Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz) bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh cutlets (roughly 5 chicken thigh cutlets – you can use skin-off cutlets, although skin-on are juicier) (see note 1 for using boneless thighs)
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
SAUCE
- 1 brown onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- ½ cup (125 ml) dry white wine (can be substituted with chicken stock)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard (see note 2)
- 1 cup (250 ml) thickened (heavy) cream
- 4 thyme sprigs (or 1 tbsp dried thyme)
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan
TO SERVE
- Mashed potato
- Steamed greens or a leafy green salad
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) (180°C/350°F fan-forced).
- Prepare the chicken – Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep ovenproof pan over medium–high heat.
- Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5 minutes or until the skin is golden and crispy. Turn and cook for another 3 minutes, until browned. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Spoon out any excess chicken fat from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons – turn the heat off while you do this, if it’s easier.
- Make the sauce – Reduce the heat to medium–low and add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook for 2–3 minutes until most of the wine has evaporated.
- Add the butter and, once melted, immediately add the flour. Cook, stirring, until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and add half the chicken stock, incorporating it with the flour mixture using a whisk.
- Whisk in the remaining chicken stock, the dijon mustard, cream, thyme and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the parmesan and stir to combine.
- Bake the chicken – Return the chicken to the pan, along with any resting juices. Transfer to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 40–45 minutes, until the chicken has cooked through.
- If using fresh thyme, remove the sprigs.
- Serve – Serve the chicken with mash and steamed greens or a fresh leafy salad. Garnish with extra thyme leaves and extra freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
Notes
Note 1 – You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead, but reduce the cooking time to 30–35 minutes.
Note 2 – Wholegrain mustard works wonderfully as a substitute. If you prefer a milder flavour, try yellow (American) mustard, or omit the mustard completely and replace it with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
Makeahead
This recipe is best made and eaten immediately. Leftovers last well in the fridge, see the leftovers instructions below.
Leftovers
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for best results. Not suitable to freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Chicken, One Pan
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food