Delicious French Chicken Recipe with Creamy Sauce
Recipe Overview
Overview
This French Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to a cozy bistro in France. The combination of chicken thighs and drumsticks ensures a juicy and tender result, while the seasoning with Dijon mustard and sweet paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor. The key to achieving that perfect crispy skin is to sear the chicken in a hot pan, allowing it to develop a golden crust before simmering it in a rich sauce.
The addition of shallots brings a subtle sweetness, and the white wine not only deglazes the pan but also infuses the chicken with a delightful aroma. As the chicken simmers, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. Stirring in crème fraîche at the end adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates the entire meal.
Serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, and you have a meal that is perfect for family gatherings or a special occasion. It’s a recipe that balances simplicity with sophistication, making it an ideal choice for any home cook looking to impress their guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Season 4 chicken thighs and 5 drumsticks with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and Dijon mustard.
Tip: Rub the chicken thoroughly with mustard and spices for better flavor.
Place a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium/high heat and add 1 tbsp of butter.
Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs and brown the other side for about 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the chicken thighs to a plate and repeat the process with the drumsticks.
Sear the drumsticks evenly on all sides until beautifully golden.
Add shallots to the pan and sauté for about 3 minutes until tender, soft, and translucent.
Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine and let it simmer.
Tip: Let the wine simmer until the alcohol aroma fully evaporates for a better taste.
Add ½ cup of chicken stock to the pan.
Nestle in a few sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf.
Return the chicken along with any accumulated juices to the pan.
Cover and let it gently simmer for 20 minutes.
Place 4 potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water.
Add 1 tbsp salt and cook the potatoes until tender, about 18 minutes.
Tip: Add salt to the water when cooking potatoes to enhance their flavor.
Add 3 tbsp butter and ½ cup warm milk to the cooked potatoes.
Transfer the chicken to a platter.
Stir in 4 tablespoons of crème fraîche.
Add 1 tablespoon of whole-grain mustard.
Simmer the sauce for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Tip: Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly for a richer texture.
Return the chicken to the pan.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
Garnish the dish with fresh parsley.
Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Mustard
→ Substitution: Honey Mustard
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- •Searing the chicken skin-side down ensures a crispy texture.
- •Simmering the chicken in white wine enhances the dish's depth of flavor.
- •Crème fraîche is a rich addition that makes the sauce creamy and luxurious.
