Description
Delicate French classic Chicken Blanquette dances with creamy white sauce, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms. Gentle simmering creates a comforting dish that welcomes you to savor each luxurious, velvety spoonful of traditional French elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables:
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat cream or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Initiate the culinary process by searing chicken pieces in a large pot with olive oil, achieving a golden-brown exterior across all surfaces while developing rich, caramelized flavors.
- Transfer the beautifully browned chicken to a separate plate, preserving the flavorful cooking residue in the pot.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the same pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms and chopped carrots, sautéing them until they become slightly tender and begin to release their natural sweetness.
- Delicately dust the vegetable mixture with flour, gently stirring to ensure an even coating that will help thicken the forthcoming sauce.
- Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking continuously to prevent any potential lumps from forming, and add thyme and bay leaf to infuse deep, herbaceous notes.
- Carefully reintroduce the seared chicken pieces into the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook gently until thoroughly done and perfectly tender.
- Enrich the sauce by streaming in cream, creating a luxurious texture while seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Eliminate the bay leaf and finish the blanquette by allowing the sauce to reduce and reach a velvety consistency.
- Present the elegant chicken blanquette atop a bed of fluffy rice or accompanied by crusty bread, garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Prep proteins carefully to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness, letting chicken rest briefly after browning helps retain moisture.
- Select fresh, high-quality mushrooms like cremini or button varieties for maximum flavor and tender texture in the dish.
- Adjust cream or milk proportions for lighter versions – use low-fat milk or Greek yogurt as healthier alternatives without compromising creamy consistency.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to maintain sauce thickness and achieve smooth, silky texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg