Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of freshly baked pastry wafted through my kitchen, transporting me to a cozy, rustic bistro nestled in the heart of France. This elegant Chicken Wellington with Savory Mushroom Duxelles is not just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that effortlessly transforms a simple dinner into an occasion. This recipe makes gourmet dining accessible, perfect for both special celebrations or a comforting weeknight treat. Wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, this dish beautifully embraces juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and savory prosciutto, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Plus, with a quick prep time, you can impress your loved ones without hours of fuss in the kitchen. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this exquisite creation and explore how each bite offers a taste of sophistication! Why Choose This Chicken Wellington? Deliciously Decadent: Each bite of this Chicken Wellington delivers a symphony of flavors, from the savory mushroom duxelles to the tender chicken and crispy pastry. Quick Prep Time: With a straightforward preparation process, you can whip up this gourmet dish in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight or unexpected guests. Elegant Presentation: Impress your family or friends with a dish that not only tastes divine but also looks stunning on the plate. Versatile Options: Feel free to mix and match ingredients or add your favorite side dishes, like creamy mashed potatoes or a refreshing salad, making it suitable for any occasion. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether for a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering, this Chicken Wellington is sure to be a hit. Want to add more flair to your dinner? Pair it with my delightful Garlic Butter Chicken for an unforgettable meal! Chicken Wellington Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Breast – The centerpiece of this dish; lean and tender, ensuring moistness. • Prosciutto – Adds saltiness and moisture when wrapped around chicken; can be substituted with bacon or omitted for a pork-free version. For the Filling • Mushrooms – Add earthy richness through finely chopped duxelles; helps keep chicken moist. • Shallots – Mildly sweet, balancing the earthiness of mushrooms. • Garlic – A small but potent flavor enhancer in the mushroom mixture. • Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle tang that enhances chicken flavor. For the Pastry • Puff Pastry – Provides the iconic golden, flaky crust; use all-butter for the best flavor. • Egg Yolk – Gives the pastry a beautiful golden sheen when brushed on before baking. For Cooking • Olive Oil & Butter – Used for sautéing the mushroom mixture, adding richness. • Salt and Black Pepper – For seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor. This Chicken Wellington is a showstopper, perfect for cozy dinner nights or festive occasions. Enjoy mixing and matching ingredients to make it your own! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Wellington Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken Begin by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan and sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool completely on a plate. Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Duxelles In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and minced garlic, stirring frequently for about 10-12 minutes, until the mixture is dry. The duxelles should resemble a thick paste without moisture. Transfer this flavorful mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool before assembling the Chicken Wellington. Step 3: Assemble the Prosciutto Layer Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Overlap slices of prosciutto slightly, creating a surface that’s large enough to wrap around the chicken. Spread the cooled mushroom duxelles evenly over the prosciutto, then place the seared chicken on top. Using the plastic wrap, roll the prosciutto and duxelles around the chicken tightly, creating a log shape, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm it up. Step 4: Wrap with Puff Pastry On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled puff pastry to a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Remove the chicken from the plastic wrap and place it in the center of the pastry. Wrap the pastry around the chicken, sealing the edges by pinching them together. Chill the wrapped Chicken Wellington in the refrigerator for another 10 minutes to set the pastry. Step 5: Prepare for Baking Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk with a tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture generously over the pastry for a lovely golden sheen while baking. Use a sharp knife to cut small slits in the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape during cooking. Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the Chicken Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing, allowing the juices to settle for a perfect presentation. How to Store and Freeze Chicken Wellington Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Wellington in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: You can freeze assembled (but unbaked) Chicken Wellington for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 10 minutes beyond the usual baking time. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Make-Ahead: Prepare the Chicken Wellington up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it wrapped tightly in the fridge until ready to bake. This makes weeknight gourmet dinners a breeze! Make Ahead Options These Chicken Wellington are perfect for busy home cooks who love the idea of meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Begin by preparing the chicken, mushroom duxelles, and wrapping them in prosciutto as directed, then place the wrapped chicken in the refrigerator. To maintain the pastry’s crispness, keep it wrapped tightly until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, simply roll out the puff pastry, wrap it around the chicken, and follow the baking instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality Chicken Wellington with minimal effort, saving you time while impressing your family! Expert Tips for Chicken Wellington Cool Ingredients: Ensure chicken and duxelles are completely cool before wrapping. This prevents a soggy pastry, keeping it flaky and delicious. Puff Pastry Handling: Use cold but pliable puff pastry for the best rise and color. If it’s too warm, it doesn’t bake evenly. Resting Time: Let the Chicken Wellington rest for 5 minutes after baking. This step helps seal in the juices and improves flavor. Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the chicken when searing; it will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring moistness throughout your Chicken Wellington. Mushroom Moisture: Cook the mushroom mixture thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture, preventing a soggy bottom and achieving that ideal, crispy texture. What to Serve with Chicken Wellington A cozy dinner deserves sides that elevate the experience and complement every delicious bite. