Description
Delightful creamy chicken vol-au-vent promises a French culinary journey through buttery pastry shells filled with tender chicken in rich, velvety sauce. Comfort meets elegance on your plate, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this classic French bistro favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 6 bacon strips
- 2 medium leeks (white parts only), sliced
- 1 medium sweet yellow pepper, diced
Pastry Ingredients:
- 1 package (17.3 ounces / 490 grams) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Minced fresh parsley
- Additional ground pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a pristine workspace and arrange a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Delicately unfurl the puff pastry sheet on a lightly dusted surface, utilizing a precise 3-1/4 inch round cutter to extract six elegant circles.
- Transform the second pastry sheet into decorative rings by cutting six additional circles and meticulously removing their centers using a 2-1/2 inch cutter.
- Strategically position the rings atop the initial whole circles, nestling them perfectly.
- Carefully transfer the intricate pastry center cutouts onto the baking sheet.
- Craft a glossy egg wash by whisking egg and water, then delicately brush over each pastry surface.
- Refrigerate the prepared pastries for a brief 15-minute interval to enhance their structural integrity.
- Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 400°F oven, allowing the pastries to transform into golden, crisp vessels for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- While pastries bake, render bacon in a skillet until achieving a satisfying crispness, reserving precisely one tablespoon of flavorful drippings.
- Introduce leeks and yellow pepper to the reserved drippings, sautéing over medium-high heat until tender and aromatic.
- Reduce heat, incorporating bacon, chicken, cream cheese, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture.
- Once pastries have cooled, gently excavate their centers and generously fill with the prepared chicken blend.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an additional whisper of cracked pepper before presenting this elegant creation.
Notes
- Always work with cold puff pastry to ensure flaky, crisp layers that rise beautifully during baking.
- Crisp bacon adds a smoky depth, but can be omitted for vegetarian guests by substituting with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables.
- Swap cream cheese with lighter options like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a healthier version that still maintains creamy texture.
- Replace puff pastry with gluten-free alternatives or use pre-made gluten-free vol-au-vent shells to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg