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Flaky Thai Basil Chicken Puffs: The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

When it comes to snacks that offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures, Puffs are a clear winner, these Thai Basil Chicken Puffs make it even better. These delicious puffs combine the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai basil chicken with the light, flaky layers of puff pastry, making them perfect for picnics, tea parties, or just a casual snack. The combination of a savory, juicy filling with the crisp pastry creates a unique textural adventure that is sure to impress.

The chicken filling for these puffs is adapted from the same base mixture used in my other recipes like Thai Basil Chicken Burgers and Rice Paper Dumplings. What makes these puffs so special is the contrast between the crunchy, golden-brown pastry and the flavorful chicken filling, giving you the best of both worlds in each bite.

Puff Pastry: A Global Snack with Indian Roots

In India, puff pastries are incredibly popular and are often simply called “puffs.” They’re a staple at local bakeries, filled with everything from spiced potatoes to eggs and meat. In North India, these snacks are sometimes referred to as “patties,” and their flaky texture and rich fillings make them a favorite across the country. Globally, similar snacks go by names like empanadas in Latin America, pasties in the UK, and bourekas in the Mediterranean. No matter what they’re called, the universal appeal of puff pastry lies in its ability to elevate a simple filling into something truly special.

Why This Recipe Works

These Thai Basil Chicken Puffs take inspiration from the classic Thai basil stir-fry and transform it into an easy-to-eat, portable snack. The flavorful chicken filling—packed with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce—brings out the umami depth of Thai cooking, while the basil adds a fragrant, fresh lift. Wrapping this filling in puff pastry adds a rich, flaky texture that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Tips for Working with Puff Pastry

1. Thaw Properly: If you’re using frozen puff pastry sheets, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before working with them. Cold pastry is easier to handle and will puff up beautifully in the oven.
2. Don’t Overstuff: Be mindful of not overfilling the pastry. Too much filling can make the pastry difficult to seal, leading to leaks.
3. Seal Well: Use a fork to crimp the edges, but a pizza roller is a great hack to not only seal the edges tightly but also give them a neat, professional finish.
4. Cook the Mixture Beforehand: Some may be apprehensive of adding raw meat. Even though its perfectly fine and cooks really well while retaining moisture you can cook the chicken mixture before filling the pastry. Follow the puff pastry package instructions for baking times and temperatures for golden flaky puff pastry since the temp and time mentioned below is catered to cooking the meat as well.
5. Chill Before Baking: For extra flaky results, chill the assembled puffs in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry hold its shape and puff up better.

Ingredients

Thai Basil Mixture (For 20 Puffs)

• 350g Chicken mince
• 1 Spring onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• ¼ inch Ginger, minced
• ¼ cup Basil, finely chopped
• 2 Spicy chilies, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Soy sauce
• ½ tbsp Oyster sauce
• ½ tbsp Fish sauce
• ½ tbsp Sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• ½ Egg (optional, to bind)

Additional Ingredients

• 5 packets Puff pastry sheets (each packet makes 4 puffs)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, spring onions, garlic, ginger, basil, chilies, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and salt.
2. Add an egg to bind the mixture if necessary. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
3. Pre-cook the chicken mixture in a pan over medium heat until it’s cooked through. This ensures that the filling is ready to go once the puffs are baked.

Assemble the Puffs

1. Preheat the oven according to the instructions on your puff pastry packet (typically around 200°C or 400°F).
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a parchment-lined baking tray.
3. Cut the pastry into long rectangles using a pizza cutter.
4. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pre-cooked chicken filling onto one side of each rectangle, leaving space at the edges.
5. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a smaller rectangle and seal the edges using your fingers or a fork. For a more refined look, use a pizza roller to press and seal the edges.

Bake the Puffs

1. Bake in the preheated oven according to the puff pastry package instructions, usually around 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
2. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the puffs cool slightly before serving.

Serve

Serve the Thai Basil Chicken Puffs hot as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce Pairing

While these puffs are delicious on their own, they’re even better with a good dipping sauce. I personally love pairing them with a little sriracha for an extra kick. The spicy, tangy flavors of sriracha perfectly complement the rich, savory filling of these puffs, making each bite even more enjoyable.

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Versatility of the Base Recipe

This Thai Basil Chicken Filling is incredibly versatile. You can make a big batch of it (using 700g of chicken mince) and use it in different recipes throughout the week. Whether it’s for these puffs, Thai Basil Chicken Burgers, or Rice Paper Dumplings, this filling can be adapted to fit various dishes, making it a meal-prep superstar.

• Check out my Thai Basil Chicken Burgers for a juicy, flavorful twist on your usual burger.
• Try these Rice Paper Dumplings for a lighter, crispier alternative to traditional dumplings.
• or Check out the base mixture for making your own creation

Using this base mixture across multiple recipes saves time and guarantees a flavorful meal every time!

Whether you’re looking for a snack, party appetizer, or something fun to pack for a picnic, these Thai Basil Chicken Puffs are sure to be a hit. Their flaky crust combined with the flavorful filling creates a delightful texture contrast that makes each bite a satisfying experience.