Chicken with broccoli and béchamel sauce

Chicken with Broccoli and Bechamel Sauce – a delicious, simple, and elegant recipe, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a gathering. This dish combines the juiciness of chicken with the crunchy texture of broccoli, all enriched by the creaminess of the bechamel sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your preferences. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

The story behind the recipe
Every recipe has a story, and this one is no exception. Bechamel sauce, for example, is one of the four foundational sauces of French cuisine, with a long history spanning several centuries. It has been used by chefs worldwide in various dishes. Combining this sauce with chicken and broccoli not only provides a nutritious meal but also adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

Necessary ingredients
To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

- 8 pieces of chicken thighs
- 1 bunch of broccoli (approximately 300-400 g)
- 1/2 pack (approximately 125 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 500 ml milk (preferably whole for a creamier sauce)
- 100 g grated cheese (optional, you can also use cheddar or parmesan)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Nutmeg, to taste
- Oil, for greasing the baking dish
- Sweet paprika, to season the chicken

Step by step - Preparing the recipe

Step 1: Preparing the chicken
Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Once cleaned, dry them with a paper towel. This step is essential for achieving an even browning.

Season the thighs with salt, pepper, and a fine dusting of sweet paprika. Choose a quality paprika, as it will influence the final flavor of the dish. The sweet paprika adds warmth and color to the chicken, while the pepper enhances its savoriness.

Grease a baking dish with oil to prevent sticking, then place the seasoned thighs in the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil at first to help retain moisture and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Baking the chicken
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the dish with chicken in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. After this period, remove the aluminum foil and allow the chicken to continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until it turns golden and crispy. The meat should easily pull away from the bone, and the juices should run clear.

Step 3: Preparing the broccoli
Meanwhile, prepare the broccoli. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. When the water starts to boil, add the broccoli cut into florets. Boil for 4-5 minutes until it becomes vibrant green but still crunchy. It’s essential not to overcook it, as it will lose its texture and nutrients. Once done, drain it and set it aside.

Step 4: Bechamel sauce
In a deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has completely melted, add the flour and whisk well. It’s crucial to stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly golden, but do not let it turn brown.

Start adding the milk gradually while continuing to stir. This step is essential for achieving a creamy texture for the sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to boil and thickens. Season with salt and nutmeg to taste. Nutmeg adds a subtle yet distinctive flavor that enhances the sauce.

When the sauce reaches the desired consistency, add the grated cheese and stir until completely melted and well combined. Turning off the heat at this step is important to avoid overheating the sauce.

Step 5: Assembling the dish
On a serving platter, arrange the browned chicken thighs. Next to them, add the boiled broccoli, taking care to arrange everything nicely. Pour the bechamel sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring each piece is well covered.

Step 6: Serving
This dish can be served warm, accompanied by a fresh vegetable salad or a side of rice or mashed potatoes. Add a touch of freshness with a slice of lemon or a few sprigs of fresh parsley.

Useful tips
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, which cook faster.
- If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with mushrooms or marinated tofu, and the bechamel sauce can be made with almond or soy milk.
- Make sure the broccoli is fresh. Choose florets of uniform size for even cooking.
- You can add fresh or dried herbs to the bechamel sauce to enhance its flavor. A combination of thyme and dill is delicious.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can add carrots or cauliflower, as desired.
2. How can I make the bechamel sauce lighter? You can use skim milk and reduced-fat butter, but the taste will be slightly different.
3. What drinks pair well? A dry white wine or fresh lemonade would be excellent accompaniments for this dish.

Nutritional benefits
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, while broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. The bechamel sauce, although creamy, contains calcium from the cheese, making it a good choice for a balanced diet.

Personalized version
To give it a unique touch, you can try adding some green or black olives to the bechamel sauce, bringing a Mediterranean flavor to the dish. You can also sprinkle a little parmesan on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy your meal! This chicken with broccoli and bechamel sauce recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring family and friends together at the table. Get ready to impress with this simple yet sophisticated dish!