Preparation Method
Follow these steps to create a comforting dish that the whole family will love:
Preparing Ingredients:
Cut chicken breasts into medium-sized pieces.
Peel and slice carrots, dice onion, and slice celery.
Cooking Chicken and Vegetables:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
Fold in prepared vegetables and cook for a few minutes until beginning to soften.
Thickening Sauce:
Sprinkle flour over chicken and vegetable mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Add bouquet garni.
Simmering:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken should be well cooked and the sauce should have thickened.
Finishing:
Remove the bouquet garni, add the crème fraîche and mix. Let simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches a perfectly creamy consistency.
Season with salt, pepper and a dash of lemon juice to taste.
Serving:
Serve your chicken blanquette piping hot with rice, steamed potatoes or fresh pasta.
Tips for a Perfect Blanquette
For an even smoother sauce: If you notice lumps after adding the flour, pass the sauce through a strainer before adding the cream.
Dairy-free variation: Replace the crème fraîche with a plant-based alternative such as soy or cashew cream for a lactose-free version.
Adding mushrooms: For a forest touch, add sliced mushrooms when cooking the vegetables.
Conclusion
This wine-free chicken blanquette is a hearty dish that proves that classics can be adapted to all preferences while retaining their gourmet essence. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive meal, it will win the hearts of your guests with its creamy sauce and tender pieces of chicken.
