There’s something absolutely delightful about the flaky puff pastry wrapped around juicy chicken and a savory mushroom filling that makes this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe so worth the effort. It’s like a little celebration on your plate—comforting, elegant, and packed with flavor that will impress both family and friends.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe for a cozy dinner party—it was a hit, and honestly, it made me feel like a pro chef. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the process that’s fun and satisfying, and the final dish feels like a real treat.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushroom filling, and buttery puff pastry creates layers of rich taste.
- Impressive Presentation: Wrapped in golden puff pastry, it looks elegant and fancy without requiring complicated techniques.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble these ahead of time, which is great for hosting or busy weeknight dinners.
- Customizable Filling: The mushroom filling can be tweaked with herbs, cheese, or even replaced with pâté depending on your mood.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe plays a special role. The juicy chicken breasts act as the perfect protein base, while the mushroom filling adds moisture and deep flavor. The puff pastry seals everything beautifully and puffs up to golden perfection. When shopping, pick the freshest mushrooms you can find for the best taste in the filling.
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless ones for easy wrapping and even cooking.
- Olive oil & Butter: Used for searing and sautéing to build layers of flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: Aromatics that add sweetness and depth to the mushroom filling.
- Mushrooms: Finely chopped to meld smoothly into the filling and release their earthy flavor.
- Thyme: Its subtle herbal notes complement the mushrooms and chicken beautifully.
- Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity—if you prefer, chicken broth works well too.
- Cream cheese or pâté: Provides creaminess and binds the filling, enhancing richness.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the filling with a pop of fresh flavor.
- Puff pastry: The all-star crust that crisps up and holds the whole Wellington together.
- Egg wash: Ensures that golden, glossy finish that makes the Wellington so inviting.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy layer right on the chicken before wrapping to elevate the taste.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with the filling for this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe. Sometimes I swap the cream cheese for a smooth chicken liver pâté for that classic touch, and other times I'll add a handful of chopped spinach for a bit of green goodness.
- Vegetarian Variation: You can skip the chicken and use a thick slice of roasted butternut squash or a large portobello mushroom cap for a veggie-friendly Wellington that still showcases the mushroom filling beautifully.
- Herb Boost: Adding rosemary or tarragon works wonderfully if you want to switch up the herb profile.
- Spicier Version: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne in the mushroom mix gives an exciting kick without overpowering the dish.
- Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangier filling that'll surprise your taste buds in the best way.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Just Right
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—this helps get that nice golden sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken 2 to 3 minutes per side until beautifully golden. Remember, you’re not cooking it through here; you want to lock in those juices and flavor. Set the chicken aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Mushroom Filling Thoroughly
The mushroom filling is the heart of this recipe. Melt butter in the same skillet, toss in finely chopped onion and cook for a couple of minutes till soft. Add minced garlic and your chopped mushrooms, then cook until all the moisture is gone and you see the mushrooms start to brown a bit. This is key—you don’t want soggy pastry later. Add thyme and white wine, cook until the wine evaporates. Stir in the cream cheese and parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Wellingtons
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into four equal squares. Brush the chicken breasts all over with Dijon mustard—it adds a subtle zest and helps keep the meat moist. Spoon a generous amount of mushroom filling on top of each chicken breast. Place the chicken in the center of each pastry square and carefully fold the pastry around the chicken, sealing the edges well. Placing the parcels seam-side down helps keep everything sealed during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush each Wellington with your egg wash for that irresistible golden shine. Before popping them in the oven, cut a small slit on the top of each parcel to release steam. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. Patience here rewards you with crispy, tender perfection!
Top Tip
After making this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned that drying the mushroom filling completely is a game changer. Moisture is pastry’s enemy here—too wet and it gets soggy fast.
- Dry Mushrooms Well: Cook mushrooms until all the liquid evaporates. You’ll see a slight browning—that’s when it’s ready.
- Cool Before Wrapping: Letting the filling and chicken cool a bit prevents steam from puffing up too quickly and breaking the pastry.
- Seal Those Edges: Press firmly and even brush water or egg wash on the seams for a tight seal that doesn’t leak during baking.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Searing is just to color; rely on the oven to finish cooking gently so it stays succulent.
How to Serve Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a delicate drizzle of a balsamic glaze or a rich pan sauce made from the chicken’s drippings. It brightens the richness and adds a little gourmet flare, perfect for sharing with guests after a long day.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides include roasted baby potatoes tossed in herbs, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or buttered green beans for a fresh crunch. These side dishes keep the plate balanced and let that Wellington shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve wrapped individual Wellingtons in puff pastry with decorative lattice patterns or brushed them with a pinch of finely chopped fresh herbs for an extra stunning look. You could even make mini versions for an elegant appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and trust me, that’s a win), wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for 2 to 3 days without losing their magic.
Freezing
This Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I assemble the parcels but don’t bake them, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To keep the pastry crisp on reheating leftovers, heat them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving can make the pastry soggy, so I try to avoid that if I can.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, but they may require a slightly longer sear and baking time to cook through. Just monitor the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
No worries—substitute the white wine with chicken broth or even water. The wine adds acidity and depth, but the filling still tastes amazing without it. If you’re using broth, make sure to cook off any excess moisture to keep the filling from getting soggy.
The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken through the pastry. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s safe and perfectly cooked—juicy and tender. Avoid guessing by time alone, as ovens vary.
Absolutely! You can assemble the Wellingtons earlier in the day, keep them refrigerated uncovered (to keep the pastry from becoming soggy), and then brush with egg wash and bake just before serving for fresh, golden results.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe holds a soft spot in my heart because it turns a simple chicken dinner into something memorable and special. It’s one of those recipes you’ll return to time and again when you want to wow guests or treat yourself to comfort food with a gourmet touch. Give it a try—you’ll feel proud every time you unwrap that golden crust and dig into the delicious filling inside.
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Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Chicken Wellington is a sophisticated yet approachable dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts wrapped in puff pastry with a savory mushroom and cream cheese filling. This recipe delivers a golden, flaky crust with juicy, flavorful chicken inside, perfect for an impressive dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Mushroom Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (finely chopped, white or cremini)
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried)
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (or pâté)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Pastry and Finish
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Mushroom Filling: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until the moisture evaporates and mushrooms brown. Add thyme leaves and white wine, cooking until liquid dries out. Stir in cream cheese and parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Allow mixture to cool.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal squares.
- Assemble Wellington: Brush each chicken breast with Dijon mustard. Spoon mushroom filling on top of each breast, then place in the center of each puff pastry square. Wrap the pastry around the chicken, sealing the edges tightly and placing seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush each pastry parcel with the beaten egg wash. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry that is fully thawed but still cold to avoid tearing and ensure puffing.
- Sear chicken just long enough to develop color; finishing cooking in the oven keeps it juicy.
- Cook mushrooms until fully dry to prevent a soggy pastry crust.
- Cream cheese makes a rich, creamy filling; for a traditional touch, use pâté instead.
- Seal pastry seams carefully and bake seam-side down to prevent leaks.
- Wellingtons can be assembled ahead and refrigerated uncovered; apply egg wash and bake just before serving.
- Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 °F for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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