France Chicken Parisienne
A creamy, comforting chicken and broccoli casserole with Parmesan and sherry, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 2 packages frozen broccoli spears ⓘ
- 6 chicken breasts, boiled and boned ⓘ
- 1/2 cup melted margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 pint scalded milk or chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sherry
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange slightly cooked broccoli spears in a large casserole dish; cover with boiled and boned chicken breasts.
- Combine melted margarine, flour, and scalded milk or chicken broth in a saucepan over low heat; stir until thickened.
- Add whipped heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and sherry; mix until blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli layers and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. If you don't have sherry, white wine or apple cider vinegar can be a great alternative. Ensure the broccoli is just slightly cooked before layering to maintain its vibrant color and texture. Use a whisk to prevent lumps when combining the flour and liquid, ensuring a smooth sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Parisienne pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can complement the rich flavors nicely. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Viennese Potato Cream Soup for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of France Chicken Parisienne contains roughly 1145 calories, with 24g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1205mg per serving (52% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli can be used in place of frozen. Just steam it lightly before adding it to the casserole. This will help retain its bright color and crisp texture, enhancing the dish overall.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt. This will reduce the richness while still providing creaminess to the sauce.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).