Creamy french-style chicken with bacon
Creamy French-style chicken with bacon features tender chicken thighs, crispy bacon, and a rich cream sauce. This dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or an elegant gathering.
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil6 chicken thighs
1 stalk celery
2 bacon strips
4 shallots
3/4 cup mushrooms
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
1.50 cups chicken gravy
2 cups carrots
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Creamy French-style chicken with bacon is a delicious, rich, and savory dish that brings a classic French flavor to your dinner table. Combining tender chicken thighs, aromatic vegetables, and crispy bacon, this recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering.
Instructions:
- Before you start cooking, prepare all ingredients: chop the celery, bacon, shallots, and carrots, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and brown them for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add the chopped celery, sliced shallots, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and bacon, stirring well to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken gravy, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Add the Chicken and Carrots:
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet.
- Add the sliced carrots and fresh thyme.
- Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the carrots are soft.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy French-style chicken with bacon over rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
This creamy French-style chicken with bacon is a satisfying, comforting dish that will surely impress your family and friends. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of warm, fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Bon appétit!
Creamy french-style chicken with bacon FAQ:
The chicken thighs should be browned for about 5 minutes on each side, then simmered in the sauce for an additional 25-30 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version. Additionally, you can use different vegetables like bell peppers or green beans if desired.
Chicken thighs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also check if the meat is tender and juices run clear.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
A large skillet or Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably and allow for proper browning and simmering.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure your chicken thighs are at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Cook the bacon until it's crisp to add texture and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken gravy after cooking the vegetables to capture all the fond (the flavorful bits stuck to the pan).
- Don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the chicken and vegetables to cook slowly will produce deep, rich flavors.
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but if you can’t find it, dried thyme can work as a substitute—use about half the amount.
- Add the heavy whipping cream slowly while stirring to make sure it blends well and gives you a smooth, creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit more chicken gravy or even a splash of white wine for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 620kcal
Protein 33g
Carbohydrates 24g
Fiber 4.44g
Sugar 8g
Fat 45g
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