Cream cheese chicken croissants can offer several health and nutritional benefits, depending on the ingredients and preparation method used. Here are some potential benefits:
1. Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Including chicken in your croissants adds protein to your meal, helping to keep you satiated and maintain healthy muscle mass.
2. Calcium: Cream cheese is often used as a filling for chicken croissants. Cream cheese is a dairy product and contains calcium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken and cream cheese provide various vitamins and minerals. Chicken is a source of B vitamins, such as niacin and vitamin B6, which are important for energy production and brain function. Cream cheese contains minerals like phosphorus, which is necessary for bone health, and selenium, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
4. Healthy Fats: While cream cheese does contain some saturated fat, it also provides monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy. Additionally, incorporating other healthy fats into your croissants, such as avocado or nuts, can further enhance the nutritional profile.
5. Fiber and Nutrients from Additions: Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or tomatoes to your cream cheese chicken croissants can boost the fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals. These additions contribute to a more balanced and nutritious meal.
However, it’s important to note that the overall healthiness of cream cheese chicken croissants can be influenced by factors such as portion size, the quality of ingredients, and the preparation method. To make them even healthier, you can consider baking or grilling the croissants instead of deep-frying them to reduce the calorie content and unhealthy fats.
Remember that moderation is key, and it’s essential to consider the overall balance of your diet and incorporate a variety of nutrient-rich foods for optimal health.
Cream Cheese Chicken Croissants
Ingredients:
2 Cups Shredded Chicken See Recipe Below
2 Pop Cans Croissants
1 8oz Cream Cheese softened
1 bunch Green Onions
¼ cup Bell Pepper Chopped and diced
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ teaspoon Pepper
2 tablespoon Butter softened
2 tablespoon Milk
1 Egg *optional
Instructions:
-Preheat oven to 350F degrees
-In a bowl mix cream cheese and butter, until blended. Add milk. Mixture will be chunky if cream cheese is not softened. It’s okay. Add in shredded chicken, diced green onions, diced green bell pepper, salt and pepper. Mix to combine.
-On a cutting board, unroll one tube of Croissants. They are all precut, so with your fingers pinch together the cut lines. You will be make 4 rectangles out of the 8 croissants. See Photo
-One each rectangle place ¼ cup of mixture in the center of the croissant and bring corners together and pinch to close.
In a separate bowl, whisk egg and brush egg over each croissant. (Optional)
-Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and serve.
How to make Shredded Chicken:
-Place 1 Cup water or Chicken Broth in Bottom of Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
-Place 2 Chicken Breasts in Instant Pot on Trivet.
-Sprinkle Salt and Pepper over Chicken Breasts.
-Sprinkle crushed garlic on chicken.
-Close Instant Pot Lid and check to make sure pressure valve is closed.
-Set on Manual (Presser Cook) High for 18 minutes.
-Allow a 20 minute Natural Release.
-Remove Chicken Breasts and one at a time shred chicken with forks.
-Use in a meal, or package and freeze for later use.