Chicken California
A flavorful chicken dish with California pears, Dijon mustard, and a tangy sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or family meals with a hint of sweetness and zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chicken.
- In a large skillet, sauté chicken in butter and salad oil until golden in color.
- Add chicken broth, water from a can, chopped onion, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Mix Dijon mustard and sugar together, then add to the skillet mixture.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Blend flour with an equal amount of water and stir into the skillet.
- Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens.
- Halve, core, and quarter the pears. Add pears and raisins to the chicken and sauce.
- Heat for about 2 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Dijon mustard mixture for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have California Bartlett pears, any ripe pears will work, but avoid firm varieties as they won't soften during cooking. To enhance the sauce, you can add a splash of white wine or apple juice along with the broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken California alongside fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables would complement the dish beautifully. For a delightful twist, consider pairing it with the Tomato Mushroom Chicken for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covering the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken California contains roughly 1105 calories, with 3g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value), potassium (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2443mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken remains juicy. Boneless cuts typically cook faster, so check for doneness after about 30 minutes of simmering.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or homemade stock can serve as great alternatives. For a richer flavor, you can also use a mixture of half water and half white wine.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, consider adding chickpeas for protein and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).