Irresistible Chicken and Béchamel Stuffed Breadsticks: A Gourmet Comfort Food Delight

Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden, crispy breadstick that reveals a creamy, savory filling of tender chicken nestled in a rich béchamel sauce. These stuffed breadsticks are more than just a side dish – they’re a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Dough:
    • 300 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
    • 1 sachet (7 g) dried yeast or 10 g fresh yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 180 ml (¾ cup) warm water
  • Chicken Filling:
    • 250 g (8.8 oz) cooked chicken breast, shredded
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Salt, pepper, sweet paprika, nutmeg to taste
  • Béchamel Sauce:
    • 30 g (2 tablespoons) butter
    • 30 g (¼ cup) all-purpose flour
    • 300 ml (1¼ cups) milk
    • Salt, pepper, nutmeg to taste
    • Optional: Grated Emmental or Parmesan cheese
  • Glaze:
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 tablespoon milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough
    • Mix yeast with a little warm water and sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes.
    • Combine flour, salt, olive oil, activated yeast, and water in a bowl.
    • Knead until smooth and elastic.
    • Cover and let rise for 1 hour at room temperature.
  2. Cook the Chicken
    • Heat olive oil in a pan.
    • Brown chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
    • Let cool and finely shred or chop.
  3. Make the Béchamel Sauce
    • Melt butter in a saucepan.
    • Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
    • Gradually whisk in milk.
    • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
    • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
    • Optional: Add grated cheese.
    • Stir in cooked chicken and let cool.
  4. Assemble and Bake
    • Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
    • Roll out the dough and cut into rectangles.
    • Spoon chicken béchamel mixture onto dough.
    • Roll and seal the breadsticks.
    • Brush with egg yolk and milk glaze.
    • Bake until golden brown (approximately 15-20 minutes).

Nutrition and Serving

  • Servings: 4-6 people
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Difficulty: Medium

Why These Breadsticks Are a Healthy Choice

These stuffed breadsticks aren’t just delicious – they’re a nutritionally balanced meal. The lean chicken provides high-quality protein, while the homemade béchamel sauce offers calcium from milk. By using whole ingredients and controlling the seasoning, you’re creating a healthier alternative to processed snacks. The olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making this a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs.

Pro Tip: For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breast and consider using low-fat milk in the béchamel sauce.