There’s something truly enchanting about the simplicity of French cuisine. As I stood in my kitchen, the golden butter melting in the pan released a comforting aroma that instantly made me feel at home. That was when I knew I had to share my newfound love for a heartwarming dish—French-style chicken and potatoes. It strikes the perfect balance of rich flavors and effortless preparation, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering with friends.

With tender chicken thighs bathed in a savory sauce of white wine and Dijon mustard, accompanied by colorful carrots and baby red delight potatoes, this dish brings both elegance and comfort to your table. It’s even the antidote to those nights when you’re just burnt out on takeout. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or cooking at home for the first time, this recipe invites you to create a delightful meal that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Let’s dive in and turn your kitchen into a piece of France!

Why is French-style chicken and potatoes irresistible?

Heartwarming comfort: This dish combines tender chicken and flavorful potatoes in a way that brings warmth to your dining table.
Effortless preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, even novice cooks can shine.
Elegant presentation: The vibrant colors of carrots and herbs make for a stunning display.
Rich, tantalizing flavors: The white wine and Dijon mustard create a sauce that captivates your taste buds.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe will impress friends and family alike.
Get ready to enjoy a delightful meal that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special!

Essential French-style chicken and potatoes Ingredients

For the Sauce
• Unsalted butter – this adds a rich base flavor to the sauce.
• Plain flour – use to thicken the sauce; gluten-free flour can be a great substitute.
• Milk – enhances creaminess in the sauce; consider using almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Massel chicken style liquid stock – provides a deep chicken flavor, and can be replaced with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
• Onion powder – adds depth without the texture of fresh onions; a nice alternative is shallot powder.
• Garlic powder – brings a robust flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a stronger kick.
• Dried thyme – complements the dish beautifully; fresh thyme can elevate the flavors even more.
• Salt – enhances overall taste; always adjust according to your dietary needs.

For the Chicken and Vegetables
• Extra virgin olive oil – perfect for browning chicken; avocado oil is a great alternative.
• Coles RSPCA Approved Chicken Thigh Cutlets with skin – juicy and flavorful; substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Garlic cloves – give fragrant notes; feel free to use more if you love garlic!
• Brown onion – lends sweetness and richness; yellow onions can also be used if necessary.
• Water – combines with other liquids to create delicious depth; vegetable broth can substitute for enhanced flavor.
• Dry white wine – adds acidity and enhances the sauce; replace with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• Dijon mustard – gives that French zing; whole grain mustard can be a lovely switch!
• White sugar – balances the acidity; you can also use honey for a more natural sweetness.
• Carrots – provide sweetness and color; try parsnips for a different twist.
• Baby red delight potatoes – tender and vibrant; Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes are excellent choices.
• Fresh rosemary – imparts herbal aroma; thyme can work well as a substitute if needed.
• Fresh thyme – to serve as a garnish; consider using parsley for a beautiful finish.

Now that you’ve gathered your French-style chicken and potatoes ingredients, it’s time to get cooking and bring those wonderful aromas of French cuisine into your home!

How to Make French-Style Chicken and Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your dish cooks evenly, and the flavors meld beautifully as they bake together.
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Stir in the plain flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it turns a lovely golden hue, releasing a warm, inviting aroma.
Gradually mix in the milk, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. You’ll want to achieve a velvety consistency that forms the lovely base for your sauce.
Combine the chicken stock, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and salt. Stir until everything is well integrated, creating a rich sauce brimming with flavor.
Heat the olive oil in another pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken thighs, browning them on both sides until they’re a beautiful golden color, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the crushed garlic and sliced onion, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.
Pour in the water, white wine, and remaining chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps develop those lovely, savory flavors.
Stir in the Dijon mustard and white sugar, mixing until fully combined to create that signature tangy and sweet balance.
Add the chicken back into the pan along with the thick-cut carrots and halved potatoes. Mix everything together to evenly coat the ingredients in your flavor-packed sauce.
Transfer the entire mixture to a baking dish, and top it with the fresh rosemary and thyme for added aroma and flavor.
Cover the baking dish with foil, then bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, removing the foil halfway through to allow the chicken to crisp up beautifully.
Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra thyme for a pop of color and freshness, delighting everyone at your table.

Optional: Serve with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best French-Style Chicken and Potatoes

Optimal Browning: When browning the chicken, ensure your pan is hot enough to create a nice crust. This adds incredible flavor to your dish.

