Imagine biting into a golden, flaky crust that wraps a tender chicken breast bursting with savory mushroom goodness – that’s exactly what you get with this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe. It’s such a showstopper and surprisingly easy to make once you get the steps down.
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’ve made Chicken Wellington a few times now, and it never fails to impress guests or make a weeknight feel extra special. The mushroom filling adds such a rich, earthy depth that perfectly complements the chicken and buttery puff pastry. Trust me, it’s a combo you’ll want to keep coming back to.
- Elegant yet approachable: This recipe looks fancy but is totally doable at home, even if you’re not a pro baker.
- Mushroom filling magic: The filling keeps the chicken juicy and packs in flavor without sogginess, thanks to a perfectly cooked mushroom mix.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor: Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to deliver a wow-worthy dish.
- Versatile and customizable: Switch up herbs or add your favorite spreads to make it your own signature Wellington.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe is how each ingredient plays a key role in texture and flavor. Everything blends seamlessly — from juicy chicken and earthy mushrooms to buttery puff pastry that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless is best to keep things neat inside the pastry pocket.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: The basics for seasoning — don’t skip to let flavors shine through.
- Olive oil: Great for searing chicken to a beautiful golden brown before baking.
- Butter: Adds richness when cooking mushrooms and onions.
- Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the mushroom filling for a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; just a couple cloves to balance, not overpower.
- Mushrooms: White or cremini — finely chopped for that luscious filling texture.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried, it brings an earthy herbal hint that elevates the mushrooms.
- Dry white wine: Helps deglaze the pan and intensifies mushroom flavor, though chicken broth works in a pinch.
- Cream cheese: Adds creamy richness to bind the filling, or swap with pâté for a classic touch.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the filling with a fresh, green note.
- Puff pastry sheet: The star wrapper — thawed but cold for a flaky, golden finish.
- Egg wash (egg beaten with water): Gives that irresistible shiny golden crust.
- Dijon mustard: A thin layer on chicken adds just the right tangy kick beneath the filling.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Sometimes I add a little crumbled blue cheese into the mushroom mix for a more pungent flavor punch — it's so addictive! Feel free to experiment and find the version that feels like home for you.
- Variation: Swap cream cheese with herbed goat cheese for a tangier filling; I did this for a dinner party, and everyone raved about the twist.
- Dietary tweaks: Use gluten-free puff pastry if you need a gluten-free option, and make sure your fillings are all gluten-free-friendly.
- Seasonal spins: Add sautéed spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the mushroom mix for extra color and flavor.
- Make it vegan: Substitute chicken breasts with large roasted portobello mushrooms wrapped in vegan puff pastry.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
First off, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pat your chicken breasts dry — this is key to a nice sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden. Don’t cook through here; we just want to lock in flavor and get a gorgeous color. Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Mushroom Filling Until Perfectly Dry
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it — all those delicious chicken bits add flavor!), melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes till they soften. Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms next, cooking for 5-6 minutes. Here’s the trick: cook the mushroom mixture until all the moisture evaporates and they start to brown. This step is crucial to keep the pastry from turning soggy. Season with thyme and pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze, letting it cook off completely. Stir in cream cheese and parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let this rich filling cool.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken With Puff Pastry and Seal Well
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each chicken breast — it adds a subtle tang that lifts the whole dish. Spoon some of the mushroom filling on top of each chicken breast, then place it in the center of each pastry square. Wrap the pastry tightly around the chicken, sealing edges firmly to avoid leaks. Place each parcel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Brush each Wellington with your egg wash to get that beautiful golden sheen. Use a sharp knife to make a small slit on top of each parcel — this allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C). Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into pure magic.
Top Tip
After making Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few kitchen secrets that make all the difference between good and unforgettable.
- Keep the puff pastry cold: Always thaw it completely but keep it chilled until wrapping to ensure maximum puffiness and flakiness.
- Dry mushroom filling thoroughly: Cooking out all liquid from mushrooms is key – it keeps your crust crisp, not soggy.
- Sear chicken carefully: Just enough to brown and lock juices, because it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Seal seams tight: This prevents filling from leaking and keeps each Wellington perfectly formed.
How to Serve Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top right after baking for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction also adds a lovely tangy sweetness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Wellington pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby carrots glazed with honey and thyme. For a lighter option, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I slice the Wellington into medallions to show off the gorgeous mushroom filling swirl. Arrange them on a platter with microgreens and edible flowers for an extra wow factor. I once made mini Chicken Wellingtons as appetizers by cutting smaller chicken pieces and puff pastry squares—big hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Wellington, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days without losing too much crispiness, especially if you reheat properly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these Wellingtons either before baking or after cooling. If freezing before, wrap tightly and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. The texture holds up surprisingly well!
Reheating
To keep that gorgeous puff pastry crisp, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for around 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Skip the microwave – it makes the pastry soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights chicken breasts, you can substitute with pork tenderloin or turkey breast if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
The key to avoiding soggy puff pastry is thoroughly cooking out all moisture from the mushroom filling and making sure the puff pastry is cold when wrapping. Also, searing the chicken helps seal in juices before baking. Make sure to create a good seal on the pastry edges and allow steam to escape by slitting the pastry top.
Yes! You can assemble the Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe earlier in the day and store it uncovered in the fridge. Just brush with egg wash and bake right before serving for a fresh, crispy crust.
Using a meat thermometer is your best bet. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; once it hits 165°F (74°C), your Wellington is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns a simple chicken dinner into a moment worth savoring. Whether it’s a holiday, a weeknight treat, or a dinner party centerpiece, you’ll enjoy having this recipe in your arsenal. Just follow the steps, trust the process, and I promise the flaky, flavorful results will make it all worth it — happy cooking!
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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
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Chicken Wellington is an elegant and flavorful dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts wrapped in buttery puff pastry with a savory mushroom and herb filling. This recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy mushroom mixture, all encased in a golden, flaky crust perfect for a special dinner or celebration.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mushroom Filling
- 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)
Assembly
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Make Mushroom Filling: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing moisture to evaporate and mushrooms to brown. Add thyme and white wine, cooking until liquid is dry. Stir in cream cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, then let cool.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal squares.
- Assemble the Wellington: Brush each chicken breast with Dijon mustard. Spoon mushroom mixture on top, then place chicken in the center of each pastry square. Wrap the pastry around the chicken, sealing edges tightly. Place parcels seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Vent: Brush each pastry parcel with the egg wash. Cut a small slit on top of each parcel to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until puff pastry is golden brown and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry that is fully thawed but still cold to ensure a flaky texture.
- Sear chicken just enough to develop color; it will finish cooking in the oven to keep it juicy.
- Cook mushroom filling until all liquid evaporates to keep the pastry crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Cream cheese adds creaminess while pâté offers a richer, classic flavor.
- Seal pastry seams tightly and place them seam-side down to avoid leaks during baking.
- You can assemble the Wellingtons ahead of time and refrigerate uncovered; brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C) for safe and perfect doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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