If you’ve ever walked past a Greggs bakery, you know the irresistible aroma of their iconic Chicken Bake. That golden, flaky pastry wrapped around creamy chicken, smooth bechamel sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning—it’s the stuff food dreams are made of. Well, get ready to bring that same magic into your kitchen with this Greggs Chicken Bake Recipe!
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This homemade version is surprisingly easy to recreate, and trust me, the end result is just as delicious (if not better!) than the one you grab at the counter. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to make a comforting, indulgent meal in just under an hour. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Greggs Chicken Bake
Perfect Comfort Food:
Flaky, buttery pastry filled with creamy, flavorful chicken. It’s pure comfort in every bite.
Quick and Easy:
With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a fresh batch of these tasty bakes in no time.
Better Than Store-Bought:
Why settle for store-bought when you can make your own version at home? These bakes are packed with flavor and are so much more satisfying.
Kid-Friendly:
Got little ones at home? This recipe is perfect for them. They’ll love the creamy filling and flaky crust.
Meal Prep Friendly:
These chicken bakes freeze wonderfully, so make a batch or two and have them ready whenever you need a quick meal.
Ingredients in Greggs Chicken Bake
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own Greggs-style Chicken Bake at home:
- Puff Pastry: The secret to that perfect, flaky crust. Use ready-made puff pastry to make life easier.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal for the filling. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Bechamel Sauce: The creamy base for the chicken. This is made with butter, flour, milk, and a pinch of seasoning.
- Cheese: Mild cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesy, creamy texture in the filling.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: For that savory flavor boost that really makes the filling pop.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the filling to perfection.
- Egg (for egg wash): To get that golden finish on the pastry.
(Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Bechamel Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightly golden. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, the bechamel sauce, and half a cup of cheese. Stir until everything is well coated and mixed.
4. Roll Out the Puff Pastry:
On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into squares (about 4-5 inches wide). You should get 4 to 6 squares depending on the size you want.
5. Assemble the Bakes:
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to form a rectangle or triangle shape, sealing the edges by pressing them with a fork.
6. Egg Wash:
Beat 1 egg and brush it over the top of each bake to give them that beautiful golden color when baked.
7. Bake:
Place the bakes on the prepared baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the bakes cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them with a side salad or some crispy fries for a full meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350 (varies by size and ingredients)
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Suggestions
These Greggs Chicken Bakes are filling enough on their own, but if you want to add some sides to make it a full meal, here are a few ideas:
- Side Salad: A light salad with greens, cucumber, and tomatoes works wonderfully to balance out the richness of the bakes.
- Fries or Wedges: Serve with crispy fries or potato wedges for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy coleslaw is the perfect sidekick to these bakes.
Additional Tips
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. It’s also a fantastic option for a meal prep day!
- Make Mini Bakes: If you’re serving a crowd, cut the pastry into smaller squares to make mini-sized versions. They’re perfect as snacks or appetizers.
- Freezing Tip: These chicken bakes freeze well. Simply bake and let them cool, then wrap them tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or a strong cheddar for extra flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pastry?
A1: Puff pastry works best for the flaky, crispy texture, but you could use shortcrust pastry if you prefer something a bit denser.
Q2: Can I use store-bought bechamel sauce?
A2: Yes! If you’re in a rush, store-bought bechamel will work perfectly, but making your own is so easy and fresh.
Q3: Can I freeze the bakes before baking?
A3: Absolutely! Assemble the bakes, then freeze them before baking. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the pastry’s crispness.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A5: Sure! You can add mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q6: Can I use raw chicken?
A6: If you prefer, you can cook the chicken first, then shred it before mixing it with the sauce. Just make sure it’s fully cooked through.
Q7: Can I make the bechamel sauce without butter?
A7: Yes! You can use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
Q8: How do I know when the bakes are done?
A8: The pastry should be golden brown and puffed up. If you’re unsure, you can insert a toothpick into the center to check if the filling is hot.
Q9: Can I make these ahead of time?
A9: Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving.
Q10: How do I reheat frozen bakes?
A10: Reheat frozen bakes in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot all the way through.
Conclusion
These Greggs Chicken Bakes are just as irresistible as the original, and even better when made fresh at home! They’re perfect for a quick dinner, a family meal, or a snack that feels a little indulgent. With their flaky pastry, creamy filling, and cheesy goodness, these homemade bakes will have you saying goodbye to store-bought for good.
Print
Greggs Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 bakes 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: British
Description
This healthier Greggs Chicken Bake recipe is a lighter, air fryer version of the classic. With tender chicken, creamy low-fat filling, and golden puff pastry, it’s a tasty fakeaway that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 100ml chicken stock
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet reduced-fat puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a frying pan sprayed with low-calorie cooking spray, add the chicken and garlic. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Prepare the filling: Add the chicken stock and stir in the low-fat cream cheese and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper, then reduce heat and let the mixture simmer.
- Assemble the bakes: Roll out the reduced-fat puff pastry and cut it into three equal squares. Spoon the chicken mixture onto one side of each square, leaving a border around the edges. Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg, then fold the pastry over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Cook the bakes: Brush the tops of the pastry with the beaten egg and place the bakes in the air fryer. Cook at 200°C (392°F) for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed up.
- Serve: Enjoy your healthier Greggs Chicken Bakes hot!
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bake
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg