Gaston Gérard Chicken is a classic French dish hailing from the Burgundy region, renowned for its rich flavors and comforting texture. Named after the wife of the mayor of Dijon, this recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious sauce made from mustard, white wine, cheese, and a touch of cream.
The result is a mouthwatering, golden-brown dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, Gaston Gérard Chicken offers a delightful way to explore French cuisine with accessible ingredients and straightforward steps.
In this post, we’ll dive into the traditional recipe and also explore a few variations to suit different tastes. If you love recipes that blend simplicity with elegance, this one is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Let’s get started and bring a taste of Burgundy to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gaston Gérard Chicken is a celebration of rich, creamy flavors balanced by the sharpness of Dijon mustard and the subtle tang of white wine. The chicken is tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by a velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
This recipe is:
- Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients.
- Impressively elegant for guests or family dinners.
- Versatile enough to accommodate variations and personal twists.
- Comforting yet sophisticated, making it perfect for cozy nights or celebrations.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making your meal complete!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup dry white wine (such as Burgundy or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup grated Comté or Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Equipment
- Large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for cheese
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and black pepper.
- Brown the chicken: In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces skin-side down and brown them for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift all the browned bits. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add mustard and cream: Stir in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream, mixing well to combine. Let the sauce gently thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet: Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the sauce, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle cheese: Generously sprinkle the grated Comté or Gruyère cheese over the chicken and sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, use a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, as the wine’s taste will be prominent in the sauce.”
- Cheese options: If you don’t have Comté or Gruyère, Emmental or Swiss cheese works well as a substitute.
- For a lighter version: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or crème fraîche.
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist.
- Herb variations: Add thyme or tarragon for more herbal depth.
- Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just be sure your mustard and wine are gluten-free as well.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/6 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 38 g |
Fat | 28 g |
Saturated Fat | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 4 g |
Fiber | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 680 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Gaston Gérard Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside:
- Buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the creamy mustard sauce.
- Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a fresh, vibrant contrast.
- Crusty French bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
- Light salads dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Conclusion
Gaston Gérard Chicken is a timeless French classic that brings warmth and sophistication to your dinner table. Its harmonious blend of tender chicken, tangy mustard, rich cheese, and delicate wine sauce makes it a memorable dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
This recipe invites you to explore the flavors of Burgundy in your own kitchen and impress loved ones with a dish that tastes like it’s straight from a French bistro.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, Gaston Gérard Chicken promises a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a truly satisfying culinary experience.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Gaston Gérard Chicken
Description: A classic French dish from Burgundy featuring tender chicken in a creamy mustard and cheese sauce. Rich and flavorful, it's perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3.5 lbs), cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 100 g grated Comté cheese
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons white wine
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil and butter in a large skillet, brown chicken on all sides then set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and cook for 1 minute.
- Add white wine, stirring to deglaze pan.
- Stir in mustard and cream, then add grated Comté cheese until melted.
- Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, then transfer to oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 35 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 40 g | Fat: 30 g | Carbs: 5 g
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