Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this Tout Le Monde recipe! This French-inspired chicken bake is packed with hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and a creamy, savory sauce that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even a special occasion. Get ready to experience a taste of France without leaving your kitchen! This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, making homemade cooking effortless.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or other hard cheese)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor and ensures that the chicken is beautifully cooked.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, white wine (if using), Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add Peas and Cheese: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle the Gruyère cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce has thickened slightly. This creates a delicious, golden crust.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the chicken and vegetables in a regular skillet and then transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, to this recipe.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Variations:
- Spicy Tout Le Monde: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Tout Le Monde: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce along with your favorite fresh herbs.
- Creamy Mushroom Tout Le Monde: Sauté a cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions, carrots, and celery for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Tout Le Monde recipe is a testament to delicious and easy recipes. It’s a quick dinner idea that showcases the best of homemade cooking, delivering a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy!