Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of sautéing mushrooms filled the air, pulling me into a comfort-filled moment where culinary creativity reigns. This is where the magic of Chicken Wellington happens—a dish that’s not just a meal but a celebration of flavors wrapped in flaky, golden puff pastry. This comforting yet elegant delight transforms everyday dinners into something spectacular, making it perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Rich, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with earthy mushroom duxelles and a hint of savory prosciutto, offering you an irresistible option to impress your loved ones. Plus, with simple substitutions for gluten-free diets or even a twist of bacon instead of prosciutto, this Chicken Wellington allows everyone to enjoy its sumptuousness with ease. So, are you ready to craft your culinary masterpiece? Let’s dive into this delightful journey together! Why is Chicken Wellington a Must-Try? Deliciously Elegant: Chicken Wellington transforms a simple dinner into a festive occasion, wrapping juicy chicken in flaky pastry for an experience that’s both cozy and upscale. Savory Depth: The rich mushroom duxelles contributes an earthy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully, while prosciutto adds an irresistible savory touch. Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize this dish by swapping in bacon or using alternative fillings like creamy cheese or sautéed spinach, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. Effortlessly Impressive: Perfect for impressing guests or family, it looks as stunning as it tastes, making every slice a showstopper on your dinner table. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead and bake when you’re ready! This dish holds up well in the fridge or freezer, fitting perfectly into your busy schedule. For more delightful chicken recipes, check out my Garlic Parmesan Chicken or Honey BBQ Chicken for some tasty inspiration. Chicken Wellington Ingredients For the Chicken Filling • Chicken Breast – the main star, providing lean and tender protein for a hearty meal. • Prosciutto – adds a touch of saltiness and moisture; can be substituted with bacon for a twist. • Dijon Mustard – enhances flavor with a tangy zing, making the chicken shine. For the Mushroom Duxelles • Mushrooms – finely chopped and sautéed to create a rich, earthy filling; essential for delicious Chicken Wellington. • Shallots – add mild sweetness to balance the mushroom’s earthiness. • Garlic – elevates the overall flavor profile with its aromatic richness. • Olive Oil & Butter – used for sautéing, providing richness and depth to the filling. For the Puff Pastry Wrap • Puff Pastry – the iconic flaky crust that encases your filling; opt for all-butter for superior taste. • Egg Yolk – mixed with water for a glossy glaze on the pastry, ensuring a beautiful golden finish. Each component contributes to the final masterpiece, making this Chicken Wellington a dish you’ll want to make and share with loved ones! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Wellington Step 1: Sear Chicken Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken and sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool completely on a plate. Step 2: Cook Duxelles In the same skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until all moisture has evaporated and the mixture is dry and fragrant. Remove from heat and let the duxelles cool completely to prevent sogginess in your Chicken Wellington. Step 3: Roll Chicken On a piece of plastic wrap, layer slices of prosciutto overlapping slightly. Spread the cooled mushroom duxelles evenly over the prosciutto, then place the seared chicken on top. Using the plastic wrap, tightly roll the prosciutto and duxelles around the chicken, forming a log shape. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help set the shape. Step 4: Wrap in Pastry Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry until it’s large enough to envelop the chicken roll. Unwrap the chilled chicken from the plastic wrap and place it in the center of the pastry. Fold the pastry over the chicken, sealing the edges nicely, then chill the wrapped Wellington for an additional 10 minutes. Step 5: Prepare for Baking In a small bowl, whisk together one egg yolk with a tablespoon of water. Remove the chilled Chicken Wellington from the refrigerator and brush the egg yolk mixture all over the pastry for a beautiful golden finish. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut slits on top of the pastry for steam to escape while baking. Step 6: Bake Carefully transfer the Chicken Wellington onto 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. Keep an eye on it! Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing, ensuring the juices stay deliciously sealed inside. Make Ahead Options These Chicken Wellington are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the entire Wellington up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply follow the rolling and wrapping instructions, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain quality, ensure the chicken and duxelles are completely cooled before wrapping to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, brush with the egg yolk mixture, and cut slits in the pastry. Bake as directed, and you’ll enjoy a stunning, homemade Chicken Wellington with just as much flavor and elegance as if made fresh that day! How to Store and Freeze Chicken Wellington Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Wellington in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness. Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Chicken Wellington ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, making dinner prep a breeze. Freezer: Freeze unbaked Chicken Wellington wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. Reheating: For best results, reheat baked Chicken Wellington in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the flaky texture. What to Serve with Chicken Wellington Elevate your dining experience by pairing your Chicken Wellington with delightful sides that complement its rich and flaky texture. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, smooth texture of mashed potatoes provides a comforting balance to the dish, soaking up flavorful juices. Roasted Asparagus: Bright and slightly crunchy, roasted asparagus adds a fresh and vibrant contrast to the savory richness of the Wellington. Baby Spinach Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch, enhancing the meal without overwhelming your palate. