Introduction

Chicken Vol-au-Vents are elegant puff pastry shells filled with a creamy chicken and mushroom mixture. This classic French dish is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful appetizer. In this post, we’ll guide you through making these delicious vol-au-vents step by step.

Ingredients List

For the Puff Pastry Shells:

• Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (thawed if frozen)
• Egg: 1 (beaten, for egg wash)

For the Chicken Filling:

• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (shredded or diced)
• Mushrooms: 1 cup (sliced)
• Onion: 1 medium (finely chopped)
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup
• Salt: to taste
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Fresh Herbs: (optional, such as thyme or parsley for garnish)

Timing

Preparing Chicken Vol-au-Vents takes approximately 30 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry Shells

• Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to about ¼ inch thickness.
• Cut Shells: Using a round cutter, cut out circles (about 3 inches in diameter) for the base of the vol-au-vents. Cut smaller circles (about 2 inches in diameter) for the tops. You will need two circles for each vol-au-vent.
• Create a Border: For each base circle, use a smaller cutter to cut a ring from the center of the top circles, creating a frame. This will allow the filling to show through once baked.
• Egg Wash: Place the base circles on the prepared baking sheet and brush the edges with the beaten egg. Place the top frames on top of the bases and gently press down to seal.

3. Bake the Puff Pastry Shells

• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Chicken Filling

• Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender.
• Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper.
• Add Chicken: Fold in the cooked chicken and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through.

5. Assemble the Vol-au-Vents

• Fill Pastry Shells: Carefully spoon the chicken filling into each puff pastry shell.

6. Serve

• Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with fresh herbs for added flavor and color.
• Enjoy: Serve warm as an elegant appetizer or main course!

Notes

• Storage: Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pastry shells are best enjoyed fresh.
• Substitutions: You can add vegetables like peas or carrots to the filling or substitute turkey for chicken.
• Common Mistakes: Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before using for optimal puffing during baking.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 250 per vol-au-vent (based on 8 servings)
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 1g

Nutritional Value	Per Vol-au-Vent (8 servings)
Calories	250
Total Fat	15g
Protein	10g
Carbohydrates	20g
Sugar	1g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Whole Wheat Puff Pastry: Use whole wheat puff pastry for a healthier option.
• Low-Fat Cream: Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Vol-au-Vents with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Sealing the Edges: Ensure the edges of the pastry are sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pastry shells to avoid burning.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving. The pastry shells are best made fresh, as they can become soggy when stored.

Conclusion

Chicken Vol-au-Vents are a sophisticated and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests. With their flaky pastry and creamy filling, they make for a perfect appetizer or light meal. We invite you to try this recipe, share your experiences in the comments, and subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

1. Can I make these vol-au-vents ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the vol-au-vents just before baking for the best results.

2. How long do these vol-au-vents last?

They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if necessary.

3. Can I use other proteins in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms and spinach.

4. What can I serve with these vol-au-vents?

They pair well with a light salad or vegetable platter for a complete meal.

5. Are these suitable for kids?

Yes, these creamy pastries are generally kid-friendly and can be a fun meal for the whole family!