Chicken Phyllo Wraps

Chicken Phyllo Wraps Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make!

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chicken Phyllo Wraps are a delicious and savory dish that combines ground chicken, vegetables, and cheese wrapped in flaky phyllo dough. These wraps are perfect for a light and flavorful meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Chicken Phyllo Wraps can be traced back to Mediterranean cuisine, where phyllo dough is commonly used in a variety of dishes. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and cheese wrapped in phyllo dough creates a tasty and satisfying meal that has become popular in many households.

Ingredients

vegetable cooking spray
1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
1 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cups cooked rice (cooked without salt or fat)
1 cup nonfat low-salt ricotta cheese
1 10 oz (283 g) package chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
1 2-0.25 oz (7 g) can sliced black olives, drained
0.25 cup toasted pine nuts
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp lemon pepper
12 phyllo dough sheets

How to prepare

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken, mushrooms, and onion. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Reduce the heat to medium.
Add rice, ricotta cheese, spinach, nuts, garlic, oregano, and lemon pepper. Cook and stir for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is well blended and thoroughly heated.
Working with one phyllo sheet at a time, spray it with cooking spray and fold it in half lengthwise. Place 0.75 to 1 cup of the rice mixture on one end of the phyllo strip. Fold the left bottom corner over the mixture, forming a triangle.
Continue folding back and forth into a triangle at the end of the strip. Repeat this process with the remaining phyllo sheets and rice mixture. Place the triangles, seam side down, on baking sheets coated with cooking spray.
Coat the tops of each triangle with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or beef for the ground chicken.
Add different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the filling.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the filling will enhance their flavor.

- Be sure to work quickly with the phyllo dough, as it can dry out easily. Cover any unused phyllo sheets with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Phyllo Wraps can be served with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They can also be served as an appetizer or snack at a party or gathering.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Chicken Phyllo Wraps in the oven ensures that the phyllo dough becomes crispy and golden brown. This cooking technique also helps to seal in the flavors of the filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese. You can also use different types of nuts such as almonds or walnuts instead of pine nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the Chicken Phyllo Wraps ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the wraps. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken Phyllo Wraps on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle them with a balsamic glaze or tzatziki sauce for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Phyllo Wraps pair well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. They also go well with a light and refreshing salad with a citrus vinaigrette dressing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Phyllo Wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Phyllo Wraps contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Phyllo Wraps contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Phyllo Wraps contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Phyllo Wraps contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Phyllo Wraps are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Chicken Phyllo Wraps contain dairy (ricotta cheese) and nuts (pine nuts). They may also contain gluten from the phyllo dough.

Summary

Chicken Phyllo Wraps are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Chicken Phyllo Wraps are a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling wrapped in crispy phyllo dough, these wraps are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chicken Phyllo Wraps. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipe cards that I had collected over the years. As I flipped through the yellowed and tattered cards, my eyes landed on a handwritten note that caught my attention.

The note was written by a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known in our small town for her exquisite cooking skills. She had a knack for creating delicious dishes that always left everyone wanting more. The note detailed a recipe that she had learned from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

I could practically taste the flavors just reading the ingredients list: tender chicken breast, sautéed onions and garlic, aromatic herbs and spices, all wrapped up in delicate phyllo pastry. It sounded like a culinary masterpiece waiting to be brought to life in my own kitchen.

Excited by the prospect of trying something new, I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients. I made a trip to the local market, carefully selecting the freshest produce and the juiciest chicken breasts I could find. Back at home, I laid out all the ingredients on the kitchen counter, ready to embark on my culinary adventure.

The first step was to sauté the onions and garlic until they were soft and fragrant. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, promising a delicious meal ahead. Next, I added the diced chicken breast to the pan, allowing it to cook until it was golden and tender.

In a separate bowl, I mixed together a blend of herbs and spices that Mrs. Jenkins had recommended in her note. A pinch of cinnamon, a dash of cumin, a sprinkle of parsley – each ingredient added its own unique flavor to the dish.

With the chicken and spices combined, it was time to assemble the wraps. I carefully layered sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each one with melted butter to ensure a crispy, golden crust. Spoonfuls of the chicken mixture were placed in the center of each pastry sheet, before being folded and rolled into neat little parcels.

As I worked, memories of Mrs. Jenkins and her warm, welcoming kitchen flooded back to me. She had always been so generous with her recipes, eager to share her love of cooking with anyone who showed an interest. I felt a sense of gratitude for the knowledge she had passed on to me, and a deep appreciation for the culinary journey I was embarking on.

Finally, the wraps were ready to be baked in the oven. As they cooked, the scent of herbs and spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer finally dinged, I eagerly pulled the wraps out of the oven, the phyllo pastry golden and crisp, the chicken filling fragrant and flavorful.

I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor. I carefully cut into a warm, flaky wrap, the chicken and spices spilling out in a deliciously fragrant mess. I took a bite, savoring the tender chicken, the aromatic herbs, the crispy pastry. It was a symphony of flavors, a dance of textures, a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

As I sat at the kitchen table, savoring each delicious bite, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what I had accomplished. I had taken a simple recipe and turned it into something truly special, thanks to the knowledge and inspiration passed down to me by Mrs. Jenkins.

And so, as I finished my meal, I made a mental note to share this recipe with my own grandchildren someday. Just as Mrs. Jenkins had done for me, I hoped to pass on the joy of cooking and the pleasure of creating something delicious from scratch. In that moment, surrounded by the scent of herbs and spices, I knew that this recipe for Chicken Phyllo Wraps would become a treasured family favorite for generations to come.