Are you looking for a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dish to impress your guests or elevate your weeknight dinner? Look no further than Chicken Vol-au-Vent! This classic French recipe features delicate pastry shells filled with a creamy, flavorful chicken mixture. While the pastry shells can be store-bought for ultimate convenience, the real star is the incredibly tasty and easy-to-make chicken filling. This recipe guides you through creating a delicious, healthy, and quick dinner—perfect for those busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough filling for approximately 6-8 vol-au-vent shells.
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For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
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For Serving:
- 6-8 ready-made vol-au-vent pastry shells
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your delicious chicken filling.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. This ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Stir in the heavy cream, sherry (if using), Dijon mustard, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon the delicious chicken mixture into the vol-au-vent shells and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Homemade Pastry: For a truly authentic experience, try making your own vol-au-vent pastry shells. Numerous recipes are available online.
- Mushroom Medley: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the vegetables for an earthy twist.
- Creamy Goodness: For an even richer filling, use double cream instead of heavy cream.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a hint of spice.
- Leftovers: The chicken filling can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your vol-au-vent shells and the specific ingredients used. However, a reasonable estimate is:
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Chicken Vol-au-Vent recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas. It's perfect for showcasing your homemade cooking skills, and it's guaranteed to be a delicious dish that everyone will love. Enjoy!