The Heartwarming Chicken Bonne Femme Recipe You’ll Adore

Nestled in the heart of french countryside cooking, this chicken bonne femme delivers rustic comfort with surprising depth.

Simple ingredients dance together in a harmony that speaks of traditional kitchens.

Potatoes and herbs create a rich backdrop for tender meat infused with robust flavors.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish through patient technique and love.

Wine adds complexity, turning an ordinary meal into something memorable and soul-warming.

Each bite tells a story of provincial elegance and culinary simplicity.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this delightful french classic that brings pure happiness to the table.

Tips To Make James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme Even Better

• Crisp Bacon Technique: Render the lardons slowly to release maximum flavor and achieve a perfect golden-brown crunch without burning.
• Flour Coating Trick: Use seasoned flour to create a delicate, flavorful crust on chicken pieces that locks in moisture and adds depth.
• Batch Frying Strategy: Cook chicken in batches to ensure each piece browns evenly and develops a rich, caramelized exterior without overcrowding the pan.
• Wine Deglazing Magic: Use wine to lift those delicious browned bits from the pan, creating a rich, complex sauce base that enhances the overall dish flavor.
• Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle fresh tarragon just before serving to add a bright, aromatic note that complements the hearty chicken and bacon combination.

Tasty Spins On James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme

• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using similar seasoning techniques. Use plant-based bacon alternatives like smoked mushroom strips for protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnip chunks to reduce carbohydrate content. Maintain original spicing and cooking method for similar taste profile.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute chorizo with Spanish-style olives and add fresh rosemary. Include extra virgin olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes for enhanced Mediterranean characteristics.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for coating chicken. Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free, maintaining recipe's authentic flavor structure.

Perfect Pairings For James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme

• Wine Wonderland: Pair this rich, hearty chicken dish with a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Noir to complement its deep flavors and cut through the richness of bacon and chorizo.
• Herbal Harmony: Sprinkle fresh tarragon not just as a garnish but as a flavor enhancer, which beautifully matches the earthy notes of potatoes and the smoky chorizo.
• Sidekick Sensations: Serve with a light, crusty baguette to soak up the delicious pan juices and provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken and crispy lardons.
• Zesty Finish: Add a small side salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the dish's robust flavors and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

How To Store James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer chicken and vegetables to freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Place portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain juiciness.

FAQ Help For James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme

• What ingredients make Chicken Bonne Femme unique?

The recipe combines classic French cooking techniques with bacon, chorizo, potatoes, and a blend of flavorful sauces like Tabasco and Worcestershire, creating a rich and hearty dish.

• Is this a traditional French recipe?

Bonne Femme is a classic French home-style cooking method that typically involves braising meat with vegetables and bacon, representing rustic, comforting French countryside cooking.

• Can I substitute the meats in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace chicken with other proteins like rabbit or pork, and swap bacon for pancetta or smoked lardons while maintaining the dish’s traditional flavor profile.

Why James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme Is Full Of Flavor

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layering bacon, chorizo, and chicken creates a rich, deep taste profile that transforms a simple dish into a gourmet experience.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: This one-pan recipe requires straightforward techniques like coating chicken in seasoned flour and frying, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The combination of hearty ingredients like potatoes, meat, and aromatic spices makes this dish perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or cozy weekend meals.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Seamlessly transitions from stovetop to oven, allowing for crispy exterior and tender interior while developing complex flavors through deglazing and roasting.

What You’ll Need For James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme

• Chicken: Protein-rich main component that provides the primary flavor and substance of the dish.
• Potatoes: Hearty base ingredient that adds texture and substance to the chicken recipe.
• Bacon or Lardons: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to enhance the overall dish.

• Chorizo, Garlic: Adds deep, robust flavor and aromatic complexity to the chicken.
• Tabasco, Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers spicy and tangy notes that elevate the dish's taste profile.
• Wine: Creates depth and helps deglaze the pan while adding subtle complexity.

• Flour, Seasonings: Creates a golden coating for the chicken and helps develop a crisp exterior.
• Tarragon: Fresh herb that provides a final bright and aromatic garnish to the finished dish.
• Oil: Essential for cooking and creating a golden, crisp texture on the chicken and other ingredients.

How To Cook James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme

Step 1: Preheat and Sizzle Bacon

Heat the oven to 400°F. Place a roasting tray on medium heat. Drizzle oil and add bacon, cooking until crispy and golden. Transfer the cooked bacon to a large mixing bowl using a slotted spoon.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Coating

Spread flour on a plate and mix in seasonings. Dredge chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, ensuring even coverage. Fry the chicken in batches in the same tray, adding extra oil as needed. Brown both sides of each chicken piece until golden.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Add chorizo, diced potatoes, minced garlic, and chopped vegetables to the bowl. Pour wine into the pan and scrape up all the delicious browned bits. Splash in Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce for extra kick.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Return chicken and bacon to the roasting tray. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh tarragon on top. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. The aromas will be irresistible and the flavors deeply satisfying.

Chicken Bonne Femme Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken bonne femme brings rustic French countryside comfort straight to dinner tables. Juicy chicken nestled with crispy potatoes and smoky bacon creates a satisfying meal that transports you to a charming French kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 150 g (5.3 oz) chorizo, diced
• 300 g (10.6 oz) new potatoes
• 100 g (3.5 oz) lardons or chopped streaky bacon

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 large Spanish onions, sliced
• 1 green pepper, deseeded and diced
• 2 sticks celery, diced
• 125 g (4.4 oz) white button mushrooms, sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• Few sprigs tarragon

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 100 g (3.5 oz) plain flour
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons white wine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 15 drops Tabasco

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200C (400F). Heat a roasting tray over medium flame and drizzle with half the oil.
2. Add lardons or bacon to the tray, frying until crisp and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside in a large bowl.
3. Spread seasoned flour on a plate. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly, then fry in batches in the tray, adding more oil as needed.
4. Brown chicken pieces on both sides until golden, then transfer to the bowl with bacon.
5. Add chorizo, potatoes, garlic, and vegetables to the tray. Pour wine into the pan, scraping up browned bits and incorporating Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Return chicken and bacon to the tray, mixing everything together. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh tarragon before serving hot.

Notes

• Ensure bacon is crispy but not burnt by stirring frequently during initial frying.
• Coat chicken evenly in seasoned flour for a perfect golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
• Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold for a creamy texture that holds shape during roasting.
• Adjust Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce quantities based on personal heat preference for a customized flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg