A broken kitchen fan at a beloved Seattle restaurant unexpectedly led to a discovery: a remarkably delicious creamy braised chicken with bacon and white wine, or blanquette de poulet. The dish, served as part of a temporary, stovetop-limited menu, proved so good that the author immediately sought to recreate it at home. This recipe blends French technique with practical shortcuts, resulting in a rich, comforting meal.
The Essence of Blanquette
Blanquette, meaning “white” in French, refers to a cooking method where white meats are simmered in white sauce. Traditionally made with veal (blanquette de veau ), chicken is an equally popular choice. The process involves slow-braising meat and vegetables in stock, then thickening the broth with a roux to create a sauce velouté – a béchamel using stock instead of milk. A final liaison of cream and egg yolks adds extra richness.
This version bridges the gap between classic blanquette and coq au riesling (a white wine version of coq au vin ), incorporating both tender braised chicken and a creamy, vegetable-rich sauce.
Cooking The Dish
The recipe begins with rendering bacon until crispy, then browning skin-on chicken thighs in the rendered fat. Onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed in the same pan, providing a sweet aromatic base. Mushrooms are added alongside the vegetables, eliminating the need for separate sautéing without significant flavor loss. The chicken returns to the pot with white wine and stock, braising until fall-apart tender—roughly 45 minutes.
Instead of a traditional roux, this method uses a cornstarch slurry for thickening, simplifying the process and avoiding curdling risks. A splash of cream is added off-heat to further stabilize the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While white rice is traditional, hearty grains like farro or barley complement the richness of the sauce. Pearl couscous or crusty bread also make excellent pairings. Like most braises, leftovers are fantastic; the author suggests turning them into a quick pot pie with puff pastry.
This dish delivers an incredibly comforting meal perfect for cold weather. The balance of bacon, tender chicken, and creamy sauce makes it a satisfying and memorable experience.
