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Chicken Wellington with Dijon Cream Sauce is a dish that brings a touch of fine dining right into your home kitchen. It combines tender chicken breasts wrapped in a golden puff pastry filled with sautéed spinach and earthy mushrooms, all enhanced by a silky and tangy Dijon cream sauce. This recipe works beautifully for special dinners when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
I first made this when hosting friends and was amazed at how everyone raved about the flaky crust and creamy sauce. Now it’s a go-to for celebrations or a fancy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- Four boneless skinless chicken breasts: about one pound each for juicy tender meat
- One package of fourteen ounce puff pastry sheets: thawed so they are easy to roll without breaking
- Two cups baby spinach: to bring fresh color and a mild flavor that blends well with mushrooms
- One cup cremini mushrooms: finely chopped for an earthy rich filling
- Three tablespoons Dijon mustard: which adds a sharp tang and helps flavor the chicken evenly
- One cup heavy cream: provides the base for the luscious cream sauce
- One cup low sodium chicken broth: lightens the sauce and avoids overpowering saltiness
- Two tablespoons fresh thyme or parsley: for an herbal note and freshness in the sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Cook finely chopped mushrooms in olive oil over medium heat until they brown. This step builds deep flavor. Add spinach and cook just until wilted. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt pepper and spread Dijon mustard over them evenly. The mustard will infuse flavor and help keep the chicken moist.
- Assemble the Wellington:
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface gently to avoid tearing. Place the cooled mushroom spinach mixture in the center then set the mustard-coated chicken breasts on top. Fold the pastry edges up and over sealing the filling completely so no steam escapes during baking.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Brush the pastry with egg wash for a glossy golden crust. Arrange on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Make the Dijon Cream Sauce:
- While the Wellington bakes combine heavy cream and chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in Dijon mustard and fresh thyme or parsley. Let it cook until it thickens slightly stirring often to avoid burning. Pour this sauce over sliced Wellington when serving.
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My favorite part is definitely the creamy sauce. It ties the whole dish together and adds that special touch you don’t expect in a simple meal. One memorable night our family gathered around the table and kept passing the sauce for everyone to enjoy every bite.
Storage Tips
Allow leftovers to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator and eat within two days for best quality. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the pastry crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cremini mushrooms with button or shiitake mushrooms for a different but delicious flavor. Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard but reduce cooking time to prevent bitterness. Heavy cream can be substituted with half and half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less thick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve sliced Chicken Wellington with steamed green beans or asparagus for color and crunch. Add roasted baby potatoes or a simple wild rice pilaf to soak up the Dijon cream sauce. A glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the dish nicely.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of mushrooms work best for this dish?
Cremini mushrooms are ideal as they offer a firm texture and earthy flavor that complements the chicken and spinach filling.
- → Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the wrapped chicken in puff pastry and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking to save time.
- → How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?
Ensure the mushroom and spinach mixture is well-drained and cooled before wrapping. Brushing the pastry edges with egg wash helps seal moisture inside without soaking the dough.
- → What is the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked inside the pastry?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- → Can I substitute fresh herbs in the cream sauce?
Absolutely. Fresh thyme or parsley both add a bright, aromatic note that enhances the cream sauce's flavor.
- → What side dishes pair well with chicken wrapped in puff pastry?
Light salads, roasted root vegetables, or simple green beans balance the richness of the pastry and cream sauce nicely.