Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hours of cooking? Then look no further! This French Chicken Breast recipe is your answer. It's a delicious and surprisingly easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe focuses on simple techniques to deliver maximum flavor, making it ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick, healthy meal. It's one of those best recipes that's surprisingly quick to make, fitting perfectly into your busy schedule of quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to your sauce. Let the wine reduce slightly, about a minute.
Step 5: Simmer in Sauce
Add the chicken broth and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir in the butter and parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for Perfect French Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or paprika according to your preference. A pinch of garlic powder can also add a nice touch.
- Wine substitution: If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Variations:
- Creamy Dijon Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon along with your herbs for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Mushroom Chicken: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an added earthy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This easy French chicken breast recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!