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Le Poulet Crémeux et Riz Fondant Recipe

4.9 from 117 reviews

Le Poulet Crémeux et Riz Fondant is a comforting French-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy paprika sauce, served alongside perfectly cooked long grain or basmati rice. This recipe combines the rich flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, and a delicate blend of spices, resulting in a smooth, luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with fluffy rice. Ideal for a cozy weeknight meal, it balances ease of preparation with elegant taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 500 g chicken breast, cut into 23 cm pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 250 ml hot chicken broth
  • 200 ml crème fraîche or liquid cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rice

  • 200 g long grain rice or basmati rice

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain any excess water and keep the rice warm until serving.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and chopped garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle paprika evenly. Stir and cook the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  4. Make the sauce: Optionally, sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir well to combine, which will help thicken the sauce. Pour in the hot chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Add the cream: Stir in the crème fraîche or liquid cream gently. Allow the sauce to thicken on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil vigorously to prevent curdling.
  6. Rewarm chicken in sauce: Return the chicken pieces to the sauce and warm through for an additional 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve: Plate the warm rice, top with the creamy chicken and sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, using the optional flour is recommended, but you can omit it for a lighter cream sauce.
  • For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken briefly in paprika and salt before cooking.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: creamy chicken, French chicken recipe, chicken with rice, creamy paprika sauce, one-pan chicken dish, easy French dinner