This fun dish combines tender chicken with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all tucked into crispy phyllo cups. It’s a lovely mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy!
These little cups are perfect for parties or just a cozy meal at home. I love how easy they are to make—just mix, fill, and enjoy! Plus, they look so fancy; who doesn’t love a little flair? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes life easier and is full of flavor. If you want something lighter, try poached chicken breasts or even canned chicken for convenience.
Dried Cranberries: These add a lovely sweetness and tartness. If you’re out, raisins or chopped dried apricots work as substitutes. Just ensure they’re sweetened if you like that extra flavor!
Walnuts: They give a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be great alternatives. They still add that bit of crunch!
Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt: This combo gives creaminess with a bit of tang. For a lighter option, use all Greek yogurt or even avocado to make it healthier and dairy-free.
Phyllo Cups: These are perfect for add a crispy texture. If you can’t find them, mini pastry shells or even cucumber cups can be a fun substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Phyllo Cups Stay Crispy?
Keeping phyllo cups crispy is key to enjoying this dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Store phyllo cups in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them. This keeps moisture away.
- Fill the cups just before serving. If you let the filling sit in the cups too long, it can make them soggy.
- If you’re making the salad ahead, store it in the fridge without filling the cups. Just assemble right before serving!
With these tips, your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups will be a hit! Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures with every bite!
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Phyllo Cups:
- 12 phyllo cups (store-bought, found in the freezer section)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe should take about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. If you want to chill it a bit before serving, give it an additional 30 minutes in the fridge. Perfect for quick meals or last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded cooked chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
2. Preparing the Dressing:
In another small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until everything is nice and smooth.
3. Combining the Salad:
Pour the dressing into the chicken mixture. Then, add in the finely chopped celery and fresh parsley. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is well coated.
4. Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the flavors to your liking!
5. Preparing the Phyllo Cups:
If you’re using frozen phyllo cups, go ahead and thaw them according to the package instructions. They should be ready to use in no time!
6. Assembling the Cups:
Spoon the cranberry walnut chicken salad into each phyllo cup, filling them generously. Don’t be shy—make them as full as you like!
7. Serving:
Arrange the filled phyllo cups on a nice serving platter. For an extra touch, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or parsley.
8. Enjoying Your Creation!
Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These phyllo cups are best enjoyed fresh to keep that delightful crunch.
If you’re planning to make them ahead of time, just keep the salad and phyllo cups separate until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie or any cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just make sure to shred it before mixing it into the salad.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can swap out the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for dairy-free alternatives, such as avocado or coconut yogurt. This will keep the creamy texture while making it dairy-free!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftover phyllo cups, keep them separate to maintain their crunch. Just fill them right before eating!
Can I Mix in Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add other ingredients such as chopped apples, grapes, or even sliced almonds for added flavor and texture. Just keep the balance in mind for a delicious combination!
