Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsFraunces TavernChicken Salad Filo Cups Recipe

Chicken Salad Filo Cups Recipe

Inspired by Fraunces Tavern
Time45m
Serves8

Make Chicken Salad Filo Cups Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Salad

Method

Chicken Salad

  1. 1

    Prep the chicken

    If your chicken is not cooked, poach or bake two medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cool slightly, then shred or finely chop to yield about 2 cups.

  2. 2

    Mix dressing

    In a medium bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp honey (if using). Whisk until smooth.

  3. 3

    Combine salad ingredients

    Add shredded chicken, 1 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup diced apple (if using), 2 tbsp minced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped parsley and 1/2 cup chopped toasted nuts (if using) to the dressing. Stir to coat evenly.

  4. 4

    Season

    Season the mixture with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust salt, pepper or a squeeze more lemon as desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld while you prepare filo cups.

Filo Cups & Finish

  1. 5

    Preheat oven and prepare sheets

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap filo pastry and keep sheets covered with a lightly damp towel so they do not dry out.

  2. 6

    Brush and layer filo

    Take one filo sheet and brush lightly with melted butter. Fold or cut the sheet to fit into the cups of a standard 12-cup muffin tin if needed. Repeat with 2 more sheets per cup, brushing each sheet with butter as you layer (3 sheets per cup gives sturdy cups). For 8 sheets total, make 8 cups (you can cut sheets and line 8 muffin cups).

  3. 7

    Form cups

    Gently press the layered filo into the muffin cups to form small cups. Trim any overhang if desired. If you like, sprinkle a little sesame or poppy seed into each cup for appearance.

  4. 8

    Bake cups

    Bake in the preheated oven for 8–12 minutes or until the filo cups are golden brown and crisp. Watch closely as filo browns quickly. Remove from oven and let cups cool in the tin 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

  5. 9

    Fill cups

    Once cups are cooled to warm or room temperature, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chilled chicken salad into each filo cup. Gently mound the chicken salad so each cup is filled but not overflowing.

  6. 10

    Garnish and serve

    Garnish each filled cup with a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley. Serve immediately so filo remains crisp. If making ahead, store chicken salad separately and fill just before serving to keep cups crisp.

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