Jacques Pépin’s Crispy Garlic & Parsley Chicken: The Ultimate Fast & Flavorful Weeknight Meal (Secret Ingredient Revealed!)
Discovering culinary gems from masters like Jacques Pépin is always a treat, and this Chicken with Garlic and Parsley recipe, found in his classic cookbook Fast Food My Way (affiliate link), is nothing short of revolutionary for weeknight dinners. From the moment I first read through the technique, I knew this would be a game-changer. The methodology for creating its exquisite sauce immediately reminded me of the robust, aromatic flavors often found in Spanish cuisine, such as the renowned Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo). This similarity was a clear sign that the resulting aroma and taste would be absolutely incredible, promising a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and surprisingly quick to prepare.
One of the most appealing aspects of this Jacques Pépin chicken recipe is its remarkable speed. The chicken breast is deliberately cut into small, bite-sized “nuggets,” allowing it to cook incredibly fast. This rapid cooking approach is crucial, especially when working with lean chicken breast, which can easily dry out if overcooked. To achieve perfection – a juicy interior and a beautifully browned exterior – you must embrace high heat and swift execution. This technique not only ensures the chicken remains tender and moist but also contributes to the overall efficiency, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when time is of the essence but flavor cannot be compromised.
Now, let’s talk about the true star of this recipe, the secret ingredient that transforms simple chicken pieces into super crispy, irresistible nuggets without the need for traditional breading or deep-frying. I confess, I was entirely unfamiliar with this product until I delved into Pépin’s recipe and conducted my own research. The secret, to end the suspense, is **WONDRA flour!** This isn’t your everyday all-purpose flour. Wondra is a pre-gelatinized, ultra-fine instant flour, commonly lauded for its ability to create smooth, lump-free gravies and sauces. However, its real magic shines through in this chicken dish. When lightly coating the chicken pieces and cooking them over high heat, Wondra flour develops a stunning, golden crust that is wonderfully crispy and utterly addictive. What surprised me even more was its accessibility; despite my initial unfamiliarity, I had no trouble finding Wondra flour both online (affiliate link) and at my local grocery store, proving that this culinary secret is readily available to anyone eager to try it.
As a parent, I’m particularly enthusiastic about this recipe because it offers a brilliant solution to a common household challenge: picky eaters. My four-year-old son, like many children, has a deep affection for chicken nuggets, but his palate is often quite particular. This recipe allows me to easily prepare a batch of these crispy, wholesome chicken nuggets for him first, setting aside a portion before adding the rich garlic and parsley sauce for the adults. His pickiness is a recurring theme in my kitchen, a topic I’ve touched upon in posts like my Antipasto Pasta Salad with Salami and Bologna. With the remaining chicken, all that’s left to do is generously douse it in that absolutely out-of-this-world garlic and parsley sauce, and then simply indulge. For those who appreciate a good sauce to soak up, a slice of Homemade Dutch Oven Crusty Bread is the perfect accompaniment, ideal for dunking and savoring every last drop of flavor.
Beyond its deliciousness and speed, the adaptability of this Jacques Pépin Chicken recipe is another reason it has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. While the garlic and parsley sauce is undeniably phenomenal, the core cooking technique – achieving that incredible crispiness with Wondra flour – can be paired with an array of other sauces to suit any preference or occasion. This flexibility means you can customize your meal with ease:
- You could whip up the vibrant honey mustard sauce I used for these Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders, adding a sweet and tangy kick.
- Alternatively, reach for your favorite smoky and sweet BBQ sauce, perfect for a casual, comforting meal.
- Or, for the ultimate simplicity and a guaranteed kid-pleaser, a dollop of classic ketchup works wonderfully.
The beauty lies in the chicken itself, which acts as a versatile canvas for whatever flavors you choose to complement it with. This makes the recipe not just a single dish, but a foundation for countless delicious possibilities.
The key to mastering this dish truly lies in the cooking technique. It demands high heat and quick cooking times – we’re talking less than two minutes per side for those perfectly golden, crispy bits. A crucial word of caution here: because you’ll be cooking on such intense heat with a very fine flour coating, the chicken will inevitably splatter. To safeguard your kitchen from a messy cleanup and your hands from potential scalding, having a reliable splatter guard (affiliate link) at the ready is absolutely essential. While the splattering is the only minor inconvenience of this otherwise flawless recipe, I assure you, with a good splatter guard in place, the end result of incredibly flavorful and crispy chicken is undeniably worth every bit of precaution.
If you’re in search of a super delicious, incredibly quick, and surprisingly crispy dinner idea that will impress without demanding hours in the kitchen, this Jacques Pépin Chicken with Garlic and Parsley recipe is your answer. It’s a testament to simple ingredients and smart techniques, delivering a meal that’s both elegant and utterly comforting. Give it a try – you certainly won’t be disappointed!
Jacques Pepin Chicken with Garlic and Parsley
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Ingredients
- 3 chicken breast boneless, skinless, cut into 1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 tbsp Wondra flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1 tbsp garlic fresh, chopped
- 3 tbsp parsley Italian, fresh, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 lemon quartered
Instructions
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Cut the chicken into 1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels;
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Place the chicken in a bowl and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper;
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Add the Wondra flour and toss well until all chicken pieces are lightly and evenly coated;
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Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking;
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Add the chicken cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 3 1/2 minutes until golden brown and crispy;
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While the chicken cooks, in a separate small bowl, combine the chopped fresh garlic and parsley;
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Once the chicken is cooked, add the butter and the garlic-parsley mixture to the pan. Cook for one minute, shaking the skillet vigorously to coat the chicken with the aromatic sauce;
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Serve immediately (within 15 minutes for best crispiness) with a lemon wedge for each serving, allowing guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their chicken.
Notes
Calories from Fat 135
Nutrition
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. I only recommend what I like and use. Please only purchase what you need.
This incredibly versatile and flavorful Jacques Pépin chicken would pair perfectly with these side dishes, enhancing any meal with their complementary flavors:
Parmesan Spinach Orzo: A quick and creamy orzo dish infused with fresh spinach and savory Parmesan, offering a comforting and elegant counterpoint to the crispy chicken.
Greek Spinach Rice with Feta: A vibrant and zesty rice pilaf, studded with tender spinach and tangy feta, that provides a refreshing Mediterranean twist alongside the rich chicken.
Or these light and refreshing salads, perfect for balancing the meal:
Summer Panzanella with Garlic Butter Bread: This Italian bread salad, featuring crusty garlic-butter infused bread and fresh summer vegetables, adds texture and bright flavors, making it an excellent companion.
Greek Panzanella with Garlic Lemon Dressing: A refreshing take on Panzanella, combining classic Greek salad ingredients like Kalamata olives and briny feta with toasted bread cubes, all dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
For more delicious chicken dinners that are just as flavorful and satisfying, consider these other favorites:
Grilled Chicken Shawarma: An aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender, spice-marinated chicken, perfect for a flavorful weeknight alternative or a delightful BBQ.
Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs: Skewers of succulent chicken, marinated in a fragrant blend of Mediterranean spices, garlic, and lemon, grilled to juicy perfection and often served with a cooling yogurt sauce.
