Pancakes with chicken breast and béchamel sauce

Chicken and Bechamel Sauce Crepes

I propose a delicious recipe, full of flavor, that combines the soft texture of crepes with a rich filling of meat and creamy sauce, perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. These chicken and bechamel sauce crepes are a surprising variation that will delight your taste buds and turn your meal into a memorable experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for crepes:
- 1 egg
- 200 g flour
- 500 ml milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

Ingredients for filling:
- 300 g chicken breast, diced
- 1 sausage, diced
- 100 g bacon, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Ingredients for bechamel sauce:
- 2 full tablespoons of margarine
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 500 ml milk
- juice from half a lemon
- 20 ml white wine
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Ingredients for gratin:
- 150 g grated cheese

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the crepes:
In a large bowl, beat the egg with the milk, then gradually add the flour, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until you obtain a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes. This step helps develop the gluten in the flour, making the crepes more elastic.

2. Frying the crepes:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil. Pour a ladle of the crepe batter and swirl the pan to evenly distribute the batter. Fry the crepe for 2-3 minutes or until golden on one side, then flip it and fry the other side. Repeat the process until the batter is finished. Set the crepes aside on a plate and cover them with a towel to prevent drying out.

3. Preparing the filling:
In a pan, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, then add the chopped garlic and bay leaf. After a minute, add the bacon and diced sausage, allowing them to fry together for 3 minutes. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the meat is well cooked. Remove the bay leaf before proceeding.

4. Preparing the bechamel sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the margarine over low heat. Add the flour and stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes until it becomes a paste (roux). Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the sauce becomes creamy, add the white wine, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens.

5. Combining the filling with the sauce:
Take the chicken filling and mix it with the obtained bechamel sauce. Ensure everything is well coated with sauce, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

6. Filling the crepes:
On each crepe, place a portion of the chicken filling and bechamel sauce, then carefully roll them up. Arrange the filled crepes in a greased baking dish and sprinkle the grated cheese on top.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake the crepes for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden.

8. Serving:
Serve the crepes warm, alongside a fresh salad, such as a Chinese salad with crunchy vegetables or a green salad with lemon dressing. This will add a pleasant contrast to the creamy texture of the crepes.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as turkey or ham, to vary the recipe.
- If you prefer a more flavorful bechamel sauce, you can add spices like nutmeg or white pepper.
- Make sure the pan is well heated before pouring the crepe batter so that they do not stick.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the chicken breast and bacon, while the crepes offer necessary carbohydrates for energy. The cheese adds calcium and healthy fats, and the vegetables in the salad provide essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour for the crepes?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour to add extra fiber and nutrients.

- How can I make the bechamel sauce faster?
If you're in a hurry, you can use a store-bought bechamel sauce, but making it at home will give you a much more authentic taste.

- With what other recipes can this dish be combined?
These crepes pair perfectly with cream soups, such as tomato cream or vegetable soup, and can be accompanied by a dry white wine or a fruit cocktail.

By experimenting with this chicken and bechamel sauce crepe recipe, you will not only enrich your culinary repertoire but also bring a touch of joy to the lives of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!