There’s something downright luxurious about biting into a golden parcel packed with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms. This Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe is one of those dishes that make any dinner feel special without feeling overwhelming in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to make it for those times you want to impress without the stress.
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
Making this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe is something I genuinely enjoy because it brings elegance to the table without a complicated process. The mushroom filling adds this rich umami punch that elevates the dish beyond your usual chicken dinner.
- Simplified Elegance: It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to prepare even on a weeknight.
- Juicy Chicken: Searing the breasts first keeps them tender and succulent inside the puff pastry.
- Mushroom Filling Magic: The filling brings deep flavor and melts into a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Crispy Puff Pastry: A beautifully flaky, golden crust seals in all that goodness and adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe plays a key role to make sure everything tastes balanced and comforting. Don’t rush picking fresh mushrooms and good-quality puff pastry—those little details make a big difference.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly and create a nice compact shape perfect for wrapping.
- Olive oil & butter: Olive oil for searing adds flavor without smoking too fast, butter adds richness to the mushroom filling.
- Onion & garlic: Build the savory base that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
- Mushrooms (white or cremini): Finely chopped so they cook down and blend into a flavorful filling without overwhelming the texture.
- Thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes that brighten the earthiness.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and intensifies the mushroom flavor while keeping the filling moist.
- Cream cheese or pâté: I love cream cheese for creamy richness, but pâté is a decadent alternative that makes it restaurant-quality.
- Fresh parsley: Freshness and color, plus a bit of brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Puff pastry: This wraps everything beautifully and becomes flaky when baked—make sure it’s thoroughly thawed but still cool.
- Dijon mustard: A thin layer on the chicken adds a tangy kick that balances the creamy filling.
- Egg wash: Helps the pastry get that gorgeous golden-brown shine.
Make It Your Way
I like to experiment with this Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand in the pantry. It’s such a forgiving recipe that lets you personalize it without losing the essence of what makes it special.
- Variation: Once, I swapped out the cream cheese for a dollop of goat cheese mixed into the mushrooms, and that tangy twist was a hit with my friends.
- Dietary modifications: For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cream cheese or omit it entirely and add extra herbs for moisture.
- Seasonal changes: You can mix in other quick-cooking veggies like finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers for added color and nutrition.
- Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or a touch of chili flakes adds a gentle warmth if you like a bit of kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Sear The Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry – this helps them brown nicely. Season with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes each side just until golden. You don’t want to cook through here; this step locks in the juices and adds flavor. After searing, let the breasts cool slightly so they’re easier to handle later.
Step 2: Make That Amazing Mushroom Filling
Using the same pan, melt butter and toss in finely chopped onion. Cook for 2 minutes, then add garlic and mushrooms. This is where patience pays off—cook until the mushroom liquid evaporates and you start seeing browned bits. Add thyme and deglaze with white wine (or broth if you prefer). Stir in cream cheese and parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper. Once cooled, the filling is ready to bring everything together.
Step 3: Assemble Your Wellingtons
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into four squares. Brush each chicken breast lightly with Dijon mustard for a subtle tang. Spoon the mushroom filling on top of the chicken, then wrap each piece tightly with the pastry. Seal the edges well to avoid leaks during baking and place the parcels seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t forget to brush the tops with egg wash and cut a small slit — this helps steam escape and keeps the pastry crisp.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful golden puff pastry and the chicken reaching an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). The smell at this point is irresistible, so be ready to serve and enjoy!
Top Tip
I’ve made Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe tons of times, and a few little things really boost success. Here’s what I’ve learned from all those test runs and dinner parties:
- Keep your puff pastry cold: Working with cold pastry that’s thoroughly thawed (but still cool) means it won’t stick or tear, and it puffs up beautifully.
- Dry filling is key: Cooking out all moisture from the mushrooms prevents soggy pastry – I’ve ruined a batch by rushing this step, so don’t skip it.
- Seal seams tightly: Use a little water or egg wash on the edges before sealing to keep those delightful juices locked inside.
- Use a thermometer: To avoid overcooked chicken, check the internal temperature. Resting the Wellingtons for a few minutes before slicing helps juices redistribute.
How to Serve Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple to let the Wellington shine. A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a little color and brightness. Sometimes, I add a few fresh thyme sprigs on the plate for aroma and a classy touch.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Wellington pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto for something comforting. For lighter sides, I recommend steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve shaped the puff pastry into mini individual Wellingtons rather than big parcels. It’s fun, and everyone gets their own perfect portion. Another favorite is drizzling a simple mushroom sauce or a red wine reduction over the slices to amp up the flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After a meal of Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe, any leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. I wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container to preserve the crispness of the pastry as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled parcels before baking — just wrap them well in plastic and foil. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then proceed with the egg wash and baking instructions. This is a game-changer for meal prep or holiday entertaining.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers without losing the flaky texture, I pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes rather than using a microwave. It keeps the pastry crisp and the chicken juicy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked, but the shape can be a bit irregular, so you’ll spend more time shaping the pastry around them.
Make sure the mushroom filling is very dry by cooking off all moisture before assembling, and seal the pastry edges tightly. Also, brushing the pastry with egg wash helps create a moisture barrier.
Absolutely! You can assemble the Wellingtons earlier in the day and refrigerate them uncovered. Just brush with egg wash right before baking to get that perfect golden finish.
Pâté is a classic choice for a richer, more decadent flavor. If you want something lighter, a soft ricotta or mascarpone cheese can also work nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Filling Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something both comforting and impressive. It’s doable without feeling intimidating, and once you get the hang of the steps, you’ll find it’s a versatile recipe to make your own. I hope you enjoy the delicious layers of flavor and flaky pastry as much as I do—now go enjoy that beautiful golden crust!
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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 delicious dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in flaky puff pastry with a savory mushroom and cream cheese filling. This elegant yet approachable recipe combines seared chicken, a flavorful mushroom mixture, and a golden baked pastry crust, perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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 for classic style)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the Wellington parcels.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Make Mushroom Filling: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until all moisture evaporates and the mushrooms begin to brown. Add thyme and white wine, cooking until liquid evaporates. Stir in cream cheese and parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Prepare Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 4 equal squares. Brush each chicken breast with Dijon mustard, then spoon a layer of mushroom mixture over each.
- Assemble Wellingtons: Place a mustard-coated chicken breast in the center of each pastry square. Wrap the pastry around the chicken, sealing the edges tightly to enclose the filling. Place each parcel seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush each pastry-wrapped chicken breast with the beaten egg wash to achieve a golden crust. Using a sharp knife, 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 chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry that is fully thawed but still cold to prevent tearing and sticking; cold pastry puffs best.
- Sear the chicken just enough to brown the surface but not cook through, as it will finish cooking in the oven, keeping it juicy.
- Cook mushroom mixture until all moisture evaporates for a dry filling that prevents soggy pastry.
- Cream cheese provides a creamy filling, while pâté offers a more classic, richer flavor option.
- Seal pastry seams tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent leaking during baking.
- You can assemble the Wellingtons ahead of time and refrigerate uncovered; brush with egg wash and bake just before serving.
- Ensure chicken internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) using a meat thermometer for safe and perfect doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
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