Poulet Luzianne
Poulet Luzianne features tender flattened chicken breasts filled with a sweet and nutty stuffing of pecans, apples, and apricots, ideal for elegant family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 10 boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 cups French or day-old bread cubes ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried whole thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1 baking apple peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breast halves between 2 sheets of waxed paper and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness with a mallet or rolling pin; set aside.
- Saute chopped pecans, chopped onion, chopped green onions, and chopped celery in melted butter until vegetables are tender.
- Remove from heat; add bread cubes, salt, dried thyme, pepper, red pepper, diced apple, and chopped dried apricots, stirring well.
- Spoon about 1/3 cup of filling onto each chicken breast; fold sides over and secure with wooden picks.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Baste with apricot glaze.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes.
- Broil 6 inches from heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden.
- Serve with remaining glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful twist, consider substituting walnuts for pecans or using fresh herbs like parsley instead of dried thyme. If you want a bit more moisture, adding a splash of chicken broth to the filling can enhance flavor. Make sure not to overstuff the chicken to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Poulet Luzianne with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Sunday Go To Church Chicken Casserole for a family gathering. A light vinaigrette drizzled over a bed of greens can complement the richness of the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Poulet Luzianne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps retain moisture and keeps the chicken tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poulet Luzianne contains roughly 581 calories, with 9g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1737mg per serving (76% 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 bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked, which may take longer. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
What can I use instead of dried apricots?
If you don't have dried apricots, consider using raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. You can also use fresh fruit like peaches or pears, but reduce the amount slightly to maintain the right consistency in the filling.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and filling a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator to ensure it cooks evenly.
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).