Saucy French Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the charming streets of France? This Saucy French Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and impresses with its sophisticated flavors. Let’s dive into this French culinary adventure!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Preparation

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Chop and Mince: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and tarragon.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Cook the Onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

1. Add the Wine: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Simmer: Let the wine simmer and reduce by half.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Add Broth and Cream: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
2. Add Mustard and Herbs: Mix in the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and dried tarragon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

1. Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, until cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken.
2. Serve: Serve the Saucy French Chicken hot, with the delicious sauce drizzled over the top.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Sides

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans or asparagus make a great accompaniment.
• Crusty Bread: A fresh baguette is ideal for mopping up every bit of the tasty sauce.

Conclusion

This Saucy French Chicken recipe brings the classic flavors of French cuisine to your dinner table with ease. The tender chicken and luscious sauce make for a comforting and elegant meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to enjoy a bit of French flair at home, this recipe is a winner.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the simmering step and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

3. What can I use instead of white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of extra chicken broth.

4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can enhance the dish. Sauté them with the onions and garlic.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Yield: 4

Saucy French Chicken Recipe

Print

Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the charming streets of France? This Saucy French Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and impresses with its sophisticated flavors. Let's dive into this French culinary adventure!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, diced
• 1 Tablespoons butter
• 1 Tablespoon cooking oil
• 6 chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in/skin-on
• 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, quartered
• 1/3 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 6 Tablespoons crème fraîche, *see notes below
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 2 Tbsp water
• 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 Tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, chopped, or 1 1/2 tsp dried tarragon or fresh or dried thyme, if you prefer

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350F. (regular bake setting/not fan assisted)

• In an oven-safe skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy over medium heat. Remove to a small bowl. Remove all but a little of the bacon fat from the pan.

• Add butter and oil to the same pan and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs to the pan skin side down and cook until deep golden. Flip over and brown the other side as well. Remove to a plate.

• If there is a large amount of fat in the pan, remove all but a Tablespoon or so. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring regularly, over medium-high heat, until mushrooms have cooked off their moisture and are starting to brown. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, until onions have softened, about 2 minutes more. Add the white wine and allow to cook for about 1 minute, stirring a bit to loosen any browned bits. Add the chicken stock.

• Return chicken to the pan and place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. (Breasts will take longer).

• Remove skillet from oven and lift chicken pieces to a plate. Place skillet onto the stove-top over medium-high heat. Add the creme fraiche, cornstarch/water mixture, Dijon mustard and tarragon and cook, stirring, until sauce is hot and thickened, 2-3 minutes. Stir in reserved bacon and then return chicken to the pan. Cook a further few minutes to rewarm chicken and bacon. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to enjoy the lovely gravy.