Crostini with a chicken, cream cheese mash and paprika- an easy appetizer recipe.
Crostini with a chicken, cream cheese mash and paprika- an easy appetizer recipe. is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Quick fix chicken on YouTube.
Prep: 32 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $9.93 total, $2.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (about 300 g total, skinless, boneless)
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 dl Water (100 ml)
- 1 piece Chicken Bouillon Cube (any brand)
- 150 g Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 0.5 dl Fresh Parsley (chopped, about 15 g)
- 0.5 dl Fresh Chives (chopped, about 15 g)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 piece Red Bell Pepper (medium, seeded and chopped finely)
- 12 slices Crostini Bread (store‑bought or toasted baguette slices)
Instructions
Season the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Time: PT2M
Sear the chicken
Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken and cook 2‑3 minutes per side until golden.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Add liquid and bouillon
Pour in 1 dl water, crumble in the bouillon cube, and bring to a boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Simmer until cooked through
Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 75 °C (165 °F).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium heat
Cool the chicken
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it cool completely, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Slice and chop the chicken
Slice the cooled chicken into thin strips, then finely chop them into small pieces.
Time: PT5M
Make the chicken‑cream cheese spread
In a mixing bowl combine the chopped chicken, 150 g cream cheese, chopped parsley, chopped chives, ¼ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the paprika garnish
Trim the stem off the red bell pepper, halve lengthwise, remove seeds and core, slice into thin strips, then finely chop the strips.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the crostini
Spread a generous layer of the chicken‑cream cheese mixture onto each crostini slice. Sprinkle the chopped paprika over the top and garnish with a few parsley leaves.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑Protein, Contains Chicken, Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast
- Instead of Cooking Oil: Olive oil
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon Cube: Chicken stock
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro
- Instead of Fresh Chives: Green onions
- Instead of Red Bell Pepper: Paprika powder for color
- Instead of Crostini Bread: Toasted baguette, Pita chips
Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Food Thermometer
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Searing the chicken to develop flavor
- Simmering until the internal temperature reaches 75 °C (165 °F)
- Mixing the spread until smooth without lumps
- Ensuring the paprika is finely chopped for even distribution
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine with the water and bouillon
- Toast the crostini lightly in the oven at 180 °C for 3 minutes for extra crunch
- A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil over the finished crostini adds a glossy finish
Troubleshooting
Chicken turned out dry
Do not over‑cook; keep simmer time to 10 minutes and monitor internal temperature.
Spread is lumpy
Ensure cream cheese is softened; mash the chicken finely before mixing.
Paprika became soggy
Pat the chopped paprika dry with a paper towel and add it just before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the spread in an airtight container for up to 2 days; keep crostini separate to stay crisp.
Freezer: Not recommended for crostini; the spread can be frozen for up to 1 month and thawed before use.
Room temperature: Assembled crostini should be consumed within 1 hour at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and cool the chicken a day ahead; store the spread in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving
- Chop the paprika and keep it in a sealed container; add just before assembly to retain crunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken crostini in American appetizer cuisine?
Crostini originated in Italy as toasted bread with toppings, and in the United States it has become a popular bite‑size appetizer at gatherings. Adding chicken and cream cheese creates a protein‑rich twist that reflects American comfort‑food adaptations of the classic Italian base.
What are traditional regional variations of crostini in Italian cuisine compared to this Quick fix chicken version?
Traditional Italian crostini often feature simple toppings like tomato‑basil bruschetta or mushroom‑garlic spreads. The Quick fix chicken version adds cooked chicken and cream cheese, a more American‑style protein topping, while still using the toasted bread foundation.
How is chicken crostini traditionally served in Italian or American gatherings?
In Italy, crostini are served on a platter as part of antipasti, often with a variety of toppings. In American gatherings, they are presented as bite‑size canapés on a decorative tray, sometimes garnished with fresh herbs for visual appeal, just like this recipe suggests.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken and cream cheese crostini traditionally associated with in American cuisine?
This type of crostini is popular at cocktail parties, holiday buffets, game‑day gatherings, and casual brunches where guests appreciate a quick, flavorful finger food that can be prepared ahead of time.
How does chicken and cream cheese crostini fit into the broader American appetizer tradition?
American appetizers often emphasize bold flavors, protein, and convenience. Combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and bright paprika on crunchy bread aligns with the American love for hearty, easy‑to‑eat bites that can be assembled quickly.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chicken crostini versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include chicken breast, cream cheese, fresh herbs (parsley, chives), and a crisp bread base. Acceptable substitutes are turkey breast for chicken, Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt for cream cheese, and toasted baguette slices instead of pre‑made crostini.
What other American dishes pair well with chicken and cream cheese crostini?
These crostini pair nicely with a light mixed green salad, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, or a classic deviled egg platter for a balanced appetizer spread.
What makes this chicken and cream cheese crostini special or unique in American appetizer cuisine?
The recipe combines a quick stovetop‑cooked chicken with a smooth cream cheese spread, brightened by fresh parsley, chives, and paprika, delivering a creamy‑savory bite that’s both protein‑rich and visually appealing.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken and cream cheese crostini?
Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, using cold cream cheese which creates lumps, and adding the paprika too early causing it to wilt. Follow the critical steps to sear, simmer to the correct temperature, and add garnish just before serving.
Why does this Quick fix chicken recipe use a simmer with a lid instead of baking the chicken?
Simmering with a lid keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with the bouillon flavor while allowing quick cooking on the stovetop, which matches the channel’s focus on fast, minimal‑equipment recipes.
Can I make the chicken‑cream cheese spread ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare the spread up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading on crostini.
What does the YouTube channel Quick fix chicken specialize in?
The YouTube channel Quick fix chicken specializes in fast, straightforward chicken‑centric recipes that require minimal ingredients and equipment, perfect for home cooks looking for tasty meals in under an hour.
How does the YouTube channel Quick fix chicken's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Quick fix chicken focuses on speed and simplicity, often using one‑pan methods and pantry staples, whereas many other channels may emphasize elaborate techniques or gourmet presentations. This channel delivers practical, everyday meals that anyone can replicate quickly.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
