Vol Au Vent
Creamy chicken and mushroom filling nestled in crisp pastry shells, perfect for quick lunches or elegant dinners, appealing to kids and adults alike with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the pastry shells in the oven as shown on the box.
- In a pot on the stove, empty the can of cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup.
- Add 1/2 to 3/4 of the can of milk to the mixture.
- Cut the cooked chicken breast into pieces and add to the pot.
- Stir everything together and heat on low to medium for a few minutes.
- Pour the hot filling onto the baked pastry shells.
- Serve with mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the filling. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute for cooked chicken breast. You can also use low-fat soup versions to lighten the dish. Be careful not to overfill the pastry shells to prevent them from becoming soggy. This recipe can be easily adapted to include other proteins or veggies, following the spirit of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These vol au vent shells make a delightful appetizer or main dish. Serve them alongside mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A light salad can also complement the richness of the filling. For a fun twist, pair with a side of Baked Celery or Wild Rice And Chicken Supreme for a cozy dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much. The pastry shells can become soggy if stored with the filling, so it's best to fill and serve them fresh. If needed, reheat shells separately in the oven before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vol Au Vent contains roughly 90 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
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 filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and bake the pastry shells fresh. This will help maintain the crispiness of the shells.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use a homemade white sauce or a different cream soup, like cream of celery or cream of broccoli. Just ensure the flavor complements the chicken for a balanced dish.
Can I freeze the vol au vent filling?
Absolutely! The filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. However, it's best to bake the shells fresh just before serving to ensure they remain flaky and delicious.
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).