Creamy Chicken in White Sauce

Made on 24th November 2009 and then developed into Chicken, mushroom, spinach pasta.

http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/creamy-chicken-in-a-white-sauce

Ingredients

1. 2 tbsp vegetable oil
2. Knob of butter, plus extra 3 tbsp, softened
3. 16 boneless chicken thighs or 8 chicken breasts, diced
4. 1 large onion, finely chopped
5. 2 garlic cloves, crushed
6. 150ml dry white wine
7. 4 fresh bay leaves
8. Leaves from 3 sprigs fresh thyme
9. 3 tbsp plain flour
10. 700ml chicken stock, hot
11. 75ml double cream

Method

1. 1. Heat the vegetable oil and knob of butter in a large, deep frying pan or flameproof casserole. Season the chicken pieces and fry, in batches, over a medium-high heat, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken to a large bowl and set aside.
2. 2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and fry gently, without colouring, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds. Add the wine and herbs, then cover and cook for 10 minutes.
3. 3. Remove the lid and bubble over a high heat until the liquid is reduced to about 1 tablespoon. Add to the bowl with the cooked chicken.
4. 4. Add the extra 3 tablespoons of butter to the pan and melt. Add the flour and stir well to make a paste. Cook for 5 minutes, until a pale golden colour. Gradually add the hot stock, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.
5. 5. Return the chicken and onions to the pan. Cover and simmer gently for 5 minutes, then add the double cream. Check the seasoning. Set aside to cool.
6. 6. Once cool, divide the creamy chicken between 3 freezer bags or freezerproof containers, label and freeze. Now you have your base, search for one of the following recipes: Chicken a la king; Chicken, mushroom and spinach pasta bake; or Chicken, pea and bacon pies.