Dinner Party Chicken

Dinner Party Chicken Recipe from France with Brie, Apricots, and Almonds

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 18 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dinner Party Chicken is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for entertaining guests. This recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with creamy brie cheese, sweet apricot preserves, and crunchy sliced almonds. It is sure to impress your dinner party guests and leave them coming back for more.

History

The origins of Dinner Party Chicken are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in French cuisine. The combination of brie cheese, apricot preserves, and almonds is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for centuries. This dish has since become a popular choice for dinner parties and special occasions.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 tbsp olive oil
8 oz (227 g) brie cheese, quartered
8 tbsp apricot preserves
0.5 cup sliced almonds

How to prepare

Gently pound the chicken to a thickness of 0.25 inches.
Heat the olive oil and cook the chicken until it is browned on both sides for 10 minutes.
Place the chicken in a baking dish.
Top each piece of chicken with a quarter of the brie and 2 tsp of the preserves.
Sprinkle the almonds over the chicken.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for approximately 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through.

Variations

Substitute the brie cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Use peach or raspberry preserves instead of apricot for a unique twist.
Try using pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure that it cooks evenly.

- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

- Feel free to customize the recipe by using different types of cheese or preserves to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dinner Party Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Dinner Party Chicken include pounding the chicken to an even thickness, browning it in a skillet, and baking it in the oven until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brie cheese, you can use any other type of soft cheese such as camembert or gouda. You can also use any type of fruit preserves or nuts that you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken breasts and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Dinner Party Chicken with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a pop of color. Serve it on a platter with a decorative serving spoon for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Dinner Party 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 with a splash of lemon or lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Dinner Party Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dinner Party Chicken contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dinner Party Chicken contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dinner Party Chicken contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Dinner Party Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Dinner Party Chicken is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and nuts (almonds).

Summary

Dinner Party 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 a special dinner.

Summary

Dinner Party Chicken is a sophisticated and flavorful dish that is perfect for entertaining. With its combination of creamy cheese, sweet preserves, and crunchy almonds, it is sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a memorable meal with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Dinner Party Chicken. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She was known for throwing the most fabulous dinner parties, and I always looked forward to the delicious meals she would serve.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. Mrs. Jenkins was busy at the stove, carefully browning pieces of chicken in a hot skillet. She smiled at me and motioned for me to come closer.

"Have you ever tried my Dinner Party Chicken?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I shook my head, eager to learn her secret recipe. Mrs. Jenkins proceeded to show me each step, from marinating the chicken in a flavorful herb mixture to sautéing it to perfection.

As I watched her work her culinary magic, I couldn't help but be in awe of her skill and expertise in the kitchen. She explained how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

I listened intently, soaking up every detail and making mental notes of the ingredients and techniques she used. Mrs. Jenkins was patient and encouraging, guiding me through the process with ease.

After the chicken had finished cooking, she plated it beautifully alongside a colorful medley of roasted vegetables and fluffy mashed potatoes. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the tender, juicy chicken and was instantly transported to food heaven.

The flavors danced on my taste buds, each bite bursting with a perfect balance of herbs and spices. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious.

From that moment on, Dinner Party Chicken became a staple in my own recipe repertoire. I would often make it for special occasions, impressing friends and family with its delectable taste and elegant presentation.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to make it truly my own. But the essence of Mrs. Jenkins' original recipe remains, a testament to her culinary legacy and the bond we shared over a shared love of good food.

As I look back on that fateful day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the time she took to teach me her cherished recipe. It has become more than just a dish to me – it is a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of cooking for others.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a show-stopping meal for a special occasion, I urge you to give Dinner Party Chicken a try. I promise you won't be disappointed, and who knows, maybe one day you'll pass the recipe down to someone special in your life, just as Mrs. Jenkins did for me.