This tasty chicken salad is packed with juicy cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all wrapped up in crispy phyllo cups. Perfect for a light lunch or a fun appetizer!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip this up for gatherings. Plus, these little cups are so cute, you’ll be the star of the snack table. Who could resist one? 😄
I enjoy serving these at parties, and watching everyone munch away happily. It’s like a bite of cheer in every cup! Give it a try; they’re a crowd favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken, but rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. If you’re vegetarian, consider substituting with chickpeas or tempeh.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess. For a lighter option, you could substitute Greek yogurt with a mix of sour cream or avocado, which also gives a unique flavor.
Dried Cranberries: If you can’t find cranberries, raisins or chopped dried apricots work well. Both options provide a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
Walnuts: These add crunch, but if there are nut allergies, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are great alternatives for texture.
Phyllo Cups: Store-bought is easy, but you can also create your own by baking phyllo dough in muffin tins if you prefer a homemade touch.
How Do I Make Sure My Phyllo Cups Stay Crispy?
Keeping phyllo cups crispy is essential for the best texture. Here’s how to ensure they stay delightful:
- Keep phyllo cups uncovered until you’re ready to fill them. Excess humidity can make them soggy.
- If making phyllo cups from scratch, brush each layer lightly with melted butter before stacking to enhance their crispiness.
- Fill just before serving to maintain their crunch—you want every bite to be delightful!
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Phyllo Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 phyllo cups (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’re using store-bought phyllo cups, that cuts down the time even more! You can serve them right away or chill them for up to a couple of hours. Perfect for meal prep or last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Chicken Salad Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded or diced chicken, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt until everything is well combined. This creates a creamy base that will hold everything together.
2. Adding the Crunchy and Sweet Elements:
Add the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, finely chopped celery, fresh parsley, and lemon juice to the chicken mixture. Gently stir everything together until it’s evenly blended—this is where all those yummy flavors come together!
3. Seasoning for Flavor:
Now, season your mixture with salt and pepper to taste. If you like it creamier, feel free to add a little more mayonnaise or yogurt— it’s all about what you enjoy!
4. Filling the Phyllo Cups:
Carefully spoon the chicken salad mixture into each phyllo cup, making sure to fill them generously without overstuffing. Each cup should be brimming with your delicious salad!
5. Garnishing for Presentation:
If you want to make them look even more appealing, sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts and dried cranberries on top of each filled phyllo cup before serving. This adds a lovely touch!
6. Serving:
Arrange the filled phyllo cups on a serving platter. You can serve them right away for maximum crispiness, or you can cover and chill them until you’re ready to dig in. They make for a fantastic appetizer or a light snack!
Enjoy this delightful combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and savory chicken in a crisp phyllo cup—perfect for parties or a light snack!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken, grilled chicken, or even rotisserie chicken work great in this salad. Just shred or dice it up, and you’re good to go!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just fill the phyllo cups right before serving to keep them crispy!
How Should I Store Leftover Phyllo Cups?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken salad separately from the phyllo cups in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, the cups won’t get soggy. It’s best to eat them within a couple of days for optimal freshness!
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Definitely! You can swap mayonnaise for avocado, use different nuts like pecans, or even replace cranberries with raisins or chopped apples for a twist on flavors.