Country french chicken

Country French Chicken with Mushrooms, White Wine, and More

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Country French chicken is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful vegetable and wine sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

The origins of Country French chicken can be traced back to traditional French cooking techniques. This dish typically features chicken cooked in a white wine sauce with vegetables such as mushrooms, celery, and carrots. The combination of flavors creates a delicious and comforting meal that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) chicken, meaty (breast, thighs, drumsticks)
nonstick spray coating
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup celery, sliced
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup carrot, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, cut into small wedges
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp parsley, snipped
0.25 tsp dried crushed thyme

How to prepare

Remove the skin from the chicken.
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
Spray a large cold skillet with non-stick spray coating.
Preheat the skillet over medium heat.
Brown the chicken on all sides in the hot skillet.
Drain the fat from the skillet.
Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Add mushrooms, celery, white wine, carrot, onion, garlic, bay leaf, parsley, and thyme to the skillet.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and no longer pink.
Discard the bay leaf.
Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a platter and keep warm.
For the sauce, bring the liquid in the skillet to a boil.
Cook for about 3 minutes or until it is reduced to 0.5 cup.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Makes 6 servings.
Food exchanges per serving: 3 lean meat exchanges + 1 vegetable exchange
CHO: 68; PRO: 22; FAT: 6g; CALORIES: 187.

Variations

Add in different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for a twist on the classic recipe.
Substitute the white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version of the dish.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the skin from the chicken before cooking to reduce the fat content of the dish.

- Browning the chicken before adding the vegetables and wine helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy final product.

Serving Suggestions

Country French chicken pairs well with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a great accompaniment to this dish.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Country French chicken include browning the chicken, simmering it in the sauce, and reducing the liquid to create a flavorful sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

Country French chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Country French chicken on a large platter with the vegetables arranged around the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Country French chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Country French chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Country French chicken contains 187 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Country French chicken contains 68 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Country French chicken contains 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Country French chicken contains 22 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Country French chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

Country French chicken contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Country French chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Country French chicken is a classic dish that is both delicious and nutritious. With a flavorful vegetable and wine sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Country French Chicken. It was a warm summer evening, the sun was setting and casting a golden glow over the rolling hills of the countryside. I was visiting a small village in Provence, France, where I had the pleasure of dining at a charming little bistro nestled among the vineyards.

As I sat at my table, sipping on a glass of local wine, the aroma of garlic, herbs, and roasted chicken wafted through the air. My curiosity piqued, I asked the chef about the dish, and he graciously shared the recipe with me. He explained that it was a traditional French recipe that had been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to it.

The ingredients were simple and rustic - chicken pieces, shallots, garlic, white wine, fresh herbs, and olives. The method of preparation was equally straightforward, yet the flavors were complex and rich. The chicken was first seared in a hot pan to lock in the juices, then simmered in a mixture of white wine, shallots, and garlic until tender and succulent. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary added depth and fragrance to the dish, while the briny olives provided a burst of flavor in every bite.

I was determined to recreate this exquisite dish in my own kitchen, so I carefully wrote down the recipe and tucked it away in my recipe box for safekeeping. Over the years, I have made Country French Chicken countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. Sometimes I would add a splash of cream to the sauce for a richer texture, or swap out the olives for capers for a tangier flavor.

But no matter how I adjusted the recipe, the essence of that warm summer evening in Provence always lingered in every bite. The memories of that bistro, the sun setting over the vineyards, and the laughter of the locals all came flooding back to me with each mouthful of Country French Chicken.

I have since shared this recipe with my friends and family, and it has become a staple at our gatherings and potlucks. It never fails to impress, and I take great pride in knowing that I have brought a piece of French tradition into my own home.

As I stand in my kitchen now, the scent of garlic and herbs filling the air, I am reminded once again of that magical evening in Provence. The recipe for Country French Chicken has become more than just a dish to me - it is a connection to a place and a time that will forever hold a special place in my heart. And for that, I am eternally grateful.