A Parisian Chicken Recipe For The Soul

The book How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas is a compilation of stories, lists, photos, and recipes aimed at helping readers embody Parisian characteristics. One recipe included in the book is the Chicken Lady Chicken from 'My Paris Kitchen', which involves marinating a butterflied chicken in a blend of harissa, soy sauce, honey, garlic, oil, and salt for 24 hours, followed by searing and oven-roasting. Another Parisian chicken recipe is the Slow Cooker Chicken Parisienne, which involves slow-cooking chicken breasts in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce.

Chicken Lady Chicken from 'My Paris Kitchen' by David Lebovitz

In his book 'My Paris Kitchen', David Lebovitz shares his recipe for Chicken Lady Chicken, which is inspired by one particular woman's rotisserie chicken that he fell in love with. The recipe is quite simple and easy to make.

To begin, you'll need to butterfly a whole chicken, which involves removing the backbone and flattening it. This technique helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly. Once butterflied, prepare a marinade by combining minced garlic, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine, soy sauce, harissa, mustard, and honey in a resealable plastic bag. Crush the garlic and salt together with your hand until they form a paste, then add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

Next, loosen the skin from the breast and thigh meat, and spoon some of the marinade underneath. Place the chicken in the bag, seal it, and use your hands to rub the marinade all over. Refrigerate the chicken for 1 to 2 days, flipping the bag occasionally to ensure even marination.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan, breast side down, and cover it with a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place a weight on top, such as a brick or a saucepan filled with water. Cook until the skin is deep golden brown, checking frequently to avoid burning. This should take about 10 minutes.

After the chicken is browned, flip it over, replace the weight, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Then, remove the weight and foil, and transfer the chicken to the oven for 25 minutes, or until it's cooked through.

Finally, cut the chicken into eight pieces: two legs, two thighs, and each breast crosswise, leaving the wings attached. Serve it French-style, and enjoy the delicious, golden, and crisp skin that this recipe is known for!

Chicken breasts slow-cooked with white wine and mushrooms

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• White wine (such as Riesling or Chardonnay)
• Mushrooms
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Sour cream or cream
• Flour
• Paprika
• Butter
• Rice, noodles, or potatoes for serving

Optional ingredients for added flavour:

• Shallots or onion
• Thyme
• Chicken broth or stock
• Mustard (Dijon or regular)
• Cornstarch
• Parsley

Instructions:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic. If you like, you can also add paprika and flour to the seasoning mix. Place the chicken in a slow cooker or a skillet. If using a skillet, brown the chicken in butter before removing it from the pan.

Next, prepare the mushrooms. Chop or slice the mushrooms into large pieces and add them to the pan or slow cooker. If using a skillet, cook the mushrooms undisturbed until they release their moisture and it evaporates, leaving the mushrooms browned. You can also add some shallots or onion at this stage and cook until softened.

Add garlic to the mushrooms and sauté briefly until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate all the flavour into the sauce. If using a slow cooker, combine the wine, mushrooms, and any additional ingredients (except the sour cream or cream) in a separate bowl before pouring over the chicken.

For a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or even up to 8 hours for a very slow cook. For a skillet, bring the wine and mushrooms to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the cream or sour cream and any other desired ingredients, such as chicken broth, mustard, and thyme sprigs.

Finally, return the chicken to the skillet or slow cooker and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve the chicken breasts with the creamy mushroom sauce over rice, noodles, or potatoes. Enjoy!

Variations and Tips:

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add cornstarch mixed with water to the slow cooker or skillet towards the end of cooking.
• You can also try using other types of wine, such as Marsala or dry vermouth, for a different flavour profile.
• For a Parisian-style dish, serve the chicken with egg noodles and spoon the sauce over the top.
• For a charred, crispy skin, try grilling or searing the chicken under a weight before finishing it in the oven, as in David Lebovitz's "Chicken Lady Chicken" recipe.

How to host a Parisian-style dinner party

Hosting a Parisian-style dinner party is a great way to transport your guests to the romantic cobbled streets of Paris, if only for an evening. Here are some tips on how to host a Parisian-style dinner party, with a focus on a chicken recipe as the main course.

The Invitations

Keep the guest list intimate and send out invitations in advance. Handwritten notes on elegant stationery are a sophisticated way to set the tone for your evening.

The Decor

Think candlelit bistros with crisp white tablecloths, soft lighting, and fresh flowers. Use a red-and-white checkered tablecloth for a classic Parisian bistro feel, or opt for a plain white tablecloth and add a touch of Paris with a delicate lace overlay. Add a small vase of fresh flowers, preferably red roses, for a touch of romance. Soft lighting is key, so dim the lights and add candles wherever possible.

The Menu

For the menu, focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, yet elegant dishes.

Appetizer

Start with a classic French onion soup, or a simple green salad with a mustard vinaigrette dressing.