Perfectly Creamy Sauce: Gradually add the milk to avoid lumps, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth. This will give your French-style chicken and potatoes a beautiful consistency.

Herb Substitutions: If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be used, but remember—they’re more concentrated. Use one-third the amount called for in the recipe.

Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the sauce before baking and adjust the sugar if needed. This balance is key to enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Even Cooking: Cut your potatoes and carrots into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly. This step avoids any crunchy bites amid tender pieces.

Foil Technique: Remember to remove the foil halfway through baking; this allows your chicken skin to crisp up nicely, making it even more delicious!

French-style chicken and potatoes Variations

Feel free to get creative with this beloved dish and make it your own with these fun twists!

Herb Infusion: Add fresh garlic and parsley for a fragrant boost that complements the garlic and thyme beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat and add an exciting zing.
Vegetable Medley: Mix in bell peppers or zucchini for a vibrant splash of color and a touch of sweetness that brightens the overall dish.
Creamy Comfort: Stir in a dollop of cream or crème fraîche for an even richer sauce that’s irresistibly smooth and indulgent.
Mustard Variations: Experiment with whole grain mustard or spicy Dijon for varying flavor profiles that add complexity to every bite.
Oven-Baked Crispy: Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a delightfully crispy skin that everyone will savor.
Grain Alternative: Serve over a bed of fluffy quinoa or couscous for a wholesome twist that adds a nutritious, nutty flair.
Add Fresh Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or orange juice just before serving can brighten flavors and add a refreshing touch to your dish.

Embrace these variations to tailor your French-style chicken and potatoes to suit your taste and create a meal that your family will treasure!

Make Ahead Options

These French-style chicken and potatoes are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables (including the carrots and potatoes) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can brown the chicken thighs and let them cool before refrigerating for quick assembly later. When you’re ready to serve, combine all components in the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake as instructed. This way, you can enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of French-style chicken and potatoes with minimal effort, allowing you to savor both time and taste!

What to Serve with French-Style Chicken and Potatoes?

Creating a meal around this classic dish opens up a world of delightful accompaniments to enhance every bite.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These luscious potatoes add a velvety texture and soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus brings a colorful, fresh crunch that complements the rich chicken.
Garlic Bread: Golden, buttered garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce, adding an irresistible garlicky aroma to your meal.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken, providing a refreshing contrast.
Crusty Baguette: This French staple is great for sharing and adds a traditional flair to your dining experience, offering a delightful crunch.
White Wine Spritzer: A chilled spritzer with crisp white wine and soda water refreshes your palate and enhances the dish’s vibrant flavors.
Tarte Tatin: End the meal with this delicious upside-down caramelized apple tart; its sweetness provides a perfect finale to the savory main course.
Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous, infused with herbs and lemon, offers a light base that beautifully complements the chicken and potatoes while adding an extra layer of flavor.

When paired thoughtfully, these sides not only elevate your French-style chicken and potatoes dinner but transform it into an unforgettable culinary experience.

How to Store and Freeze French-style chicken and potatoes

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave; just cover to retain moisture.

Original Serving: When serving again, add a splash of fresh chicken stock to revive the sauce’s rich flavors, keeping your French-style chicken and potatoes delightful!

French-style chicken and potatoes Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for chicken thighs that are RSPCA Approved, as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. When selecting chicken, ensure there is no discoloration or unpleasant odor. The skin should be intact and without any dark spots, which can indicate spoilage.

What is the best way to store leftover French-style chicken and potatoes?
Very simple! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it’s in the fridge, try to consume it sooner rather than later to maintain its delicious taste and texture!

Can I freeze French-style chicken and potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date! When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.

What should I do if the sauce seems too thick or too thin?
If your sauce ends up too thick, you can whisk in a little more milk or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency; do so gradually to avoid making it too runny. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, simply let it simmer a bit longer over medium heat until it thickens up. Keep stirring to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re cooking for someone with a gluten allergy, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. For dairy-free options, replace the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives, like coconut oil and almond milk. Always double-check with your guests to accommodate their dietary needs to ensure everyone enjoys this delightful meal!

Can I use different vegetables in the French-style chicken and potatoes?
Very much so! Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. Green beans, peas, or even zucchini can make excellent substitutes. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes as the carrots and potatoes to ensure even cooking. Enjoy experimenting with the flavors that your family loves!