Healthy Chicken and Cheese Jalousie
C. Sophie
Healthy chicken and cheese jalousie recipe: Flaky, low-fat comfort food with quick prep. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing appetizers!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 280 kcal
For the Filling
- 1.5 cups cooked shredded chicken breast rotisserie chicken works great for a time-saving hack
- 1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese shredded; swap in mozzarella for a milder flavor
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt a creamy, protein-rich substitute for heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing; avocado oil also works
- 2 garlic cloves minced; or 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried thyme for pantry convenience
- Salt and black pepper to taste; start with ½ tsp salt and adjust later
For the Pastry
- 1 sheet whole wheat puff pastry thawed; gluten-free pastry works seamlessly
- 1 egg beaten; for that golden-brown glaze—skip for an egg-free version
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup spinach chopped and wilted; adds a veggie boost
- 1 tbsp jalapeños diced; for a spicy kick
- 1 tsp smoked paprika for depth; sprinkle into the filling
Step 1: Prep the Filling
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not browned!).
Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, sautéed garlic-thyme mixture, Greek yogurt, cheese, salt, and pepper. Fold gently to avoid breaking up the chicken.
Pro Tip: If using spinach or jalapeños, mix them in now for even distribution.
Step 2: Assemble the Jalousie
Roll the pastry: Lay the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12x10-inch rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).
Add the filling: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Fold and seal: Fold the empty pastry half over the filling. Crimp the edges tightly with a fork or your fingers to seal.
Pro Tip: Chill the assembled jalousie for 10 minutes before baking—this helps the pastry hold its shape!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Glaze and vent: Brush the pastry with beaten egg for a golden shine. Use a sharp knife to make 3–4 small slits on top (this lets steam escape and prevents sogginess).
Bake: Transfer the jalousie to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and puffed.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Cool slightly: Let the pastry rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the crust crisp and prevents the filling from oozing out.
Slice and enjoy: Cut into 8–10 strips using a serrated knife for clean edges.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Nutrient |
Amount |
Calories |
280 |
Total Fat |
12g |
Saturated Fat |
3g |
Protein |
20g |
Carbohydrates |
25g |
Fiber |
3g |
Sugar |
2g |
Sodium |
450mg |
Keyword Comfort Food, Freezer-Friendly, Healthy Chicken and Cheese Jalousie, Weeknight Dinner