If you’ve been looking for a savory, flaky pastry that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, you’ve just found it. This Chicken and Cheese Jalousie recipe is a total game-changer — crispy, buttery puff pastry pockets filled with tender chicken and gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive enough to serve at a dinner party but is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.

The best part? You can customize the filling to your liking, adding your favorite cheeses or a spicy kick if that’s your thing. These little pockets of goodness are bound to become a hit in your home. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Cheese Jalousie

Flaky, buttery pastry: The golden, crispy crust is simply irresistible!
Savory and cheesy: The filling is packed with tender chicken and melted cheese, making each bite pure comfort.
Quick and easy: You’ll have this scrumptious dish ready in no time with minimal prep work.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner, a weekend treat, or a dinner party starter, these jalousies hit the mark.
Kid-friendly: The combination of chicken and cheese makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

How to Make It

To get started, first, grab your ingredients and prep the chicken by either roasting it or using leftover cooked chicken (shredded). You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.

Once your chicken is ready, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with some melted cheese (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works wonderfully for that gooey melt). Add a touch of seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also throw in a bit of fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.

Next, roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You’ll want to cut it into rectangles or squares, depending on your preferred shape. Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry rectangle, making sure not to overstuff it. Then, fold the pastry over the filling to form a pocket and press the edges to seal.

Once your jalousies are formed, brush the tops with a little beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish after baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

Make Ahead Method for Chicken and Cheese Jalousie

Preparing Chicken and Cheese Jalousies ahead of time is a huge time-saver, especially if you’re planning for a busy week or hosting a dinner party. Here’s how to do it without sacrificing any of that flaky, crispy goodness:

Assemble the Jalousies: You can fully prepare the chicken and cheese filling and assemble the pastry pockets. Simply follow the recipe up to the point where you’re ready to bake them.

Wrap and Chill: Once your Jalousies are assembled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh, and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to prepare these even further in advance, you can freeze them. Once your Jalousies are assembled and chilled, transfer them to the freezer. Freeze them on the baking sheet for about an hour to ensure they don’t stick together. After that, you can wrap them individually or in groups with plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Baking After Freezing: When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw them out. Simply pop them directly into the oven from the freezer. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time, but you’ll still get the same golden, flaky result.

Whether you’re prepping for a busy dinner week or making them in bulk for a gathering, the Make Ahead Method ensures that you can enjoy these delicious Jalousies without much last-minute work.

It also helps maintain the perfect texture and flavor without sacrificing any of that fresh, crispy pastry crunch.

Pro Tips

Use store-bought puff pastry: For a quick and easy solution, store-bought puff pastry is your friend. It’ll save you time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Customize the filling: If you love a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños to the filling for a nice kick. Or, for a creamier texture, you can mix in some cream cheese or ricotta.
Don’t overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up your jalousie with extra filling, be careful not to overstuff. It can cause the pastry to tear or prevent it from cooking evenly.

Brush with egg wash: For that golden, glossy finish, be sure to brush the tops of your jalousies with a little beaten egg before baking. It’ll give them a beautiful color and make them extra appetizing.

Storage Options

Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave to bring back that crispy crust.

Freezer: You can freeze baked jalousies, too! Just let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Tools For This Recipe

Baking Sheet: A baking sheet lined with parchment paper is essential for baking your jalousies to perfection.
Pastry Brush: A pastry brush helps coat your jalousies with the egg wash, ensuring a glossy finish.
Sharp Knife: For cutting the puff pastry into squares or rectangles.
Mixing Bowl: For combining your chicken, cheese, and seasonings.

FAQs!

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone, gouda, or Swiss for a unique twist on this recipe.

Can I make these without chicken? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Can I use homemade puff pastry? Of course! If you prefer homemade puff pastry, go ahead. But for ease and time-saving, store-bought works perfectly here.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Chicken and Cheese Jalousie: Add chopped fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for a hearty mix of roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
Cheese Options: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for your favorite cheese blend, like pepper jack for some heat or brie for a creamy, rich filling.

Conclusion

These chicken and cheese jalousies are an easy-to-make, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any meal or snack time. The combination of flaky pastry and savory filling is simply irresistible, and with a make-ahead option, you can enjoy them anytime. How did your chicken and cheese jalousies turn out? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you made them your own!

Chicken and Cheese Jalousie

This savory, flaky pastry is filled with tender chicken and melted cheese, making it a perfect snack or meal for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer, Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken shredded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 package puff pastry thawed if frozen
1 egg for egg wash

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangles or squares, depending on the size you prefer.
Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture into the center of each pastry piece. Fold over the pastry to create a pocket and press the edges to seal.
Brush the tops of the pastries with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Place the jalousies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
Serve warm and enjoy!