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture contrasts perfectly with the flaky pastry, making each forkful a delight. The buttery richness is a classic companion to the savory chicken. Crisp Asparagus: Lightly roasted or steamed, asparagus adds a fresh, bright crunch that balances the richness of the Wellington. Drizzle with lemon for an extra zing! Garlic Butter Green Beans: These tender beans tossed in savory garlic butter offer a fantastic pop of flavor. Their crispness complements the soft pastry beautifully. Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness of the dish. The greens provide a crisp texture while enhancing vibrant color on your plate. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice infused with herbs adds a touch of elegance while soaking up any delicious juices from the Chicken Wellington. The subtle flavors are a delightful match. Red Wine or Sparkling Cider: Pair your meal with a glass of red wine for depth or a sparkling cider for a refreshing touch. Both create a festive feel and complete the dining experience. These suggestions will enhance your Chicken Wellington, creating a beautiful, satisfying meal that you and your loved ones will cherish! Chicken Wellington Variations & Substitutions Invite creativity into your kitchen with these easy variations and substitutions that can make your Chicken Wellington even more delightful! Spinach Filling: Substitute mushroom duxelles with sautéed spinach mixed with cream cheese for a creamy, milder flavor. This will provide a vibrant green filling that adds a touch of freshness! Dark Meat Option: Choose boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. The richness of the thighs gives a wonderful depth of flavor that’ll leave your taste buds dancing! Bacon Twist: Swap prosciutto for crispy bacon for a smoky, savory profile. This adds a delightful crunch, perfect for bacon lovers looking for that extra indulgence! Herbed Cheese: Mix in herbed goat cheese with your duxelles for a tangy twist. This combination elevates the flavor and brings a creamy decadence that is hard to resist. Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, use a hearty mixture of lentils or beans with roasted vegetables and spices, wrapped in the same flaky pastry. This ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy this gourmet meal. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture for an unexpected heat. This subtle spice can elevate the flavor profile and surprise your guests! Gourmet Sauce: Serve with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a creamy garlic sauce on the side to elevate the dish further. Try pairing it with a simple side salad or creamy mashed potatoes for a restaurant-quality experience. Crispy Bottom: Before wrapping in puff pastry, place the chicken roll on a layer of phyllo dough for an extra crispy bottom. This adjustment adds another layer of texture, making each bite even more satisfying! Did these tempting variations inspire your inner chef? This Chicken Wellington is versatile enough to meet any craving, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant night in. Enjoy creating your signature dish! Chicken Wellington Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for Chicken Wellington? Absolutely, for Chicken Wellington, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and remain tender. You could also opt for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor; just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). How can I tell if my mushrooms are fresh enough for the duxelles? Very! When selecting mushrooms, look for ones that are firm, plump, and free of dark spots or slime. Fresh mushrooms should have a pleasant earthy smell. If they have dark spots all over or feel mushy, it’s best to choose a different batch. How should I store leftover Chicken Wellington? To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the Wellington cool completely before sealing it; this will help maintain its crispness and texture. Can I freeze and reheat Chicken Wellington? Of course! You can freeze an unbaked Chicken Wellington for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake it, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake from frozen, adding about 10 extra minutes to the usual baking time. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when served. What should I do if my pastry doesn’t rise properly? Oh no! If your puff pastry does not rise well, it could be due to using warm pastry or overworking the dough. Make sure to handle the pastry as little as possible and keep it chilled before baking. If the oven temperature is too low, that could also hinder leavening, so ensure your oven is fully preheated. Is Chicken Wellington safe for my dog or any pets? While Chicken Wellington is delicious for us humans, it’s not advisable for pets due to the ingredients like garlic, onions (in the shallots), and prosciutto, which can be harmful to dogs. If you want a treat for your furry friend, consider just offering them cooked plain chicken without any seasoning instead! Irresistible Chicken Wellington for a Cozy Dinner Night This delightful Chicken Wellington recipe offers a culinary adventure, combining tender chicken with earthy mushrooms and flaky pastry for an unforgettable meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: FrenchCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 breasts Chicken Breast Lean and tender4 slices Prosciutto Can substitute with bacon or omitFor the Filling8 oz Mushrooms Finely chopped2 medium Shallots Mildly sweet2 cloves Garlic Minced1 tbsp Dijon Mustard For tanginessFor the Pastry1 sheet Puff Pastry All-butter recommended1 large Egg Yolk For glazingFor Cooking1 tbsp Olive Oil Used for sautéing1 tbsp Butter Adds richnessto taste Salt For seasoningto taste Black Pepper For seasoning Equipment SkilletOvenplastic wrapBaking Sheetparchment paper Method Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken WellingtonPreheat skillet over medium-high heat, season chicken with salt and pepper, and sear for 4-5 minutes each side until golden brown. Remove and cool.Melt butter in the same skillet, add mushrooms, shallots, and garlic; sauté for 10-12 minutes until dry and resembling a paste. Cool.Lay plastic wrap, layer prosciutto, spread duxelles over it, place chicken on top, and roll tightly. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.Roll puff pastry out to ¼ inch thick, place chicken in center, wrap pastry, seal edges, and chill for 10 minutes.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk egg yolk with water, brush over pastry, and cut slits for steam.Bake on parchment-lined sheet for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesCool chicken and duxelles before wrapping to avoid soggy pastry. Use cold puff pastry for best results. Let it rest after baking to retain juices. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
