Tender chicken, sweet corn, and savory cheese are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, all nestled within golden, flaky puff pastry triangles. These Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers are an absolute family favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Looking for more delightful summer suppers or versatile recipes? You might enjoy this Tilapia with Roasted Corn, a refreshing Fresh Corn Salad, or these hearty Stuffed Zucchini Boats.

Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers: Your New Go-To Family Dinner

These Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers emerged from one of those wonderful kitchen experiments where a little bit of this and a little bit of that come together to create something truly magical. I had a vision for a comforting, savory dinner that was both easy to prepare and satisfying. With a basic idea in mind, I dove into the creative process, meticulously noting down measurements as I went along. The result was not just a meal, but a triumph – a recipe so delicious that even the pickiest eaters in the family (most of them, anyway!) gave it their enthusiastic seal of approval. It’s a true winner and one I can’t wait to recreate time and again!

The beauty of these savory pastries lies in their simplicity and the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The golden-brown puff pastry provides a wonderfully crisp and airy shell, yielding to a warm, creamy filling packed with tender chicken, sweet bursts of corn, and gooey, melted cheese. It’s a complete meal wrapped in a neat, handheld package, making it ideal for busy weeknights, casual lunches, or even as an impressive appetizer for guests. The customizable nature of the recipe also means you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand, ensuring it remains a fresh and exciting dish every time you make it.

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Turnovers

Crafting the perfect Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers begins with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to both the flavor and texture of this delightful dish. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, comforting taste and flaky, satisfying bite.

• Chicken Broth and Milk: The foundation of our luscious cream sauce. Using a blend of chicken broth and milk creates a sauce that is rich in flavor without being overly heavy, providing the perfect balance of savory depth and creamy indulgence.
• Carefully Selected Seasonings: A thoughtful mix of dried herbs and spices is what truly elevates the flavor profile of these turnovers. We’ll use a blend that complements the chicken and corn beautifully, offering a warm and inviting aroma. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to customize the taste to your liking. A touch of garlic powder or a pinch of smoked paprika can introduce exciting new dimensions.
• All-Purpose Flour: This essential ingredient acts as a thickening agent for our creamy sauce, ensuring it holds its form beautifully within the puff pastry and provides a smooth, luxurious consistency. It’s crucial for achieving that perfect, non-runny filling.
• Cooked Chicken: One of my favorite time-saving secrets for this recipe is to use pre-cooked chicken. Whether it’s leftover shredded chicken from a previous meal, diced chicken breasts, or the convenient meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, having it ready significantly cuts down on prep time. This also makes the turnovers a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers, reducing food waste and maximizing flavor.
• Sweet Corn: While I often reach for frozen corn for its convenience, fresh summer corn, when in season, takes these turnovers to an entirely new level. Its natural sweetness and crisp texture are simply unparalleled. If using fresh corn, simply cut the kernels off the cob and add them directly to the filling mixture for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
• Puff Pastry Sheets: This is the magic ingredient that gives our turnovers their signature flaky, golden crust. It’s crucial to use puff pastry, which is designed to rise into many buttery layers. Be careful not to confuse it with filo dough, which is much thinner and produces a different texture; both are often found in the freezer section but are distinctly different in application and result. Ensure your puff pastry is properly thawed according to package instructions before use.
• Shredded Cheese: I find cheddar cheese to be a classic choice, offering a familiar tang and excellent melting properties. However, feel free to get creative here! Gruyere adds a nutty depth, Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers mild flavor, or a blend of Italian cheeses could provide a different twist. Choose a cheese that complements the chicken and corn and melts well.
• Egg: A simple egg, whisked with a splash of water, creates the perfect egg wash. Brushing this over the puff pastry before baking gives the turnovers that gorgeous, golden-brown, professional-looking exterior, adding to their visual appeal and slightly enhancing the crispness of the crust.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Turnovers

Achieving bakery-quality Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers at home is simpler than you might think with a few clever tricks up your sleeve. These tips will help ensure your pastries are perfectly golden, filled evenly, and structurally sound, making your cooking experience enjoyable and the results absolutely delicious.

