Introduction

 

Let me take you on a savory journey with a delightful recipe that holds a special place in my culinary repertoire - creamy chicken tarts. These miniature marvels of flavor never fail to impress, whether served as appetizers at a party or enjoyed as a cozy meal at home.

 

I still remember the first time I tried my hand at making these chicken tarts. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I was feeling adventurous in the kitchen. As I rolled out the dough and filled each tart shell with creamy chicken goodness, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The aroma that filled the kitchen as they baked to golden perfection was simply irresistible. From that moment on, creamy chicken tarts became a staple in my cooking repertoire, loved by family and friends alike.

 

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Recipe of Creamy Chicken Tarts

 

Ingredients:

 

For the Tart:

• 100 grams flour
• 100 grams butter
• 2 grams salt
• Water, as required

For the Filling:

• 100 grams smoked chicken
• 20 grams celery
• 100 grams red delicious apple
• 40 grams mayonnaise
• 1 gram rosemary
• Salt, to taste

 

 

Method:

 

For the Tart:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add chopped butter to the flour mixture.
3. Rub the mixture between your hands until it resembles a sand-like consistency.
4. Gradually add chilled water to the mixture and knead it into a stiff dough.
5. Allow the dough to rest for some time.
6. After resting, roll out the dough to about 1/3 inch thickness.
7. Grease tart moulds with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
8. Press the dough into the moulds and prick the base with a fork.
9. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the tart shells for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
10. Allow the tart shells to cool down.

For the Filling:

1. Chop the red delicious apples into dice.
2. In a bowl, mix sour cream, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
3. Add finely chopped celery and rosemary to the bowl.
4. Mix in the diced apples and roughly chopped walnuts.
5. Shred and chop the smoked chicken into small pieces and add it to the bowl.
6. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Assembling:

1. Fill the baked tart shells with the prepared creamy chicken salad.
2. Garnish with thinly sliced apple pieces.
3. Your creamy chicken tarts are ready to be served.

Enjoy these delightful creamy chicken tarts as a snack or appetizer for any occasion!

 

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About the Recipe

 

Indulge your taste buds with these delectable creamy chicken tarts. Made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flaky pastry shells, they are the perfect combination of savory flavors and buttery goodness. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, these tarts are sure to impress with their irresistible taste and elegant presentation.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Properly Cooked Chicken

Ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly before filling the tart shells to prevent any food safety concerns. You can either cook the chicken in advance or use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe.

2. Creamy Filling

For a rich and creamy filling, use a combination of heavy cream and cheese along with flavorful herbs and spices. Be sure to simmer the sauce gently to achieve the perfect consistency without curdling.

3. Pastry Shell Preparation

Pre-bake the pastry shells until they are golden brown and crisp before filling them with the creamy chicken mixture. This ensures that the tarts have a sturdy base and maintain their shape while baking.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Serve these creamy chicken tarts alongside a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced meal. They also pair well with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing beverage option.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Chicken Tarts

 

1. Can I use store-bought pastry shells for creamy chicken tarts? Yes, you can use store-bought pastry shells to save time. Simply follow the package instructions for baking before filling them with the creamy chicken mixture.

2. Can I make creamy chicken tarts ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the creamy chicken filling and pastry shells in advance and assemble the tarts just before serving. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble as needed.

3. Can I freeze creamy chicken tarts? While you can freeze assembled tarts, the texture of the pastry may become slightly soggy upon thawing. It's best to freeze the pastry shells and filling separately and assemble them fresh when ready to serve.

4. What other fillings can I use for tart shells? You can customize the filling for tart shells with various ingredients such as seafood, vegetables, or different types of cheese for a variety of flavor combinations.

5. How do I prevent the tart shells from becoming soggy? To prevent the tart shells from becoming soggy, you can blind bake them before filling. Simply line the tart shells with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before baking to ensure a crisp crust.

6. Can I make creamy chicken tarts without cheese? Yes, you can omit the cheese from the creamy chicken filling if desired. However, cheese adds richness and flavor to the filling, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

7. Can I use rotisserie chicken for creamy chicken tarts? Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well as a convenient shortcut for this recipe. It adds flavor and saves time on cooking and shredding chicken.

8. Can I use low-fat ingredients for a lighter version of creamy chicken tarts? Yes, you can use low-fat cream or milk and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version of creamy chicken tarts. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different from the original recipe.

9. How long can creamy chicken tarts be stored in the refrigerator? Creamy chicken tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

10. Can I make mini versions of creamy chicken tarts for appetizers? Yes, you can use mini tart shells to make bite-sized creamy chicken tarts for appetizers or party snacks. Adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they are heated through.

 

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