chicken Mince Puff Pastries! I hope they become a favourite in your home, just like they are in mine. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below!