Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne

Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne Recipe from France with Ham, Butter, and Cream of Mushroom

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne is a classic French dish that features tender chicken breasts rolled up with ham, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection. The creamy mushroom sauce adds a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

History

This recipe has its roots in French cuisine, where it is known as "Poulet à la Parisienne." The combination of chicken, ham, and creamy mushroom sauce has been a favorite in French households for generations.

Ingredients

4 chicken breast halves, skinned and boned (about 1 lb or 454 g)
4 thin slices cooked ham
0.25 cup melted butter or margarine
0.33 cup fine dry bread crumbs or corn flake crumbs
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 x 7.5 oz or 213 g can semi-condensed savory cream of mushroom soup
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp sauterne wine or other dry white wine
2 cups hot cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Place the chicken, cut side up, between pieces of wax paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to beat each piece until thin, forming about a 4-inch square.
Place a slice of ham on each piece of chicken. Roll up each piece like a jelly roll.
Brush each roll well with butter, then roll them in a mixture of bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
Place the rolls in a buttered shallow baking pan and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the soup, sour cream, and wine. Heat the mixture thoroughly.
Combine the rice and parsley, and toss them lightly.
Serve the chicken rolls on beds of parsley rice and top them with the sauce.

Variations

Substitute the ham with prosciutto or bacon for a different flavor.
Use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom for a lighter sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pound the chicken breasts thin to ensure even cooking.

- Brushing the chicken rolls with melted butter before coating them in breadcrumbs helps them brown and crisp up nicely in the oven.

- Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pound the chicken breasts thin for even cooking.

- Brush the chicken rolls with melted butter before coating them in breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs or pork loin in place of chicken breasts.

- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne on a bed of parsley rice with a drizzle of the creamy mushroom sauce on top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (breadcrumbs), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal. With tender chicken, savory ham, and a creamy mushroom sauce, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

. The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's house for a dinner party. As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of herbs and spices wafting through the air.

My friend's mother, Mrs. Jenkins, was in the midst of preparing a mouth-watering dish that she called Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne. She explained to me that it was a classic French recipe that she had learned from her mother many years ago. Mrs. Jenkins graciously offered to show me how to make it, and I eagerly accepted.

As I watched her expertly butterfly the chicken breasts and season them with a blend of herbs and spices, I marveled at her skill and precision. She explained each step in detail, from marinating the chicken in a mixture of white wine and lemon juice to sautéing it in butter and cream until it was tender and succulent.

I couldn't wait to try the finished dish, and when Mrs. Jenkins finally served it up with a side of buttered green beans and fluffy mashed potatoes, I knew I had discovered a new favorite recipe. The flavors were rich and complex, with a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes that danced on my taste buds.

After that night, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne. I asked Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. I made it for my own family the following week, and they loved it just as much as I did.

Over the years, I have continued to make Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I prepare it, I am reminded of that warm summer evening in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, where I first learned the recipe that has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

I have since passed the recipe on to my own children and grandchildren, who have all come to love Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne as much as I do. It has become a family tradition, a dish that we all look forward to enjoying together whenever we gather around the dinner table.

I am grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to this wonderful recipe and for inspiring me to explore new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am constantly seeking out new recipes and culinary experiences to expand my repertoire.

Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its delicious flavors and elegant presentation, but because of the memories and connections it represents. It is a dish that brings my family together and reminds us of the joy and warmth that can be found in sharing a meal with loved ones.

I will always be grateful for that fateful night in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, where I first learned to make Chicken Breasts à la Parisienne. It has truly become a recipe that is near and dear to my heart, a symbol of tradition, love, and the joy of cooking.