There’s something truly magical about biting into a golden, flaky pastry wrapped around tender chicken and savory mushroom filling. This Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe perfectly combines elegant flavors with comforting textures that make any dinner feel special. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to showstopper!
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 recipe brings together the best of textures and flavors: crisp, buttery puff pastry, juicy chicken breast, and a rich mushroom filling that’s packed with herbs and a touch of creaminess. Over the years, I’ve found it to be the perfect balance of approachable and impressive—the kind of dish that gets you compliments but doesn't require a culinary degree to pull off.
- Elegant Presentation: Wrapped in puff pastry, this dish looks like it belongs in a fancy restaurant, but it's easy enough to make at home.
- Moist and Flavorful: The mushroom filling adds depth, keeping the chicken from drying out.
- Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of spices or fancy products—simple, fresh ingredients do the job beautifully.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prep this ahead of time, which is perfect for dinner parties or busy weeknights.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a key role here. The chicken breasts provide a lean, juicy center, while the mushrooms bring earthiness and moisture. Puff pastry is your golden ticket to that irresistible crisp crust. Let’s dig into why these ingredients shine.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless ones of similar size for even cooking. Pat them dry for a good sear.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning enhances the chicken and filling without overpowering.
- Olive oil and butter: Olive oil for searing and butter for sautéing mushrooms adds flavor and richness.
- Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that build a flavorful base in the mushroom filling.
- Mushrooms (white or cremini): Finely chopped so they cook evenly and meld into the filling; they add body and umami.
- Thyme leaves: Earthy herb that complements both mushrooms and chicken perfectly.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity and depth, helping to reduce the mushroom mixture to a rich concentrate.
- Cream cheese or pâté: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and mild tang, while pâté offers a classic, luxurious touch.
- Fresh parsley: Bright, fresh flavor to cut through richness.
- Puff pastry: Use fully thawed but still cold pastry for peak flakiness and ease of handling.
- Egg wash (egg beaten with water): Gives the pastry that gorgeous golden shine.
- Dijon mustard: A whisper of tangy heat that perks up the chicken before wrapping.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to try different herbs or swap the cream cheese for something else, it welcomes your personal twist.
- Variation: I once tried adding finely chopped spinach and a pinch of nutmeg to the mushroom filling for a subtle earthiness that elevated the dish beautifully.
- Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese with a dairy-free spread or omit it altogether, just make sure your mushroom mixture isn’t too wet.
- Seasonal Change: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage depending on what's fresh and your mood.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels — this is super important to get a nice sear. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in and sear until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking through yet; we’ll finish that in the oven. Transfer chicken to a plate and let it cool slightly while you prep filling.
Step 2: Create the Rich Mushroom Filling
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft, around 2 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, cooking until all moisture evaporates and you see a nice brown color — this can take 5 to 6 minutes, so be patient. Stir in thyme and pour in white wine (or chicken broth). Let it reduce until the pan is dry again. Remove from heat, then mix in cream cheese and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Let the filling cool — your puff pastry will thank you!
Step 3: Assemble the Wellington Parcels
Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into four equal squares. Brush each chicken breast lightly with Dijon mustard — this adds a flavorful tang and helps the pastry stick. Spoon some mushroom mixture on top of each chicken breast. Place the chicken in the center of each pastry square and carefully wrap the sides up and over, sealing the edges tightly. Place each parcel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with the egg wash for that golden finish and cut a small slit on top of each for steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy
Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll want the pastry to be beautifully golden and flaky, and the chicken's internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure perfect doneness. Let the parcels rest a few minutes before serving — this keeps all those delicious juices locked in.
Top Tip
I’ve learned a few little secrets over time that help the Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe really shine. These tips might seem small, but they make a huge difference in texture and flavor.
- Cold Puff Pastry Handling: Always work with puff pastry straight from the fridge. If it gets warm, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes before continuing. Warm pastry tears easily and can get sticky.
- Drier Mushroom Filling: Cook mushrooms fully until almost dry to stop sogginess inside your pastry. This helps it stay crisp and flaky.
- Seal It Tight: Press pastry edges firmly and place parcels seam-side down on your baking sheet to avoid leaks and preserve that picture-perfect look.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the Wellingtons rest after baking helps the filling settle, preventing a mushroom avalanche when you cut in!
How to Serve Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few delicate microgreens for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction also adds an unexpected sweet tang that balances the rich filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Roasted asparagus or green beans tossed with lemon and garlic pair wonderfully, adding bright, crisp textures. For carb lovers, creamy mashed potatoes or a simple risotto complement the richness of the Wellington perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try slicing the Wellington and arranging the pieces on a large platter with edible flowers and fresh herbs scattered around. I once served mini Chicken Wellington parcels as appetizers – such a hit! You can cut the puff pastry into smaller squares and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store mine in an airtight container and gently reheat to preserve the crisp pastry, which can soften if covered for too long.
Freezing
Chicken Wellington freezes beautifully if you assemble the parcels but skip baking. Wrap each parcel tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen—just add 10-15 minutes extra baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place parcels on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and pastry crisp again, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and flavor, so they’ll be juicier, but you’ll want to adjust cooking times slightly and make sure they’re patted dry before searing. Using boneless, skinless thighs works best.
The key is cooking the mushroom filling until it’s almost dry, so excess moisture doesn’t seep into the pastry. Also, sealing the parcels well and placing them seam-side down helps keep everything contained while baking. Using cold puff pastry also helps keep it flaky.
Yes! You can assemble the Wellingtons earlier in the day and refrigerate them uncovered. Just brush with egg wash and bake right before serving for the best freshness and puffiness.
The most reliable method is using an instant-read meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it's cooked through but still juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe is one of those dishes that makes me smile every time I serve it. It’s approachable enough to whip up on a weekend, yet impressive enough to wow guests without the stress. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the blend of juicy chicken, rich mushroom filling, and buttery puff pastry wrapped into one delightful package. Plus, there’s something so cozy and celebratory about making a Wellington from scratch, isn't there? 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
Description
This Chicken Wellington recipe features tender chicken breasts wrapped in a flaky puff pastry filled with a savory mushroom and cream cheese mixture, perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection. It's an elegant main course that combines rich flavors with a beautiful presentation, ideal for a special dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pastry
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of 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.
- Make the Mushroom Filling: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, cooking 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 dries. Stir in cream cheese and parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cool.
- Assemble the Wellingtons: Roll out the thawed 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 a chicken breast in the center of each pastry square and wrap the pastry around it, sealing the edges tightly. Place the parcels seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each pastry parcel with the beaten egg wash to promote a golden crust during baking. Cut a small slit on top of each for steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
Notes
- Use fully thawed but cold store-bought puff pastry to prevent tearing and sticking; cold pastry bakes better puffiness.
- Sear chicken just enough for color; it will finish cooking in the oven and stay juicy.
- Cook mushrooms until all liquid evaporates to keep the pastry crisp, avoiding sogginess.
- Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy filling, while pâté offers a more classic restaurant-style flavor.
- Seal pastry seams tightly and bake seam-side down to prevent leakage during cooking.
- You can assemble the Wellingtons ahead of time, refrigerate uncovered, then brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for safe and perfect doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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