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Chicken and Spinach Filo Parcels – A Delightful Recipe by VJ Cooks

If you’re looking for a scrumptious dish that blends flavours and textures beautifully, look no further than chicken and spinach filo parcels! Inspired by the innovative recipes on VJ Cooks, this dish combines tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and flaky filo pastry to create an elegant meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cosy family dinner, these parcels are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

• 400g chicken breast, diced
• 200g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 100g cream cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 sheets of filo pastry
• 50g melted butter or olive oil, for brushing
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Chicken: In a large frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Add Spinach: Toss in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Once the spinach is ready, combine it with the cooked chicken in a bowl.

4. Mix in Cream Cheese and Seasoning: Add the cream cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper to the chicken and spinach mixture. Stir until well combined and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Filo Parcels

1. Prepare Filo Sheets: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). On a clean surface, lay out your filo pastry sheets. Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

2. Layer the Filo: Take one sheet of filo pastry and brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Place a second sheet on top and brush it again. Repeat with a third sheet for added crispiness.

3. Fill the Parcels: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and spinach filling onto one end of the layered filo. Fold the sides over to encase the filling, then roll it up tightly from the end nearest you to form a parcel.

4. Repeat: Continue the process with the remaining filo sheets and filling. Place the parcels seam-side down on a lined baking tray.

Step 3: Bake the Parcels

1. Brush and Garnish: Brush the tops of each parcel with more melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

2. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the parcels are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

Once baked, remove the parcels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a side salad or your favourite dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or a simple garlic aioli.

Tips for Perfect Filo Parcels

• Keep Filo Covered: Filo pastry dries out quickly, so always cover any sheets you’re not currently using with a damp cloth.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings. Add feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like dill for variation.
• Make Ahead: These parcels can be prepared in advance and frozen. Bake from frozen for a slightly longer time when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Conclusion

These chicken and spinach filo parcels are not only incredibly tasty but also a fantastic way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your meal. Thanks to the inspiration from VJ Cooks, you can impress your family and friends with this easy yet sophisticated dish. Enjoy the tasty crunch of the filo pastry as you bite into the flavoursome filling—a true feast for the senses!

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