Poulet aux Pruneaux – French Chicken and Prune Stew🇫🇷

1/ Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onions and garlic, and cut the bacon into pieces about 2 cm wide. 2/ Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

3/

Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot, add the chicken, and fry until browned on both sides.

4/

Cook the Bacon Separately: While the chicken is cooking, add the bacon to another frying pan and fry until lightly browned.

5/ Make the Beef Stock: Prepare the beef stock by combining water and beef consommé.

6/ Sauté the Aromatics: Once the chicken in step 3 is browned, remove it to a plate. Add onions and garlic to the same pot and fry until translucent.

7/ Add Butter and Flour: Add the butter and flour, then mix quickly to combine.

8/ Deglaze with Stock: Add a small amount of the prepared beef stock and stir to form a smooth base.

9/ Return the Chicken and Add Prunes: Return the seared chicken to the pot and add the prunes.

10/ Add Bacon and Simmer: Add the cooked bacon and remaining beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.

11/ Final Seasoning and Serve: Finally, adjust the taste with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

🌟Serving Ideas and Family Touches🌟

⭐️ Use Beef Consommé and Bacon for Depth: We recommend using beef consommé as the bouillon—it enhances the richness and umami of the stew. Bacon is included to add extra savory flavor to the base.

⭐️ Add Your Favorite Vegetables: Feel free to add ingredients like mushrooms or carrots to the stew for extra flavor and texture. They go well with the sauce.

⭐️ Pair It with Your Favorite Side: As shown in the photo, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta (we used tagliatelle), white rice, or mashed potatoes. Choose your favorite accompaniment to enjoy it your way.

⭐️ Perfect with Wine: This dish pairs beautifully with wine, especially with a Côtes du Rhône, like the wine shown in the photo. Its smooth body and subtle spice highlight the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.

⭐️ A Family Recipe with a Twist: This dish was inspired by the one my mother-in-law always prepares when we visit my husband's family in France. It’s a true taste of home. Traditionally, the dish is made with rabbit, but I adapted it using chicken for an easier, equally delicious version.