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Meat, Classics and bistro fare

French grandma’s chicken with bacon and potatoes

Grandma's chicken is a dish simmered in one pot with bacon, pearl onions, mushrooms and potatoes, for 4 people in 1h20, easy, for €3.10 per serving. The key to success is slow simmering with the lid on, which keeps the chicken tender while the potatoes soak up the cooking juices.

A grandma style chicken simmered in a pot with bacon, pearl onions, mushrooms and tender potatoes, a real family dish.

French grandma’s chicken with bacon and potatoes
Total time
1 h 20
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€3.10
Calories per person
520 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Winter, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

Grandma's chicken is the kind of dish that fills the whole house with smell while it simmers quietly on the stove. Smoky bacon and mushrooms flavor the juices, pearl onions add a mild sweetness, and the potatoes finish cooking right in the pot, soaking up every bit of flavor. The result is tender, generous, and completely unfussy.

This is the kind of recipe Mon Chou likes to suggest on a slow winter Sunday, when you have time to let the pot do the work. Kids recognize the chicken and potatoes they already love, while adults enjoy the juices seasoned with white wine and thyme. It's a one pot meal that feeds the whole family without needing a side dish.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Chicken pieces 1.4 kg
  • Smoked bacon 150 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Pearl onions 12
  • White mushrooms 250 g
  • Potatoes 700 g
  • Garlic 2 cloves
  • Thyme 4 sprigs
  • Parsley 1 bunch

Pantry

  • White wine 15 cl
  • Sunflower oiloften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

The step by step recipe

  1. Brown the chicken pieces in a pot with the oil, then set aside. 10 min

    Start skin side down, it gives the most flavor.

  2. In the same pot, cook the bacon, pearl onions and mushrooms. 8 min

    Let the mushrooms release their water before stirring.

  3. Put the chicken back in, add the garlic, thyme, white wine and half a glass of water, season with salt and pepper.

    The white wine deglazes all the browned bits at the bottom of the pot.

  4. Cover and let simmer over low heat. 25 min

    Keep the lid tightly closed, the chicken stays moist.

  5. Add the potatoes in large cubes and continue cooking, then sprinkle with parsley. 30 min

    Firm fleshed potatoes hold their shape better during cooking.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use a heavy bottomed pot, it spreads heat more evenly and keeps the juices from catching while the chicken browns.
  • Cut the potatoes into even cubes so they all cook at the same pace during the last 30 minutes.
  • If the sauce looks too thin at the end, finish cooking uncovered for a few minutes to let it reduce slightly.

The variations

  • Swap the smoky bacon for plain bacon if you prefer a milder, less salty flavor.
  • For a meatless version, skip the chicken and bacon, double the mushrooms and add extra potatoes.
  • For a quicker weeknight version, use pre cut boneless chicken thighs and shorten the simmering time to 20 minutes before adding the potatoes.

What to serve it with

  • A simple green salad
  • Crusty bread for the juices
  • A glass of the same white wine

Storage

Grandma's chicken keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well, though it's best to leave out the potatoes for a better texture. Reheat gently in a pot with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Questions about this dish

Can you make grandma's chicken ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day. Make it the day before, keep it in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving.

Can you replace the white wine?

You can use chicken broth instead if you'd rather skip the wine. The flavor will be slightly less bright but the dish still works well.

Do you need to peel the potatoes?

Yes, peel the potatoes before cutting them into large cubes. Choose a firm variety so they hold their shape in the sauce.

Do kids usually like grandma's chicken?

Yes, kids tend to love it thanks to the chicken and the soft potatoes. You can leave the mushrooms out of their portion if needed.

How long does it take to make a French grandma's chicken with bacon and potatoes?

Count 1 h 20 in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a French grandma's chicken with bacon and potatoes?

About 520 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a French grandma's chicken with bacon and potatoes cost?

About €3.10 per serving, or €12.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains none of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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