Chicken Ham and Cheese Croissants: A Savory Delight

Chicken Ham and Cheese Croissants offer a perfect blend of savory flavors wrapped in a golden, flaky croissant. This simple yet delicious dish is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack. The combination of tender shredded chicken, salty diced ham, and melty cheddar cheese creates a satisfying filling, while the croissant dough provides a buttery, flaky texture. With a tangy hint of Dijon mustard and the richness of mayonnaise, these croissants offer a savory flavor profile that will satisfy any craving. Whether served as part of a family meal or packed for a lunch on the go, these croissants are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, with only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, they are an easy dish to prepare even on busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

With just a few pantry staples like croissant dough, cooked chicken, ham, and cheese, this recipe is easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

2. Quick and Easy

These croissants come together in under 30 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight dinner or a last-minute party snack that doesn’t require hours of preparation.

3. Delicious Flavor Combination

The mix of chicken, ham, and cheddar cheese, combined with tangy Dijon mustard and creamy mayonnaise, creates a perfectly balanced filling that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

4. Perfect for Any Meal

These croissants are versatile enough for any time of day. Whether it’s a savory breakfast, a light lunch, or a delicious appetizer, these croissants work for any occasion.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

Everyone loves a buttery, flaky croissant stuffed with flavorful fillings. Whether you’re serving a crowd or making a batch for yourself, these croissants are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated croissant dough
• Cooked shredded chicken
• Diced ham
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Egg (for egg wash)

Variations

• Add Veggies: Add a handful of spinach or finely chopped onions to the chicken mixture for added freshness and flavor.
• Change the Cheese: Swap out the cheddar cheese for Swiss, mozzarella, or any other cheese you prefer.
• Spicy Option: Add a few slices of jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the croissants a spicy kick.
• Use Turkey or Bacon: If you don’t have ham, turkey or cooked bacon can be used as an alternative to create a different savory profile.
• Vegan Version: Use a plant-based croissant dough, vegan mayonnaise, and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Croissant Dough

Unroll the refrigerated croissant dough and separate it into triangles as indicated on the package.

Step 4: Fill the Croissants

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each triangle of dough. Roll up each croissant, tucking in the ends to seal the filling inside.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Place the filled croissants on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, remove the croissants from the oven and serve them warm for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overstuff the croissants, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking. A spoonful of the mixture is enough.
• Seal Properly: Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to avoid any gaps where the filling could leak out.
• Add More Flavor: If you like extra flavor, consider adding some Italian seasoning or fresh herbs to the filling.
• Watch the Baking Time: The croissants will bake quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. They should be golden and crispy on the outside.

How to Serve

These Chicken Ham and Cheese Croissants are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. They make an excellent breakfast or brunch item, but they’re also perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. Pair them with a simple salad or soup to create a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve them with a dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a tangy BBQ sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover croissants in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled croissants in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 1 month in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated or frozen croissants, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use puff pastry, crescent rolls, or even homemade dough if preferred.

2. Can I make these croissants ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the croissants ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just brush with the egg wash and bake when needed.

3. Can I freeze the assembled croissants?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked croissants. Once frozen, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What other cheese can I use?

Feel free to use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or provolone for a different flavor, or a mix of cheeses for more complexity.

5. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option for making this recipe even quicker.

6. How do I avoid the filling spilling out?

Make sure to seal the croissant dough tightly and avoid overstuffing. Pinch the dough at the ends to ensure it stays closed during baking.

7. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey is a great substitute for chicken and works wonderfully with the other ingredients.

8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and ham and use extra cheese, veggies, or plant-based protein instead.

9. How do I prevent the croissants from getting soggy?

To keep the croissants from becoming soggy, make sure the filling is not too wet. If necessary, drain any excess liquid from the mayo or chicken mixture before using.

10. Can I use Dijon mustard in a different form?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or honey mustard as alternatives, but they will alter the flavor slightly.

Conclusion

Chicken Ham and Cheese Croissants are an easy and delicious recipe that combines flaky croissant dough with a savory, cheesy filling. They are quick to make, perfect for any meal, and loved by everyone who tries them. With the option to customize the fillings and seasonings, this dish can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, these croissants will quickly become a family favorite.

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