If you adore warm, flaky pastry filled with a rich, creamy mixture of tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, then this Chicken & Mushroom Vol Au Vents Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Combining a golden puff pastry shell with a luscious filling that balances savory chicken thigh, sautéed mushrooms, and fragrant herbs, this recipe is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a dinner party or a cozy night in, it brings together simple ingredients into a show-stopping bite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat sheet of pale dough spread out on parchment paper over a wooden surface, with circles carefully cut out from it. Each circle is light beige, smooth, and uniform in size, with one circle still attached to the dough sheet and a clear ring of dough surrounding it. The dough has a soft texture with a few tiny specks and slight imperfections visible, making it look fresh and ready for baking. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Chicken & Mushroom Vol Au Vents Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect blend of texture, flavor, and aroma. From the flaky puff pastry to the fresh herbs that brighten the filling, each element enhances the dish’s character and depth.

Puff pastry sheet: This acts as the crispy, buttery vessel holding all the delicious filling inside — the base of your vol au vents.
Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on the puff pastry to give it a glossy, golden-brown finish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Oil (1 tbsp): Used to gently sauté the onions, chicken, and mushrooms without overpowering their flavors.
Small onion, very finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a tender bite to balance the richness of the filling.
Chicken thigh (300 g, finely chopped): The star protein that brings juicy, tender meatiness with a richer taste than breast meat.
Chestnut mushrooms (4, finely chopped): Earthy and meaty, these mushrooms deepen the umami profile and add texture.
Flour (1 tbsp): Acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce, making the filling perfectly luscious but not runny.
Vegetable or chicken stock (200 ml): Infuses flavor and moisture, helping to form the base of the savory cream sauce.
Double cream (100 ml): Brings luxurious richness and smoothness to round out the filling’s texture.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every flavor in the dish.
Parsley (small handful): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the filling.
Chives (small handful): Offer a mild oniony brightness that complements the creamy base beautifully.
Grated Parmesan: A finishing touch that brings salty, nutty complexity just before serving.

How to Make Chicken & Mushroom Vol Au Vents Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Puff Pastry Shells

Begin by cutting your large sheet of puff pastry into evenly sized squares or rounds depending on your preference. Use a smaller cutter to gently score a border inside each piece without cutting all the way through — this helps create a raised edge once baked. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that irresistible golden gloss. Bake your shells in a preheated oven until puffed up and beautifully browned, then set them aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics and Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook gently until translucent and sweet, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the finely chopped chicken thighs, stirring often to break up the pieces and cook through until just starting to brown. This mixture forms the hearty backbone of your filling.

Step 3: Adding Mushrooms and Building Flavor

Next, toss in the finely chopped chestnut mushrooms and cook everything together until the mushrooms soften and release their earthy aroma. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor and moist texture, perfectly complementing the chicken.

Step 4: Creating the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the chicken and mushroom mixture, stirring constantly to mix it in without letting it clump. Slowly pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, stirring as the sauce starts to thicken. Allow it to gently simmer for a few minutes until luscious and smooth, then stir in the double cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Finishing the Filling with Fresh Herbs

Remove the pan from heat and fold in the finely chopped parsley and chives. This final touch brightens the entire filling with fresh, herbaceous notes, balancing the rich creaminess beautifully.

How to Serve Chicken & Mushroom Vol Au Vents Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a cooking pan with small pieces of light pink raw chicken on top of a base layer of chopped mushrooms and finely diced red onion. The mushrooms are light brown with some white parts, mixed together with the translucent purple pieces of onion, creating a textured layer at the bottom. The chicken pieces are placed in the middle, fresh and moist, with slight shine from cooking oil around. The pan is a simple metal color, and the photo is shot close, focusing on the textures and colors of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an elegant presentation and a burst of flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the hot filling just before spooning it into your puff pastry shells. A few extra chives or parsley leaves on top add a lively green color that makes the dish even more inviting.

Side Dishes

These vol au vents pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, or some simple roasted seasonal vegetables. The freshness and crunch of a salad cut through the richness of the creamy filling to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Chicken & Mushroom Vol Au Vents Recipe as elegant canapés at a party by using smaller puff pastry cases. Garnish each bite with microgreens or edible flowers for a stunning touch. Alternatively, plate them individually alongside a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce or a drizzle of herb-infused oil to add complexity and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Chicken & Mushroom Vol Au Vents Recipe, keep the pastry shells separate from the filling to avoid sogginess. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Freezing

You can freeze the filling on its own in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to three months. If freezing assembled vol au vents, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to maintain pastry texture. Thaw thoroughly before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the filling gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. To crisp the pastry shells, warm them briefly in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until flaky again. Then fill and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if preferred, but thigh meat provides more flavor and stays juicier in the creamy filling, making the dish more indulgent.

What can I use if I don’t have double cream?

You can use heavy cream or a mix of cream and milk, but avoid low-fat options as they won’t give the same richness or velvet texture required for the sauce.

Are vol au vents difficult to make from scratch?

Using ready-made puff pastry makes this recipe straightforward and approachable. Making puff pastry from scratch is labor-intensive, so store-bought versions save time while delivering great results.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Absolutely! The filling can be cooked a day ahead, cooled, and refrigerated. Reheat gently before spooning into freshly baked vol au vent shells for a quick assembly.

What’s the best way to reheat vol au vents without losing crunch?

Reheat the pastry and filling separately. Warm the pastry in the oven to retain flakiness and gently heat the filling on the stove to avoid soggy pastry.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Mushroom Vol Au Vents Recipe is a timeless classic that offers warmth, comfort, and just a touch of elegance — all wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or enjoying a cozy evening meal, it never fails to impress. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen!

Chicken & Mushroom Vol Au Vents Recipe