Cranberry Chicken Puffs Recipe

If you love that perfect mix of sweet, savory, and flaky, then you’re going to adore this Cranberry Chicken Puffs Recipe. These little pockets of goodness come together in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal snack, appetizer, or even a light dinner. Trust me, the combination of tender shredded chicken paired with a hint of tart cranberries and melty mozzarella wrapped in golden puff pastry? Total crowd-pleaser. Stick with me here, I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail these delectable puffs on your first try!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has a purpose, balancing texture and taste beautifully. I always recommend grabbing a good-quality cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken can be my lifesaver. When it comes to the cranberries and cheese, fresh and flavorful choices make all the difference.

• Cooked shredded chicken: Using cooked chicken speeds things up, and shredding it ensures every puff gets coated in flavor.
• Green onion: Adds a subtle fresh bite that cuts through the richness.
• Dried cranberries: Provide tart sweetness that pairs so well with savory chicken.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Binds the filling together with a creamy touch.
• Canned crescent roll dough: This is your shortcut to flaky, buttery pockets without the fuss.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add crunch and an earthy flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Cranberry Chicken Puffs Recipe is—you can easily tweak the filling to match your mood or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different cheeses and add-ins that have turned these puffs into little flavor adventures!

• Variation: I sometimes swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. The flavor profile changes, but the flaky magic stays intact.
• Dietary tweaks: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo lightens it up, and gluten-free crescent dough options make this accessible to more diets.
• Seasonal twists: Try swapping cranberries for chopped dried apricots or cherries in spring and summer—equally delicious and surprising.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Chicken Puffs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by mixing your shredded chicken, thinly sliced green onions, dried cranberries, freshly grated mozzarella, and mayonnaise in a bowl. I like to taste my filling at this point—to adjust salt or add a pinch of pepper—so the flavors are spot on before assembling. The mayo is key here; it holds things together without being heavy.

Step 2: Prep the Dough

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough onto your cutting board. Separate into four rectangles by pairing two triangles and sealing the seam in the middle—this step prevents the filling from leaking out while baking. Do this with the second can so you end up with eight sealed rectangles. If you’re like me, slightly pressing the seams together helps avoid any baking mess (#lifesaver).

Step 3: Fill & Seal the Puffs

Scoop about a quarter cup of your chicken mixture right into the center of each dough rectangle. Then, fold up the corners to cover the filling completely and press all edges firmly to seal. Be gentle yet thorough—this step keeps the puffs intact, with no surprise filling leaks in your oven.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your sealed puffs seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat—it helps keep the bottoms crisp and golden. Bake at 375°F for about 12 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden. I usually let mine rest for 5 minutes before serving so they’re perfectly warm but not lava-hot.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Puffs Recipe

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh taste. Sometimes I serve these with a side of cranberry chutney or a dollop of sour cream to amp up the flavor even more. Trust me, those little details make the presentation so much more inviting.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these puffs with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a hearty bowl of tomato basil soup for a cozy combo. Roasted veggies also balance the richness well if you’re aiming for a fuller meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve lined a wooden serving board with fresh greens and nestled the puffs in clusters. You can also skewer them with cocktail picks alongside a cranberry sprig for an elegant appetizer. For holiday meals, a dusting of powdered sugar on the cranberries gives a pretty snowy effect—super festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for 2-3 days. I usually pop the entire container into the fridge right after everything cools completely to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to prep in advance. I assemble the puffs but don’t bake them, then freeze on a tray for a few hours until solid. After that, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook through evenly.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the puffs in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes. This brings back the crispiness wonderfully without drying the filling. Microwaving tends to make the dough soggy, so I avoid that if I can.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry Chicken Puffs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s just so easy and crowd-pleasing. Every time I bring these out, people ask for seconds and want the recipe. I love how simple ingredients come together to create something that feels a bit fancy but really isn’t. So go ahead, try this recipe out for your next get-together or cozy night in—you’re going to love how the sweet cranberries and savory chicken pair up in a flaky, buttery crust. And if you have any fun twists or tips from your own kitchen, I’d love to hear about them!

Print