Jackie Kennedys Poulet A Lestragon Recipes

CREAMY FRENCH CHICKEN TARRAGON

Steps:

• Make sure you read the cooking notes before you start.
• Step 1 - Two hours prior to cooking, rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat-dry thoroughly with paper towel. Season each piece with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside, at room temperature.
• Pre-heat your oven to 375F (190C) with a rack in the middle.
• Step 2 - Heat up a large oven-safe frying pan (or skillet) over medium heat with the butter. When the butter is sizzling, place the chicken thighs in, skin-side down. Cook for about 10 minutes, without touching, until the chicken skin is golden brown and the chicken is ¾ done; just firm. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for 10 more minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil. Keep the pan hot and do not rinse it (keep the chicken drippings in).
• Step 3 - Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is lightly caramelized. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, on top of the onion. Sprinkle with the chopped tarragon. Pour the chicken stock and white wine into the pan. Bring to a simmer and transfer the pan into the oven for 30 minutes (covered).
• Step 4 - Take the pan out of the oven, back onto the stove top at medium heat. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil again. Stir the cream into the pan. Bring to a simmer and keep stirring until the sauce thickens (this could take 7-8 minutes). Place the chicken thighs back into the pan and cook for 5 more minutes.
• For serving, sprinkle chicken pieces with fresh tarragon leaves.

POULET A L'ESTRAGON (CHICKEN WITH TARRAGON)

Steps:

• Remove the giblets from the chicken, and reserve them for another use. Place the chicken in a bowl or sink, and pour the boiling water over it. This French trick tightens the skin of the bird, which in turn seals in the flavor better. Dry the chicken with paper towels.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Blend the softened butter with half the tarragon and a little salt and pepper. Place the herb butter in the cavity of the chicken, then place the chicken in a cast-iron casserole, pour the wine over it, cover, and roast for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it is cooked through.
• Transfer the chicken to a hot serving dish. Stir the beurre manie into juices in the casserole, and cook for 1 minute. Add the cream and the remaining tarragon, and cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened. Pour the sauce over or around chicken, and serve immediately.

POULET à L'ESTRAGON

Steps:

• For the Poulet à l'Estragon
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a bowl of ice water on the side. Score an X on the bottoms of the tomatoes. Boil them for 5 seconds, or until the skins loosen on the bottoms. Strain and peel under cold running water; set aside.
• In a 5-quart braising pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the oil. Season the chicken on all sides with salt and pepper.
• Add the chicken to the pan skin side down and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer the chicken to a platter, set aside, and strain all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots and onions to the pan. Cook, stirring, until the shallots are soft. Add the tomato paste and flour and cook, stirring, for another minute. Add the vinegar, bring to a simmer, then stir in the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan with half of the tomatoes and the tarragon. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining tomatoes, cover, and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• For the Rice Pilaf
• Rinse the rice with cold water until it runs clear. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until translucent. Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the butter, chicken stock, salt, bay leaf, thyme, and tarragon and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook undisturbed over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
• For the Yellow Wax Bean Fricassée
• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and boil for 4 minutes, or until tender. Strain, return the beans to the pan over medium-low heat, and toss with the butter. Season with salt and pepper and toss in the tarragon leaves just before serving.