Bacon Chicken Croissant Delight (Printer-Friendly Version)
Buttery croissant enveloping seasoned chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese, perfect for elegant meals.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Croissant Dough
01 -
Fresh laminated croissant dough, sufficient for 6 servings
→ Chicken Filling
02 -
2 boneless chicken breasts
03 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
04 -
Salt, to taste
05 -
Black pepper, to taste
06 -
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
→ Bacon Component
07 -
6-8 thick-cut bacon strips
→ Cheese Layer
08 -
150 grams Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
→ Egg Wash
09 -
1 large egg
10 -
15 milliliters heavy cream
11 -
Sea salt flakes, for garnish
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Season chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips. Set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, add bacon strips and cook, turning frequently, until golden brown and crispy, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then break into bite-sized pieces. Reserve bacon fat for later use.
03 -
Roll croissant dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut into individual serving-sized rectangles. Carefully slice each horizontally to create a pocket, taking care not to cut through fully. Brush interior cavities with reserved bacon fat or herb butter to enhance flavor.
04 -
Place a thin layer of Swiss cheese at the bottom of each croissant pocket. Add seasoned chicken strips evenly over the cheese, then top with crispy bacon pieces and an additional cheese layer. Optionally, add fresh herbs or vegetables for color and nutrition, maintaining a balanced filling to pastry ratio.
05 -
Whisk together the egg and heavy cream to create a rich, glossy wash. Brush the exterior surfaces of each filled croissant thoroughly, paying close attention to seams and joints to ensure proper sealing. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for texture and flavor enhancement.
06 -
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) with the rack positioned centrally. Place assembled croissants on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and flaky, rotating the pan halfway for even browning. Confirm internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safety. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
# Handy Cooking Tips:
01 -
Use room-temperature dough for easier handling. Avoid overfilling to maintain pastry integrity. Double brushing egg wash enhances golden sheen. Resting cooked chicken ensures juiciness. Drain bacon thoroughly to prevent soggy pastry.