• Master the Make-Ahead: The filling for these turnovers is incredibly forgiving and can be prepared well in advance. Whip up the creamy chicken and corn mixture a day or two before you plan to bake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and then simply assemble and bake when you’re ready. This is a huge time-saver for busy weeknights or when entertaining.
• Seal It Tight, Vent It Right: The key to keeping all that delicious creamy filling inside your turnovers is to seal the edges thoroughly. Use the tines of a fork to press down firmly along the perimeter of your puff pastry triangles after folding. This not only creates a secure seal but also adds a lovely decorative crimp. Additionally, don’t forget to cut one or two small vent marks (slits) on the top of each turnover before baking. These vents allow steam to escape, preventing the pastry from bursting open and ensuring an evenly cooked, flaky crust.
• Appetizer-Sized Delights: These turnovers are wonderfully versatile! For a delightful party appetizer or a lighter snack, simply cut your puff pastry sheets into smaller squares (e.g., 6 or 8 per sheet instead of 4) before filling. This will yield charming mini turnovers that are perfect for finger food and easy to serve to a crowd. Adjust baking time slightly for smaller sizes.
• Customization is Key: While this recipe is fantastic as written, feel free to make it your own!
  • Vegetable Boost: Add finely diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the creamy filling can add a delightful kick.
  • Herb Variations: Try a sprinkle of fresh dill, chives, or parsley in the filling for different aromatic notes.
• Storage and Freezing:
  • Leftovers: Cooked turnovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or an air fryer for best results to maintain crispness.
  • Freezing Unbaked Turnovers: Assemble the turnovers, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1-2 months. When ready to bake, place frozen turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, vent, and bake at the same temperature, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

These Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers are incredibly satisfying on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and balanced meal. For a light and fresh contrast, consider serving them with a vibrant green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or a refreshing coleslaw. A bowl of warm tomato soup or a light vegetable broth makes for a comforting accompaniment, especially on cooler evenings. If you’re looking for something more substantial, roasted asparagus, steamed green beans with a touch of lemon, or a medley of roasted root vegetables would complement the rich filling perfectly. Don’t forget a selection of dipping sauces like a tangy sour cream and chive dip, a sweet chili sauce, or even a simple ketchup for the kids!

More Delightful Corn Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of the sweet and versatile goodness of corn, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of recipes that highlight this beloved ingredient in various creative ways, perfect for any season or occasion. From refreshing salads to hearty soups and vibrant side dishes, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.

• Fresh Corn Salad: A light and zesty salad that celebrates the crisp sweetness of raw corn.
• Grilled Corn Salad (Charred Corn Relish): Elevate your corn experience with the smoky depth of grilled kernels in this flavorful relish.
• Corn Chowder with Bacon: A creamy, hearty soup featuring sweet corn and crispy bacon, perfect for a cozy meal.
• Potato Salad Recipe with Corn and Poblanos: A unique twist on classic potato salad, adding a delightful smoky kick from poblano peppers and the sweetness of corn.
• Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Chicken and Corn: A savory and mildly spicy dish, featuring tender chicken and corn stuffed into roasted poblano peppers.

LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week! Join our vibrant community and find more family-friendly inspiration by following me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers Recipe

These delightful Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers are a guaranteed hit, featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy cheese all tucked inside flaky puff pastry triangles.

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 8 turnovers

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Print Recipe |
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup milk, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon Emeril’s Essence (or substitute poultry seasoning)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• Dash of paprika
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cooked cubed or shredded chicken
• 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh corn kernels)
• 1 box (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth and 1/4 cup of the milk. Stir in the Emeril’s Essence (or poultry seasoning), salt, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and a dash of paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. While the broth mixture heats, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of milk and the 6 tablespoons of flour in a small bowl or measuring cup until smooth and lump-free. Slowly pour this flour mixture into the boiling broth mixture, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, which should take another minute or two. Remove from heat and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.
4. Transfer the thickened creamy sauce to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked cubed or shredded chicken and the corn (frozen or fresh) to the bowl. Stir everything together until the chicken and corn are evenly coated in the rich sauce.
5. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and lay them flat. Using a knife or pastry wheel, cut each puff pastry sheet into 4 equal squares. Place a generous heaping tablespoon or two of the creamy chicken and corn mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square. Top each mound of filling with about a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese.
6. To form the turnovers, carefully fold one corner of the puff pastry square diagonally over the filling to meet the opposite corner, creating a triangle shape. Gently press down around the edges to seal the filling inside. Use the tines of a fork to firmly crimp and seal the edges all around, ensuring no filling leaks out during baking. Transfer the assembled turnovers to your prepared baking sheet.
7. In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with a splash of water (about 1 teaspoon) to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the top of each turnover with the egg wash; you don’t need to use all of it, just enough to coat them evenly. Using a sharp knife, make one or two small slits on the top of each turnover. These vents are crucial for allowing steam to escape, which helps the pastry bake evenly and prevents it from cracking.
8. Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and cooked through. The internal filling should be hot and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Creamy Chicken and Corn Turnovers!

Keywords: chicken turnovers, creamy chicken and corn, puff pastry recipe, savory hand pies, easy family dinner