Today, I want to tell you about an elegant, satisfying, and incredibly versatile recipe: chicken parcels wrapped in golden, crispy filo pastry.

It's the kind of dish that looks impressive on the plate but is surprisingly easy to make once you get the steps down.

I was inspired to create this after experimenting with Mediterranean flavors, especially the classic pairing of spinach and feta.

The texture of the crunchy pastry, the creaminess of the cheese, and the juiciness of the chicken come together in the most delightful way.

Plus, it's a perfect dish for a relaxed dinner. If you've never tried filo chicken parcels, this is your sign to give them a go.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• ‍Prepare the Filling: Sauté one small chopped onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves in a bit of olive oil.
• Once soft and fragrant, add 100g of fresh spinach.

‍

‍

• Cook until wilted, then remove from the heat and let cool slightly.‍
• Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine 100g of crumbled feta cheese with 50ml of heavy cream.
• I prefer using an immersion blender here for a smoother consistency, but mixing with a spoon works too. Stir in the sautéed spinach and set aside.

‍

‍

• Prepare the Chicken: Take 3 chicken breasts and poke them lightly with a fork or a skewer. Season with salt and pepper—but be careful with the salt, as feta is already quite salty. Rub the chicken with a bit of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice.

‍

‍

• Sear the breasts for 1 minute on each side in a hot pan just to give them some color.

‍

‍

• Remove and let rest.‍
• Assemble the Parcels: Melt some butter. Lay one sheet of filo pastry on your surface and brush it with melted butter. Add a second sheet on top, brush again, and repeat with a third.
• Place one chicken breast in the center. Add a generous spoonful of the spinach-feta filling on top.

‍

‍

• Gather the edges of the pastry and scrunch them gently to create a parcel shape.
• Transfer to a baking tray and repeat for the remaining chicken.‍
• Bake: Brush the tops of the parcels with more melted butter.

‍

‍

• Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crisp. This is your perfect chicken parcel cooking time.‍
• Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

‍

‍

• These pair beautifully with our Marinated Zucchini Salad, contrasting the creamy parcels with a bright, tangy contrast.

Why This Dish Works So Well

Okay. Now, let's dive a little deeper into understanding this recipe. So, it is safe to say that the magic of this dish lies in how each element complements the other.

The filo pastry provides crunch and elegance without adding much heaviness. On the other hand, the chicken is juicy yet lean, and the spinach-feta mix is savory, creamy, and full of character.

And when baked, the cheese melts slightly and binds with the chicken for the perfect creamy chicken parcels' texture.

Mediterranean Inspiration

This recipe draws inspiration from classic Greek and Middle Eastern flavors, particularly spanakopita, where spinach and feta are wrapped in phyllo sheets.

But instead of layering the cheese and greens, I've folded the whole flavor profile into a single neat chicken parcel.

The result? A heartier version that works beautifully as a main course.

A Culinary Tradition, Reinvented

Historically, wrapping food in pastry has been a global technique used to preserve moisture, enhance presentation, and offer surprise within. Just think of Beef Wellington, samosas, or Moroccan pastillas.

And this chicken parcels recipe is a modern nod to that heritage. By using filo instead of puff pastry, we reduce fat and keep things light, perfect if you're aiming for healthy chicken parcels that don't compromise on flavor.

A Balanced, Nutritious Meal

Lastly, these filo chicken parcels taste great and are balanced and nourishing, too. The chicken provides high-quality protein, while olive oil and feta provide healthy fats, and spinach iron and fiber. This makes the recipe a smart choice for anyone seeking healthy chicken parcels that feel indulgent yet wholesome.

So whether you're cooking for a casual dinner, planning ahead for guests, or simply exploring new chicken parcels recipes, this one delivers both flavor and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Parcels

Here are some of the most common questions people ask when trying to learn how to cook chicken parcels:

Q: What are chicken parcels?

A: Chicken parcels are individual servings of chicken wrapped in a pastry or dough—often filo, puff pastry, or even puffed rice paper—filled with various ingredients like vegetables, cheeses, or sauces. They are then baked, air-fried, or steamed until cooked through.

Q: How to cook chicken parcels in air fryer?

A: To cook chicken parcels in an air fryer, preheat it to 180°C (356°F). Place the parcels in the basket, brush them with a bit of oil or butter, and cook for about 15–18 minutes or until the filo is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes to avoid over-browning.

Q: How to cook chicken parcels in filo pastry?

A: When using filo pastry, layer 2–3 sheets brushed with butter or oil for each parcel. Add your filling, seal the edges or scrunch them into a pouch, and bake at 200°C (392°F) for 20–25 minutes. This ensures a crispy, golden finish, and juicy interior.

Q: What to serve with chicken parcels?

A: These filo chicken parcels pair well with light salads, roasted vegetables, or a tangy yogurt sauce. Our go-to is a bright Marinated Zucchini Salad, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and crunchy pastry.

Q: How to cook chicken parcels in oven?

A: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Place the prepared chicken parcels on a baking tray, brush the tops with butter or oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes. This is the ideal chicken parcels cooking time for a perfect golden crust and fully cooked chicken.

Conclusion

I hope you'll try this recipe soon and enjoy every bite as much as I did. It's one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare once you've done it once.

And when you do make these creamy chicken parcels, don't forget to tag us so we can see your creations!

Furthermore, if you're curious about the full process, the complete video is now available on our YouTube channel.

Check it out, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more easy and delicious ideas from our kitchen.

Happy cooking!

‍