French Herbed Chicken
A classic French-inspired chicken dish featuring tender chicken cooked with herbs, mushrooms, onions, and a flavorful Sauterne wine sauce, perfect for elegant family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the chicken in hot shortening.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place the browned chicken in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the small onions, chopped carrots, crushed garlic, sliced mushrooms, and Sauterne to the skillet.
- Heat the mixture, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the casserole.
- Tuck in the celery pieces and bay leaf around the chicken.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and celery before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in Sauterne with herbs overnight. If you don't have Sauterne, a dry white wine can work as a substitute. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a more vibrant taste. Consider adding bell peppers for extra color and sweetness, or try incorporating a hint of lemon for brightness. This dish is perfect for those looking to explore various chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable Soup With Chicken for a comforting meal. A crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving with a chilled white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover French Herbed Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they are evenly warmed without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Herbed Chicken contains roughly 1342 calories, with 50g protein, 291g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (399% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (292% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 623mg per serving (27% 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, you can use boneless chicken pieces, but reduce the cooking time to ensure they remain juicy. Boneless chicken breasts or thighs will work well; just check for doneness after about 45 minutes of baking.
What can I substitute for the mushrooms?
If you don't have sliced mushrooms, you can omit them or replace them with diced zucchini or bell peppers. These alternatives will add a different texture and flavor while still complementing the dish.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it straight 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).