Chicken and Mushroom Julienne is a classic French-inspired dish that’s creamy, savory, and incredibly indulgent. It features tender chicken fillet, sautéed mushrooms, and onions, all mixed together in a rich cream sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish is typically baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish for special occasions. Although it sounds fancy, julienne is surprisingly easy to prepare and can be made with simple ingredients found in most kitchens. The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and creamy sauce results in a comforting and delicious dish that will impress your guests.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken fillet
- 400g champignon mushrooms
- 400g 10% cream
- 1 tbsp flour
- 2 onions (medium-sized)
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
- 10g butter (for greasing the mold)
- 100g cheese (for topping, any melting cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Fillet
- Cut the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken fillet into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy cooking.
- Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a frying pan over medium heat, add a little oil or butter, and quickly sear the chicken on both sides for about 1 minute per side, just until lightly browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms and Onions
- Chop the Vegetables:
- Cut the champignon mushrooms into slices and chop the onions finely.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions:
- In the same pan you used for the chicken, melt a bit more butter or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and become golden, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt to taste and stir occasionally.
- Set the mushroom and onion mixture aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
- Toast the Flour:
- In a clean pan, melt 10g of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir continuously. Cook the flour until it turns a light golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. This process helps remove the raw flour taste and adds a nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Add the Cream:
- Gradually pour in the cream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Julienne
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed chicken strips, mushroom and onion mixture, and the creamy sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Grease a baking dish or several small ramekins with butter to prevent sticking.
- Fill the Dish:
- Spoon the chicken, mushroom, and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
- Top with Cheese:
- Grate 100g of cheese and generously sprinkle it over the top of the dish. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, golden crust.
- Bake the Julienne:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The chicken will finish cooking during this time, and the sauce will thicken further.
- Serve:
- Once the julienne is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips:
- Cheese Choices: You can use any melting cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for the topping. Each cheese will provide a different flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
- Mushroom Options: While champignon mushrooms are commonly used, you can also try using other types like shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the cream sauce seems too thin, continue cooking it over low heat until it thickens. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, you can add a little more cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken, mushrooms, and sauce ahead of time and assemble the julienne right before baking. Simply store the components in the fridge for up to 24 hours before combining and baking.
- Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added to the julienne mixture for extra flavor and freshness.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftover julienne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the julienne cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until hot.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken fillet with turkey, pork, or even seafood like shrimp. The cooking time may vary depending on the protein used.
2. Can I use half-and-half or milk instead of cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick and rich as when using cream. You can compensate by adding a bit more flour to thicken the sauce.
3. What type of cheese works best for julienne?
Cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella, Gruyère, Emmental, or cheddar, are ideal for this recipe. Choose a cheese that adds a creamy, gooey texture and a golden crust when baked.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of julienne by replacing the chicken with extra mushrooms or adding other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
5. How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
To prevent the cream from curdling, make sure to use full-fat cream and avoid cooking it at too high a temperature. Stirring constantly while heating will help create a smooth sauce.
Conclusion:
Chicken and Mushroom Julienne is an elegant yet simple dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy cheese for a rich and flavorful meal. The baking process brings all the elements together, creating a dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this savory French-inspired dish in no time. Serve it as a comforting main course with fresh bread or a side of salad to balance the richness, and enjoy this timeless classic!