Chicken Pepper Walnut Tart with Crispy Skin and Baked Harissa Butter Oysters with Peach, Pomegranate and Orange Rose Sangria

35 INGREDIENTS • 15 STEPS • 1HR 20MINS

Chicken Pepper Walnut Tart with Crispy Skin and Baked Harissa Butter Oysters with Peach, Pomegranate and Orange Rose Sangria

Combining the homey feel of a savory tart with the upscale appeal of baked oysters, this dish is a perfect choice for entertaining or treating yourself to a gourmet experience. The Chicken Pepper Walnut Tarts are packed with savory vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, all nestled in a golden puff pastry. The Baked Harissa Butter Oystersadd a touch of luxury with a spicy, buttery topping and a crunchy walnut finish.
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Combining the homey feel of a savory tart with the upscale appeal of baked oysters, this dish is a perfect choice for entertaining or treating yourself to a gourmet experience. The Chicken Pepper Walnut Tarts are packed with savory vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, all nestled in a golden puff pastry. The Baked Harissa Butter Oystersadd a touch of luxury with a spicy, buttery topping and a crunchy walnut finish.


How to Make Chicken Pepper Walnut Tarts & Baked Harissa Butter Oysters



Chicken Pepper Walnut Tarts with Crispy Skin

These savory tarts are built on a base of crispy-skinned chicken thighs, sautéed peppers, and onions, all infused with garlic, cumin, and paprika. The mixture is tucked into buttery puff pastry, which crisps up beautifully in the oven. A drizzle of warm harissa butter ties the dish together, adding a subtle heat and a rich, fragrant finish.

Baked Harissa Butter Oysters: A Spicy, Briny Treat

The oysters are baked in their shells with a luscious Harissa Butter made with garlic, cherry peppers, and lime. The baking process allows the oysters to gently steam in their own juices, absorbing all the flavors of the buttery, spicy sauce. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted walnuts adds a crunchy contrast to the tender, briny oysters.

A Rosé Sangria for a Fresh Finish

The Peach, Pomegranate, and Orange Rosé Sangria is a perfect pairing for this meal, offering a crisp and refreshing contrast to the savory elements of the dish. Fresh peaches, blood and navel oranges, and pomegranate seeds infuse the rosé wine and rum with natural sweetness and a pop of color. The sangria is finished with a hint of maraschino cherry syrup and a sprig of mint for an aromatic twist.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skin-on thighs provide the best texture, but boneless, skinless thighs or even rotisserie chicken could work in a pinch.
  • Puff Pastry: If unavailable, you could use phyllo dough or even pie crust for a more rustic feel.
  • Harissa Paste: Can be swapped with a mild chili paste or even a sriracha-butter blend for a different heat profile.
  • Oysters: If shucking oysters is not an option, use pre-shucked oysters or swap with clams or mussels.
  • Rosé Wine: A light, fruity white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc could be used as a substitute in the sangria.

Tips & Techniques

  • Puff Pastry: Keep the pastry cold before baking to ensure a flaky rise.
  • Oyster Shucking: Use a kitchen towel and an oyster knife for safety and control.
  • Sangria Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maraschino syrup based on your preference for sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions



Can I Make Any Components in Advance?

Yes! The chicken mixture for the tarts can be prepared and refrigerated ahead of time. The harissa butter can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge. The sangria is best made fresh but can be prepared a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld.

What Should I Serve With This Dish?

A light, citrusy salad or grilled vegetables would balance the richness of the tarts and oysters. For a heartier option, consider serving with a wild rice pilaf or a simple couscous salad.

How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

To reduce the heat, use less harissa in the butter and opt for mild cherry peppers. The sangria's sweetness will also help offset the spice.

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1HR 20MINS

Total Time

$4.98

Cost Per Serving

Ingredients

Servings
8
us / metric
Chicken Pepper Walnut Tarts with Crispy Skin
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Boneless, Skin-On Chicken Thigh
2
(0.5 lb)
Boneless, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp
Kosher Salt
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 tsp
Ground Black Pepper
Unsalted Butter
1 Tbsp
Unsalted Butter
Red Onion
1/2 cup
Thinly Sliced Red Onion
Poblano Pepper
1/3 cup
Thinly Sliced Deseeded Poblano Pepper
Green Bell Pepper
1/2 cup
Thinly Sliced Deseeded Green Bell Pepper
Garlic Powder
1 tsp
Garlic Powder
Paprika
1 tsp
Paprika
Ground Cumin
1/2 tsp
Ground Cumin
Unsalted Chicken Stock
1/3 cup
Unsalted Chicken Stock
White Wine
4 Tbsp
White Wine
Puff Pastry
1 sheet
Puff Pastry, thawed
All-Purpose Flour
as needed
All-Purpose Flour
Large Egg
1
Large Egg
Baked Harissa Butter Oysters
Oysters
8
Large Oysters
in shell
Unsalted Butter
1/2 cup
Unsalted Butter
Harissa Paste
2 Tbsp
Harissa Paste
Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp
Garlic Powder
Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp
Kosher Salt
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 tsp
Ground Black Pepper
Hot Cherry Peppers
4 Tbsp
Finely Chopped Deseeded Hot Cherry Peppers
about 3 peppers
Lime
1/2 tsp
Zested Lime
Lime Juice
1 Tbsp
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
Roasted Walnuts
4 Tbsp
Finely Chopped Roasted Walnuts
Peach Pomegranate and Orange Rose Sangria
Rosé Wine
32 fl oz
Rosé Wine
White Rum
4 fl oz
White Rum
4-8 to taste
Blood Orange
2
Blood Oranges, halved, thinly sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Navel Orange
2
Navel Oranges, halved, thinly sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
Peach
2
Peaches, halved, pitted, thinly sliced into 1/2-inch half moons
Pomegranate Seeds
1 cup
Pomegranate Seeds
Maraschino Cherry
1 jar
(12 fl oz)
Maraschino Cherry
Fresh Mint
2 bunches
Fresh Mint
Ice
to taste
Ice
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Cooking Instructions

