Chicken Blanket with Mushrooms

Chicken Blanket with Mushrooms: A Comforting Classic Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and flaky pastry, our Chicken Blanket with Mushrooms is the perfect recipe. It’s a classic comfort food that looks impressive enough for special occasions but is simple enough to make on a weeknight. This recipe serves 4-6 people and pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

2 large chicken breasts (about 500g), diced into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
250g mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
150ml chicken stock
100ml heavy cream

For the Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for garnish

Equipment:

Frying pan or skillet
Baking sheet
Rolling pin (if needed for pastry)
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. It will finish cooking inside the pastry.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Then add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The mushrooms should release their moisture and become golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the sauce. Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then pour in the cream and sprinkle the dried thyme and parsley. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing it thoroughly with the mushroom sauce. Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool for 5-10 minutes. This prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.

4. Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface if necessary, making it large enough to cover your chicken filling completely.

Spoon the cooled chicken and mushroom mixture into the center of the pastry, leaving a 2-3 cm border around the edges. Fold the edges over the filling, creating a neat parcel or blanket shape. You can get creative with lattice designs or decorative cuts on the pastry if you like. Brush the top generously with beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top for added texture and appearance.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the chicken blanket on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can turn on the top grill for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the Chicken Blanket with Mushrooms rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This helps the filling settle and makes serving easier. Slice into portions and serve with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Blanket

Use cold ingredients: If your chicken or mushrooms are too hot when you wrap them in pastry, the dough may become soggy. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling.
Puff pastry alternatives: If you prefer a lighter version, filo pastry can also work, though it will result in a crispier, more delicate texture.
Extra flavor: Adding a splash of white wine to the mushroom mixture while sautéing can enhance the depth of flavor.
Cheese twist: For a cheesy variation, add 50g of grated Gruyère or cheddar to the filling before sealing the pastry.

Variations to Try

Herb-Infused: Mix fresh rosemary, sage, or tarragon into the filling for a fragrant twist.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with extra mushrooms, zucchini, or cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Mini Chicken Blankets: Make individual-sized portions using small squares of pastry—perfect for parties or lunches.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) to maintain the pastry’s crispiness.
Freezer: Wrap the unbaked chicken blanket tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of juicy chicken, creamy mushroom filling, and buttery puff pastry makes this dish irresistible. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and looks stunning on the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing guests, or simply craving comfort food, this Chicken Blanket with Mushrooms delivers both flavor and style.