Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-ahead friendly – The chicken salad filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
Perfect for parties – These bite-sized puffs are ideal for gatherings, baby showers, or afternoon teas.
Delicious flavor – Buttery, crispy pastry paired with creamy chicken salad makes every bite irresistible.
Quick to assemble – Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe doable in under 45 minutes.
Flexible – Easy to adapt with different proteins, fruits, or seasonings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 sheet puff pastry
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon coarse salt
3 chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1/2 cup red grapes, quartered
1 tablespoon onion, finely minced
1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning mix

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Unfold puff pastry and cut into even squares (about 36 pieces).
Arrange on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with salt. Bake 12–14 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool completely, then slice each square in half horizontally.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through, then let cool before chopping into small bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, mix the chopped chicken with celery, grapes, onion, mayonnaise, salt, and Creole seasoning. Stir until evenly combined.
Spoon chicken salad onto the bottom halves of puff pastry squares. Top with remaining pastry halves to form sandwiches.
Serve immediately, securing with toothpicks if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 12–18 puffs (depending on pastry sheet size)
Prep time: 20–30 minutes
Cook time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: 32–44 minutes

Variations

Swap grapes for diced apples, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans.
Use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or leftover turkey instead of chicken breasts.
Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Add a touch of Dijon mustard or lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Try crescent roll dough or phyllo sheets instead of puff pastry for different textures.

Storage/Reheating

Best enjoyed the same day, as puff pastry loses its crispness when refrigerated.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the pastry will soften.
For best results, prepare the chicken salad ahead (up to 2 days in advance) and fill freshly baked pastry shells just before serving.
Puff pastry shells can be baked up to 8 hours ahead and stored at room temperature. Assemble just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the chicken salad up to 2 days in advance and assemble with fresh pastry shells just before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely, rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly.

Can I make them without grapes?

Yes, swap grapes for diced apples, dried cranberries, or even chopped nuts.

Can I freeze the chicken salad puffs?

It’s best not to freeze them once assembled, as the pastry will lose its texture. You can freeze baked puff pastry shells separately and fill later.

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling and assemble just before serving for the crispiest results.

Can I make them lighter?

Yes, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or do a half-and-half mix.

What’s the best way to cut the chicken?

Let chicken cool completely before chopping into small, uniform pieces for easy filling.

Can I use crescent rolls instead of puff pastry?

Yes, though the texture will be softer and less flaky.

How many puffs does one sheet of puff pastry make?

One sheet makes about 36 small squares, which yield 18 filled puffs.

What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

Arrange on a platter, secure with decorative toothpicks, and serve alongside light sides like salad or fruit.

Conclusion

Healthy chicken salad puffs are the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and flaky. They’re elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for an easy lunch. With make-ahead options and plenty of variations, this recipe is a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Serve them at your next party, and they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.