Chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms in puff pastry

Delicious Recipe: Chicken Breast Stuffed with Mushrooms in Puff Pastry

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 100 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to the world of gastronomy, where every ingredient has its story! Today, I will take you on a flavorful journey by preparing a delicious chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms, wrapped in a crispy puff pastry. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers an impressive presentation, perfect for a special dinner or a festive lunch.

A Brief Story About the Recipe

The dish we will cook today has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a perfect example of how we can transform simple ingredients into something special. The puff pastry, with its delicate layers, is often used in the kitchen to create dishes that impress both in appearance and taste. Combined with juicy chicken breast and aromatic mushrooms, this dish becomes an excellent choice for any occasion.

Necessary Ingredients

- 3 boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 small jar of mushrooms (approximately 200g)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 100g pickled peppers
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 7 slices of ham
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 egg

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Thawing the puff pastry: Allow the puff pastry to thaw at room temperature. This is essential to ensure that the dough will be easy to handle.

2. Preparing the chicken breast: Wash the chicken breast well and pat it dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess water. This step helps achieve a crispier crust in the end.

3. Creating the marinade: In a small bowl, mix the oil, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. This mixture will give the chicken breast a wonderful flavor.

4. Brushing the chicken breast: Use a kitchen brush to coat each piece of chicken with the oil mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered.

5. Preparing the mushrooms: Drain the mushrooms from the jar, rinse them lightly under running water to remove excess salt, then slice them thinly. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley over them. This mixture will add a fresh touch to the dish.

6. Stuffing the chicken breast: With a sharp knife, make a pocket in each chicken breast piece, being careful not to cut all the way through. Use a teaspoon to fill the pockets with the mushroom mixture, then add a few slices of pickled peppers for extra flavor.

Assembling the Dish

1. Preparing the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on the work surface. Make sure it is thin enough to bake evenly, but not so thin that it tears.

2. Placing the ingredients: Arrange the slices of ham in the center of the dough, followed by the stuffed chicken pieces. This layer will add a savory taste and make the dish even more appetizing.

3. Wrapping: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the edges of the dough with it. This step will help seal the dough and provide a beautiful golden color when baked. Carefully wrap the chicken breast by bringing the bottom part of the dough over the meat, followed by the side edges and finally the top.

4. Baking: Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with butter and placing a sheet of parchment paper. Place the roll in the tray with the seam side down. Brush the surface with the remaining egg for a shiny, golden crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 350°F) and bake the dish for 70 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden and crispy.

Finishing the Dish

Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the juices from the chicken breast to redistribute, ensuring that each slice will be juicy and full of flavor. You can serve it warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms in puff pastry pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also enjoy it with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade, which will complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Variations and Useful Tips

- You can experiment with different fillings, such as feta cheese, spinach, or even olives, to create a Mediterranean version of this dish.
- If you want to reduce calories, you can use grilled chicken breast instead of fried, which will give a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Make sure the puff pastry is well-thawed and easy to work with; if it is too cold, it may tear easily.

Nutritional Information

This recipe for chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms in puff pastry offers a balanced combination of protein from the chicken and mushrooms, as well as carbohydrates from the puff pastry. Each serving contains approximately:

- Calories: 350
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breast and wrap it in puff pastry a few hours ahead. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.

2. Can I use another type of meat?
Certainly! This recipe can also be made with pork or turkey, adjusting the baking time according to the type of meat used.

3. How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the chicken breast should reach 75°C (165°F) to be considered cooked.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! I wish you great success in the kitchen and don’t forget to enjoy every bite of this delicious chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms in puff pastry. Bon appétit!