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step 1
For the chicken pepper walnut tarts with crispy skin: Preheat the oven to 375℉ / 190℃.
step 2
In a cast iron skillet, over medium heat, add the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (2 Tbsp). Season the Boneless, Skin-On Chicken Thighs (2) with Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp) and Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp). When the oil is shimmering and near smoking, add in the chicken thighs, skin side down. Brown until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
step 3
In the same cast iron pan, add the Unsalted Butter (1 Tbsp), Red Onion (1/2 cup), Poblano Pepper (1/3 cup), Green Bell Pepper (1/2 cup), Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Paprika (1 tsp), and Ground Cumin (1/2 tsp). Cook until the vegetables start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Add the Unsalted Chicken Stock (1/3 cup) and let the liquid reduce and concentrate in flavor, about 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the White Wine (4 Tbsp) and let the liquid reduce almost completely, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer veggies to a bowl and set aside.
step 4
Cut the rested chicken thighs into small 1/2 inch pieces. Combine the chicken with the veggies, set aside to cool.
step 5
Lightly dust All-Purpose Flour (as needed) the sheet of Puff Pastry (1 sheet) on both sides. Roll the sheet into a ⅛-inch (3mm) thick square that is 10x10-inches (25x25cm). Cut the large square into 4 smaller squares that are 5x5-inches (13x13cm). Then cut each square diagonally into 2 triangles. You will end up with 8 triangles. Place the triangles on a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving about 1-inch (2.5cm) space in between each.
step 6
In a bowl, whisk the Large Egg (1) and brush a ½-inch (12mm) border on each triangle. Divide the cooled chicken mixture in the center of each triangle. Bake in the preheated oven until the puff pastry is golden brown in color, about 13 minutes. Transfer to a plate and drizzle with reserved warmed harissa butter from the baked oyster recipe.
step 7
For the oysters with harissa butter: While the puff pastry bakes, shuck the Oysters (8), keeping the meat and juice in the bottom cupped shell. Set aside.
step 8
In a small pan over medium-low heat, add the Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) and melt. Whisk in the Harissa Paste (2 Tbsp), Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp), Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp), Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp), and chopped Hot Cherry Peppers (4 Tbsp). Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom. Stir in the Lime (1/2 tsp) zest and Lime Juice (1 Tbsp) and then remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning to desired levels.
step 9
When ready to bake the oysters, preheat the oven to 400℉ / 205℃. Place rings of rolled aluminum foil on a baking sheet, nestle the oysters into the rings so that they are level and retain their juice. Using a spoon, add 1 tablespoon of harissa butter to each oyster. Reserve the remaining harissa butter for the chicken tarts. Place the oysters in the oven and bake for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until the oysters are just cooked through. Remove the oysters from the oven and top with chopped Roasted Walnuts (4 Tbsp).
step 10
For the peach pomegranate and orange rose sangria: In a large pitcher, filled with 2 cups of Ice (to taste), pour together the Rosé Wine (32 fl oz) and White Rum (4 fl oz). Start with the minimum amount of rum and adjust to taste for potency.
step 11
Add in half of the Blood Oranges (2), Navel Oranges (2), Peaches (2), and Pomegranate Seeds (1 cup), reserve the rest of the fruit for garnish. Stir to combine.
step 12
Stir in 8 Maraschino Cherry (1 jar) and 2 tablespoons of maraschino syrup. Taste for sweetness, add more syrup if desired.
step 13
To serve, fill a single glass halfway with ice. Fill with sangria, straining out the ice and fruit from the pitcher.
step 14
Garnish with reserved slices of oranges, peach, and pomegranate seeds.
step 15
Top with a sprig of Fresh Mint (2 bunches), one maraschino cherry and drizzle of cherry syrup.
step 15 Top with a sprig of Fresh Mint (2 bunches), one maraschino cherry and drizzle of cherry syrup.

RECIPES TAG

Chicken
Date Night
Dinner
Mother's Day
Valentine's Day
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