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic, these green beans offer a deliciously crisp texture that pairs beautifully with the luxurious chicken filling. Mushroom Risotto: Velvety risotto infused with earthy flavors complements the mushroom duxelles, creating harmony and depth throughout the meal. Red Wine: A glass of robust red wine brings out the savory notes and enhances the overall dining experience, making each bite memorable. Lemon Tart: For dessert, a refreshing lemon tart provides a zesty finish, cleansing the palate after the rich flavors of the Chicken Wellington. Herbed Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks with herbs create a perfect vessel for dipping into sauce or enjoying alongside your savory dish. Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized carrots and parsnips add a touch of sweetness, balancing out the savory elements of the Chicken Wellington. Expert Tips for Chicken Wellington Cooling is Key: Make sure both the chicken and duxelles are completely cool before wrapping them in pastry to prevent sogginess in your Chicken Wellington. Puff Pastry Perfection: Use cold but pliable puff pastry; this helps achieve the best rise and color during baking. Rest for Flavor: Allow your Chicken Wellington to rest post-baking to keep all the juicy flavors sealed inside. Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the chicken before wrapping; ensure the mushroom mixture is fully cooked to prevent a wet filling. Steam Wisely: Cut slits on top of the pastry after applying the egg wash to create steam vents, ensuring even cooking and a perfect texture. Chicken Wellington Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this dish to suit your taste buds! Bacon Twist: Replace prosciutto with crispy bacon for a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Spinach Filling: Swap out mushroom duxelles for sautéed spinach combined with ricotta or cream cheese for a creamy twist. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry to make this Chicken Wellington accommodating for gluten-sensitive friends and family. Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian option, use a mix of finely chopped vegetables or a hearty lentil filling instead of chicken. Cheesy Infusion: Add a layer of your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, along with the mushroom filling for an extra creamy texture. There’s nothing quite like the customizable magic of a hearty Chicken Wellington, be it opting for leaner thigh meat or experimenting with pungent blue cheese for a flavor burst. Herbal Essence: Introduce fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into your filling for a fragrant and fresh finish. Heat Level: If you enjoy a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mushroom filling or a dash of hot sauce for a zesty surprise! And while you’re at it, consider pairing your Chicken Wellington with sides like Roasted Asparagus or some creamy Mashed Potatoes to take the meal to new heights. Let the cooking adventure begin! Chicken Wellington Recipe FAQs What are the best mushrooms to use for the duxelles? Absolutely! I recommend using cremini or button mushrooms as they both provide the earthy flavor that elevates the dish. Ensure they’re finely chopped and cooked until all moisture has evaporated, creating that rich filling you’ll love. How should I store leftover Chicken Wellington? Very! Store your leftover Chicken Wellington in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I often reheat it in the oven to keep the pastry crisp—just pop it in at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Can I freeze Chicken Wellington before baking? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the unbaked Wellington tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen—just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time for best results. What if my pastry becomes soggy during baking? The key to avoiding soggy pastry lies in two major steps. First, ensure that both the chicken and the mushroom duxelles are completely cool before wrapping them in the pastry. Second, cut slits in the top of the pastry before baking to allow steam to escape, promoting crispiness. Is Chicken Wellington suitable for gluten-free diets? You can certainly customize it! Look for gluten-free puff pastry brands available at most grocery stores. Additionally, ensure the ingredients like mustard and broth are also gluten-free if you’re checking labels. What can I substitute for prosciutto if I want a different flavor? The more the merrier! You could use bacon for a smokier flavor, or if you’re aiming for a meat-free alternative, consider omitting it completely or trying a soft cheese like Boursin for a creamy touch instead. These handy tips will surely enhance your Chicken Wellington experience! Delicious Chicken Wellington: A Cozy Gourmet Dinner Delight This Chicken Wellington is a comforting yet elegant dish that transforms everyday dinners into special occasions. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 40 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: GourmetCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken Filling2 pieces Chicken Breast the main star, providing lean and tender protein4 slices Prosciutto can be substituted with bacon for a twist2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard enhances flavor with a tangy zingFor the Mushroom Duxelles8 ounces Mushrooms finely chopped and sautéed2 pieces Shallots add mild sweetness2 cloves Garlic elevates the flavor profile2 tablespoons Olive Oil used for sautéing2 tablespoons Butter provides richness and depthFor the Puff Pastry Wrap1 sheet Puff Pastry opt for all-butter for superior taste1 each Egg Yolk mixed with water for glaze Equipment SkilletBaking sheetplastic wrapRolling PinAirtight container Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken WellingtonSeason the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and let cool.Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, shallots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until mixture is dry and fragrant. Let cool completely.On plastic wrap, layer prosciutto slices. Spread mushroom duxelles over prosciutto, then place seared chicken on top. Roll tightly, then chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry large enough to envelop the chicken roll. Unwrap chicken and place in center of pastry. Fold pastry over chicken and seal edges. Chill for additional 10 minutes.Whisk egg yolk with a tablespoon of water. Brush mixture over pastry for a golden finish. Cut slits on top of pastry for steam to escape.Transfer Chicken Wellington to a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown and flaky. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure both chicken and duxelles are completely cool before wrapping to prevent sogginess. Use properly chilled puff pastry for better rise. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!