Chicken Vol-Au-Vent
Delicate chicken vol-au-vent filled with a rich mushroom and wine sauce, perfect for elegant gatherings or a special family dinner with creamy, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, brown chicken on both sides in butter or olive oil.
- Dissolve bouillon cube in hot water.
- Add to chicken. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until meat is tender.
- Remove chicken from broth; let cool until cool enough to handle.
- Remove bones carefully (boneless chicken thighs may be used).
- Measure broth from skillet and add water to equal 1 cup liquid.
- Pour liquid into skillet.
- Combine flour, salt, paprika, and pepper; stir in cream.
- Add the flour mixture to chicken broth in the skillet.
- Cook quickly, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Stir in mushrooms and white wine.
- Set aside to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they stay moist during cooking. If you don't have light cream, half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter can work in a pinch. Add vegetables like peas or diced carrots for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer a spicier kick, try incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper. For an alternative to the chicken, explore Chicken-And-Sausage Gumbo(Low-Fat).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Vol-Au-Vent in the baked pastry shells for an elegant presentation. Pair with a fresh green salad tossed in Basic Creole Dressing Mix for a refreshing contrast. A side of roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes complements the dish well. For a complete meal, consider serving with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the mixture is too thick. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the pastry soggy. The filling can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Vol-Au-Vent contains roughly 25 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 499mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before filling the pastry shells. This makes for a quicker assembly when you're ready to serve, ensuring the vol-au-vent remains light and flaky.
What type of mushrooms work best in this recipe?
Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal for this dish due to their mild flavor and firm texture. You can also experiment with shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a more robust taste. Be sure to clean them well and slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly in the filling.
Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a substitute, cooked shredded turkey or even seafood like shrimp can work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked without becoming tough.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).