French chicken with mushrooms and sour cream

Delicious French Chicken Recipe with Mushrooms and Cream

If you want to turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable culinary experience, then the French chicken recipe with mushrooms and cream is the perfect choice. This dish not only brings a refined taste but is also relatively easy to prepare, yielding spectacular results. It is ideal for a family dinner or to impress guests.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

- 1 chicken (approx. 1.5 kg)
- 300 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or wild mushrooms)
- 1 large onion
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 4-5 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 100 ml dry white wine
- 400 ml meat broth (chicken or beef, preferably homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon herbs de Provence
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped

A Bit of History

French chicken with mushrooms and cream is a dish that combines culinary traditions with the rustic influences of European cuisine. White sauces, like "béchamel sauce," have been reinvented in countless ways, and mushrooms add a richness of textures and flavors. This dish is a symbol of elegance, combining simple ingredients to create a memorable meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken
- Debone the chicken and cut the meat into cubes. If you're unsure how to debone a chicken, you can watch an instructional video or ask a butcher for help.
- In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil. Wait for the butter to melt, stirring gently.

2. Browning the Chicken
- Place the chicken cubes in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Browning should be even, so let the chicken cook on each side for 5-7 minutes until golden.

3. Preparing the White Sauce
- Once the chicken is browned, add 3 tablespoons of flour and mix well to avoid lumps. Then, pour in the white wine and stir vigorously.
- Gradually add the meat broth, continuing to stir. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs de Provence. Let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, covering the skillet.

4. The Mushrooms and Onion
- Meanwhile, wash the mushrooms well and slice them thinly. In another skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the mushrooms. Squeeze lemon juice over them and let them sauté for 7-10 minutes until golden.
- Peel the onion and chop it finely. In a separate skillet, caramelize the onion with sugar and 2 tablespoons of wine, stirring constantly until it becomes golden and soft.

5. Finalizing the Dish
- After the chicken has cooked, add the sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onion to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes.
- Finally, add the cream and chopped parsley, mixing well. Check the taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

6. Serving
- Serve the chicken with its creamy sauce alongside a portion of warm, steaming polenta. This will absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce and create a perfect combination.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this French chicken with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A bottle of dry white wine or chilled cider pairs wonderfully with this refined dish.

Tips and Variations

- For an even creamier sauce, you can add a few tablespoons of melted cheese or Parmesan.
- If you like a more intense flavor, replace the mushrooms with shiitake mushrooms or add a few minced garlic cloves.
- If you don't have time to debone the chicken, you can use boneless chicken breast, which cooks faster.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the mushrooms provide antioxidants. The cream adds a boost of calcium, but it is important to consume this dish in moderation due to its fat content. A serving has approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the amount of cream used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen mushrooms?
Yes, but it is recommended to let them thaw and drain well before adding them to the recipe.

- How can I store the French chicken?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on low heat to avoid drying out the meat.

- What other dishes can I try?
You can explore similar recipes, such as chicken with tomato sauce and olives or chicken with curry and coconut milk, each bringing a unique touch.

This French chicken recipe with mushrooms and cream will not only impress with its taste but will also bring an air of elegance to your meals. Savor every bite and enjoy the moments spent with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!