Main Course

For the main course, a delicious and easy option is Slow Cooker Chicken Parisienne. This dish requires just five main ingredients: chicken breasts, white wine, condensed mushroom soup, sour cream, and paprika. To prepare, sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Place them in a slow cooker. In a mixing bowl, combine wine, condensed soup, and mushrooms. In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream and flour. Stir the sour cream mixture into the mushrooms and wine, and pour this over the chicken. Sprinkle with additional paprika if desired. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Serve the chicken with rice or noodles, and spoon the sauce over the chicken and sides.

Alternatively, you could try the "Chicken Lady Chicken" recipe from David Lebovitz's "My Paris Kitchen." This recipe involves butterflied chicken marinated for 24 hours in a blend of harissa, soy sauce, honey, garlic, oil, and salt. The chicken is then seared under a weight before finishing in a hot oven.

Dessert

For dessert, offer a selection of French cheeses, fresh fruit, and, of course, a decadent chocolate soufflé.

The Drinks

Offer a variety of French wines, from crisp Chardonnays to full-bodied Bordeaux reds. Don't forget to include a bottle of Champagne for a true taste of luxury.

The Conversation

Encourage lively conversation by playing soft French music in the background and asking thought-provoking questions. Talk about art, literature, and philosophy. Share stories and laugh often.

The Farewell

As your guests leave, offer them a small token of your appreciation, such as a macaron or a miniature Eiffel Tower souvenir.

With these tips, your Parisian-style dinner party is sure to be an elegant and memorable affair. Bon appétit!

The importance of friends and community

Friends and community are an integral part of Parisian culture, and this is reflected in the book "How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits". The book includes various references to the importance of friends and community in a Parisian's life. For instance, it mentions how Parisian women want to share their experiences and encourage others to love themselves, embracing their imperfections. This sense of community and support is a key aspect of Parisian life, where friends uplift each other and celebrate their unique qualities.

The book also showcases the role of friends in Parisian culture through its content. It includes recipes, photos, lists, and essays, all of which could be shared and enjoyed with friends. For example, the book has a section on hosting a dinner party, which is a social gathering that brings friends together over a shared meal. Preparing and sharing a meal, such as the Slow Cooker Chicken Parisienne or the "Chicken Lady Chicken" from "My Paris Kitchen", is a great way to connect with friends and build community.

In addition to the content, the very act of sharing recipes, fashion advice, and personal stories with friends near and far is a testament to the importance of community in Parisian culture. The book itself is imagined as an envelope sent by friends in Paris, filled with their intimate thoughts, experiences, and recommendations. This concept emphasizes the value Parisians place on sharing their lives with others, creating a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.

The book also hints at the close-knit nature of Parisian friendships. For instance, it mentions the idea of friends getting pregnant at the same time, supporting each other through this life stage. This showcases how Parisians value their friends as chosen family, creating a community of support and love that enhances their lives.

Overall, the book "How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are" highlights the importance Parisians place on friends and community. By sharing their experiences, advice, and recipes, Parisians create a sense of belonging and connection that is integral to their culture. Embracing and celebrating each other's unique qualities, Parisian friends build a supportive community that adds joy and fulfillment to their lives.

Parisian beauty standards and self-care

Natural and Effortless Beauty: Parisians embrace a natural and effortless aesthetic. They believe that beauty should enhance one's unique features rather than hide or drastically alter them. This philosophy extends to hair, makeup, and fashion choices. Parisian women tend to favour a minimal and understated approach to hair styling, avoiding overly complex or trendy looks. When it comes to makeup, less is more. Parisian women typically opt for a light foundation, mascara, a hint of blush, and a nude or red lip. They focus on enhancing their natural beauty rather than following complex makeup trends.

Skincare and Self-Care: Parisians prioritise skincare as an essential step in their beauty routine. They view skincare as a form of self-care and indulgence, choosing products that feel luxurious and nourishing. The French skincare routine often includes cleansing, toning, and moisturising, with an emphasis on using creams and serums from pharmacies. Parisians also incorporate treatments like face masks, facial steam baths, and eye gels into their weekly routines. Additionally, wellness practices such as regular visits to spas and hammams for facials and massages are woven into their self-care rituals.

Wellness and Lifestyle: Parisian beauty is not just about external appearances but also encompasses overall wellness and lifestyle. It involves taking care of your mental and physical health, eating clean, and consuming pure, nourishing foods. Parisians value social connections and enjoying life's simple pleasures, such as sharing a good croissant or coffee with friends. They believe that taking time to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and connecting with loved ones contributes to their overall well-being.

Individuality and Authenticity: Parisians embrace individuality and authenticity in their beauty and fashion choices. They strive to cultivate an "I woke up like this" look, where their beauty routines appear effortless and natural. Parisian women are known for their unique sense of style and their ability to mix high-end pieces with vintage finds. They embrace their imperfections and view makeup as a tool to express their personality rather than conform to trends.

Confidence and Comfort: At the heart of Parisian beauty is confidence and comfort in one's skin. Makeup is viewed as a means to boost self-assurance, and Parisian women choose products that align with their personal style and make them feel their best. They believe that true beauty comes from within and radiates outward, reflecting their inner confidence and joie de vivre.

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