Experience Brazilian Flavors: Easy Puff Pastry Chicken Turnovers with Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Pepperidge Farm headquarters in New York. This trip was a result of winning a contest hosted on Recipe Girl, an experience that truly elevated my culinary journey. While I’ll delve into more details about the trip as part of my “Thursday Things” series tomorrow, I simply couldn’t wait to share this remarkable recipe with you. It was born out of an exciting cooking competition held during the event, where Lori from Recipe Girl and I were crowned the “Puff Pastry Queens” for the day!
The moment I shared our winning creation on Instagram, my inbox was flooded with requests for the recipe. So, as soon as I returned home, I eagerly recreated these fantastic Brazilian Chicken Turnovers. Not only were these savory bites a hit, but our dessert was also a showstopper! You can find Lori’s amazing Raspberry Mango Dessert Bruschetta recipe here, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
A Culinary Adventure: Crafting the Perfect Savory Bite
The cooking competition at Pepperidge Farm challenged us to develop both a savory and a sweet dish, incorporating some of the latest culinary trends they discussed with us. Two trends immediately stood out and sparked my creativity: utilizing yogurt in a savory context and exploring vibrant Brazilian flavors. My mind instantly conjured a palette of spices and ingredients often associated with that part of the world – cumin, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, ginger, pine nuts, and dried fruit. This diverse array of seasonings became the foundation for our savory masterpiece.
I envisioned a harmonious blend of these ingredients with tender chicken, all wrapped within the glorious flakiness of puff pastry. The idea was to create small, irresistible bites that offered a burst of complex flavors. After mixing the spiced chicken with a few other carefully selected ingredients, we encased this delightful filling in light, airy puff pastry. The result, fresh out of the oven, was a perfectly golden, flaky turnover, packed with an abundance of savory and subtly sweet notes. To complement and balance the warmth of the spices, we whipped up a refreshing dipping sauce using creamy Greek yogurt and ripe avocado. This cool, tangy sauce provided the ideal counterpoint, making each bite an exhilarating experience that left us craving more.
The Art of Flavor: Why These Ingredients Work
Let’s talk about the magic behind the flavors. The combination of spices is key to the “Brazilian-inspired” profile. Cumin brings an earthy depth, turmeric adds a warm, slightly bitter note and a beautiful golden hue, while ground ginger introduces a touch of sweet heat. Cinnamon, often seen in sweet dishes, here provides an unexpected warmth that ties the savory elements together in a truly unique way. And of course, cayenne pepper delivers that desirable kick, which can be adjusted to suit your preference for spice. For those who enjoy a bolder flavor, feel free to add a little more!
The addition of finely chopped dried apricots and pine nuts is not merely for texture; it’s a strategic flavor play. The apricots lend a delicate sweetness and chewiness, echoing influences often found in global cuisines where sweet and savory harmonize beautifully. Pine nuts contribute a buttery crunch and a subtle nutty aroma, enhancing the overall richness of the filling. The fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the entire mixture, adding a vibrant, herbaceous finish. All these elements come together to create a filling that is incredibly aromatic, multi-layered, and deeply satisfying.
From Our Kitchen to the Judges’ Palates
The moment of truth arrived as we presented our dishes to a panel of two professional chefs and a Pepperidge Farm employee for judging. It was a thrilling and slightly nerve-wracking experience to have them taste our creations right in front of us, followed by their immediate feedback. To our delight, these little turnover bites received rave reviews! The judges particularly appreciated the perfect balance of heat from the cayenne, complemented by the cooling and creamy avocado yogurt dipping sauce. They noted how the flakiness of the puff pastry created an irresistible texture, and the unique blend of Brazilian-inspired spices left them wanting “just another bite.”
Their enthusiasm confirmed what we already felt – these Brazilian Chicken Turnovers are truly wonderful. They’re not just a competition-winning recipe; they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party and looking for an impressive yet simple appetizer, or simply want a few flavorful bites for a unique dinner, these turnovers are incredibly versatile. Remember, if you’re not a fan of intense spice, you can easily reduce the amount of cayenne pepper without compromising the rich, aromatic flavors. Give them a try; I promise they’ll become a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love These Brazilian Chicken Turnovers
- Exotic and Bold Flavors: A unique blend of cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne transports your taste buds.
- Effortlessly Flaky: Using store-bought puff pastry makes these turnovers incredibly easy to prepare while delivering a professional, tender, and flaky crust.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These savory bites are ideal as party appetizers, game-day snacks, or even a light, flavorful dinner.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your personal spice preference, making them enjoyable for everyone.
- Refreshing Dipping Sauce: The creamy avocado yogurt dip offers a cool, tangy contrast that perfectly balances the rich, spicy filling.
- Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 30 minutes and cook time of 15, these turnovers are a fantastic option when you need something delicious in a hurry.
Essential Tips for Perfect Puff Pastry Turnovers
Working with puff pastry is a dream, but a few tips can ensure your Brazilian Chicken Turnovers turn out perfectly every time:
- Proper Thawing: Always thaw your puff pastry according to package directions, typically in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes. It should be pliable but still cool to the touch. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to handle, and the butter layers can melt, resulting in less flaky pastry.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the delicious chicken filling, a heaping tablespoon per square is usually enough. Overfilling can make sealing difficult and may cause the turnovers to burst open during baking.
- Seal the Edges Well: After folding the pastry into a triangle, firmly press the edges together. Using a fork to crimp the edges not only creates a decorative pattern but also provides a more secure seal, preventing the filling from leaking out.
- Egg Wash for Golden Perfection: Brushing the tops of the turnovers with a beaten egg before baking gives them that beautiful golden-brown, shiny finish that makes them look as good as they taste.
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking. A hot oven helps the puff pastry rise quickly and achieve its signature flakiness.
Serving Suggestions
These Brazilian Chicken Turnovers are incredibly versatile! Serve them warm directly from the oven alongside the cool avocado yogurt dipping sauce for a dynamic flavor contrast. For parties, arrange them on a platter as elegant finger foods. They pair wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing caipirinha for a truly Brazilian-inspired evening. For a casual dinner, serve them with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. They’re also fantastic as a gourmet snack any time of day!
Brazilian Chicken Turnovers w/ Avocado Yogurt Dip
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Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten
Turnovers
- 2 packages Puff Pastry Sheets
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup dried apricot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 of a lemon, juiced
Avocado Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Thaw the puff pastry according to the package directions. Once thawed, carefully unfold each sheet and cut it into 9 equal squares. You should have a total of 36 squares.
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, and pine nuts. Sauté this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, and the pine nuts are lightly golden brown. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and chopped chicken breasts with the cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, dried apricots, and fresh chopped cilantro. Add the sautéed pine nut mixture (garlic, shallot, and pine nuts) to the bowl, along with the fresh lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
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Carefully spoon a heaping tablespoon of the chicken filling into the center of each puff pastry square. Fold each square over diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp and seal the edges completely, ensuring no filling escapes during baking. Place the sealed turnovers onto the prepared lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of all the turnovers with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden crust.
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Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and flaky. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
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While the turnovers are baking, prepare the refreshing dipping sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick), cumin, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients well until smooth and creamy.
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Serve the Brazilian Chicken Turnovers immediately out of the oven, accompanied by the cool and creamy avocado yogurt dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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I genuinely hope you try these Brazilian Chicken Turnovers with their delightful Avocado Yogurt Dip. They’re a testament to how exciting and flavorful home cooking can be, especially when you embrace new culinary trends and ingredients. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spice levels to make them perfect for your palate. Whether shared with friends and family or savored as a special treat, these turnovers are sure to impress. Please leave a comment below if you try them and let me know what you think!