There’s something simply magical about tender chicken wrapped in golden puff pastry with a luscious mushroom filling—this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe brings that restaurant-quality wow factor right to your kitchen. It’s a dish worth making when you want the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and crisp all in one bite.
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
This Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it feels fancy without the fuss, and it always impresses guests. Cooking it at home means you can customize the flavors and enjoy a meal that feels indulgent yet comforting.
- Show-stopping presentation: Wrapped in puff pastry, each piece looks elegant and tastes even better.
- Rich mushroom filling: The sautéed mushrooms with cream cheese add velvety moisture and depth.
- Juicy chicken inside: Searing before baking locks in juices, keeping the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the filling and assemble ahead, making dinner stress-free on the day.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a key role in this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe, combining fresh flavors and textures that create a balanced, delicious meal. Here’s why I choose each one and some insider tips for picking the best.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are easy to handle and cook evenly; drying and searing well is crucial for flavor.
- Olive oil and butter: Olive oil helps sear the chicken, while butter adds richness to the mushroom filling.
- Onion and garlic: They form the aromatic base, uplifting the mushrooms with savory depth.
- Mushrooms (white or cremini): Finely chopped for a cohesive filling; cremini adds earthiness, while white mushrooms are milder.
- Fresh or dried thyme: Adds an herbal note that brightens the filling without overpowering it.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting all those caramelized bits into the filling for complexity.
- Cream cheese or pâté: Cream cheese makes the filling luxuriously creamy, while pâté gives a classic, rich twist.
- Fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color to the mix.
- Puff pastry: Using a good quality, cold, and fully thawed sheet ensures a crisp, flaky crust every time.
- Egg wash (egg beaten with water): Gives the pastry a golden, glossy finish that’s irresistible.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang that complements the chicken and mushrooms perfectly.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe is—once you have the base technique down, feel free to personalize it to your taste. Here are a couple of variations and tips to make it your own.
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap the cream cheese for a dollop of goat cheese for a tangier, creamy filling—totally delicious and adds a nice twist to the flavor profile.
- Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free version, puff pastry alternatives like gluten-free phyllo or dough work, though the texture differs slightly—just watch the baking time closely.
- Seasonal swaps: I occasionally mix sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the mushroom filling for extra color and flavor depth.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Juicy Perfection
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry—this helps get that beautiful golden sear. Season them with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes each side until golden brown. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked here; it finishes baking in the pastry. Set the chicken aside to cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Make the Mushroom Filling That Steals the Show
In the same skillet, melt butter and toss in finely chopped onions, cooking till soft (about 2 minutes). Add minced garlic and chopped mushrooms; sauté until all the moisture evaporates and the mushrooms start to brown—this dryness is vital so the pastry won’t get soggy. Stir in thyme and wine, letting it cook off until almost dry, then mix in cream cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, then let it cool before assembling.
Step 3: Wrap It Up in Puff Pastry
On a floured surface, roll out your puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares. Brush each chicken breast with Dijon mustard—that extra layer of flavor makes a big difference. Spoon some mushroom filling on top of each chicken piece, then wrap the pastry around tightly, sealing all edges. Placing them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps keep everything intact while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden, Crispy Bliss
Brush each Wellington parcel with egg wash for that gorgeous golden finish. Cut a small slit on top for steam to escape, then pop them in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. The puff pastry should be puffed and golden, and the chicken’s internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C). Let them rest a few minutes before serving to keep all the juices locked in.
Top Tip
After making this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe a handful of times, I’ve learned some tricks that really take it from good to impeccable—here’s what I always keep in mind to get it just right.
- Perfect sear: Don’t skip the sear! It flavors the chicken beautifully and helps keep it moist after baking.
- Dry mushroom filling: Make sure to cook off all the liquid from the mushrooms—it prevents soggy pastry and gives a concentrated flavor.
- Cold pastry handling: Keep your puff pastry cold until wrapping—it puffs up best and is easier to seal.
- Sealing seams: Press edges firmly and place seam-side down on the sheet to avoid leaks during baking.
How to Serve Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Garnishes
I keep garnishes simple but fresh—sprigs of parsley or thyme not only add a pop of green but also a fragrant invitation to dig in. Sometimes I drizzle a light balsamic reduction around the plate for a touch of acidity to balance richness.
Side Dishes
Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans work beautifully here, adding crunch and freshness. I also love creamy mashed potatoes or buttery risotto to soak up any buttery mushroom juices. For a lighter option, a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to slice each Wellington into medallions to showcase the layered mushroom filling surrounded by golden pastry—it looks stunning on the plate. Pairing it with colorful vegetable ribbons or microgreens adds elegance that guests always comment on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let leftover Wellingtons cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating gently preserves the flaky pastry and juicy chicken.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well before baking—just assemble the parcels, wrap individually in plastic, and freeze flat. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then brush with egg wash and bake fresh. Freezing after baking can make the pastry soggy, so I avoid that if possible.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crisp pastry and warm the chicken through. Microwaving tends to make the crust chewy, so the oven is always my go-to method.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and moist but make sure to trim excess fat and adjust searing time since thighs cook differently than breasts. They add a richer flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the mushroom filling.
The key is cooking the mushroom filling until all moisture evaporates and ensuring the chicken is seared to reduce leaking juices. Also, keeping the puff pastry cold before wrapping and sealing the seams tightly helps maintain a crisp crust.
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the Wellington parcels earlier in the day and refrigerate them uncovered. Just remember to apply the egg wash right before baking to get that perfect golden finish.
I love pairing it with fresh green vegetables like roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans, plus creamy mashed potatoes or a light salad. The combination brings different textures and balances the richness of the Wellington.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe has earned a beloved spot in my recipe box because it effortlessly combines elegance and warmth in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, it’s a surefire way to impress without feeling overwhelmed. Give it a try—you’ll love how it turns a simple chicken dinner into a special occasion.
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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: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Wellington is a classic dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts wrapped in a savory mushroom and cream cheese filling, all encased in flaky puff pastry. This recipe combines rich flavors and an elegant presentation, perfect for a special dinner or celebration.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pastry
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate to cool slightly.
- Prepare Mushroom Filling: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the moisture evaporates and the mushrooms start to brown. Add thyme leaves and white wine, cooking until the liquid is dry. Stir in cream cheese and parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
- Assemble Wellington: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4 equal squares. Brush each chicken breast with Dijon mustard, then spoon some mushroom filling on top. Place the chicken breast in the center of each pastry square and wrap the pastry around it, sealing the edges tightly. Place each parcel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush each pastry-wrapped chicken breast with the egg wash made from beaten egg and water. Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit on top of each parcel to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the parcels in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry that’s fully thawed but still cold to ensure it puffs beautifully and doesn’t tear.
- Sear the chicken just to develop color; it will finish cooking in the oven to stay juicy.
- Ensure the mushroom mixture is dry by cooking until all moisture evaporates to keep the pastry crisp.
- You can use cream cheese for a rich filling or pâté for a more classic flavor.
- Seal pastry seams thoroughly and place parcels seam-side down to prevent leakage.
- Assemble the parcels ahead of time and refrigerate uncovered; add egg wash and bake when ready to serve.
- Confirm chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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