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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Chicken and Leek Stroganoff

With the nicer, warmer weather beginning to settle in, my urge for meals that seem a bit lighter are beginning to fall into place.  When Spring hits, I always feel a need to clean and cleanse and get ready to come alive after a few months of hunkering down and slumbering.  I mean this for both my eating habits and for the house and the yard and habits that have gotten lax and slovenly while being cooped up inside for so long.  This meal is lighter than what you would normally think of when you hear the word "stroganoff", but still full of flavor...creamy and citrusy and a bit tangy, even.  Plus, the whole family enjoyed it...and that is always a bonus.
Chicken and Leek Stroganoff
serves 2 (I tripled this)

sea salt
¾ c. brown basmati rice
1 large leek, cleaned well then halved & sliced thin
a big handful of crimini or oyster mushrooms, sliced
2 chicken breast fillets, cut into fingers
olive oil
butter
glass of white wine
freshly ground black pepper
a bunch of fresh parsley, chopped (stems & all) I didn't triple this, just used one bunch
1¼ c. heavy cream*
1 lemon
Cook your rice. 

Put a large pan on high heat and add a good lug of olive oil and a pat of butter.  Add the leek to the pan with the wine, a small glass of water, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.  Let it bubble away for 5 minutes, loosely covered.  Add chicken, most of parsley, cream and the mushrooms.  Stir, bring back to a boil, then turn heat down to medium and simmer for ~10 minutes.  Drain your rice.  Just before serving, cut your lemon in half and squeeze on half into the stroganoff. Season to taste.

Spoon some rice onto each plate and top with stroganoff.  Scatter with the rest of the parsley and serve with other half of lemon, cut into wedges.



*You may be tempted to use half & half in place of heavy cream.  Don't do it!  At least not if you want your sauce to be smooth and creamy and cohesive.  While heavy cream keeps it that way, half & half will "break" and cause your sauce to curdle and separate and look like you were trying to make cheese instead of sauce.  That said, it'll still taste good, but you won't win any photo contests.  And remember, we eat with our eyes first.  Although, if you're able to get everybody at the table to take their first bite with their eyes closed...or by candlelight, you may be okay.

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  1. What a yum yum yummy way to welcome spring.

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  2. Yummy recipe..

    New to ur space n happy to follow u for more wonderful recipes..

    Do visit me when u get time dear .
    http://comeletseat.blogspot.com

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  3. Un plato de pollo delicioso. Fantastico.

    Saludos

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  4. Beautiful creation...lovely picture. Loved the recipe as well...a must try one.

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  5. Just right for starting out a great Spring season, the lemon is the key. thanks.

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  6. Spring is here and lighter dishes are showing up more and more often!!!

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  7. Wow, I use white wine in my Stroganoff also. you must like french cooking :)
    Great minds think alike!
    Hope you can come see me too at http://willcookforsmiles.blogspot.com/

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  8. I would eat this with my eyes closed or open or poked out. It looks and sounds wonderful.

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  9. This looks really good. I've never had chicken stroganoff.

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  10. There's no thrill like cooking a meal that everyone likes. By the look of it, I would too!

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  11. This does sound like a refreshing change for Spring. I need to start making more dishes like this. Hope you have a great day.
    -Gina-

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  12. Looks completely delicious! I'll have to try this. Great photography as well.

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  13. This sounds like a wonderful transition food! Still a little heavy cause damn is it still cold here, but it also has leeks - a quintessential spring veggie!

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  14. Wow I would love try chicken stroganoff and I like anything with leeks. Great pictures and recipe!

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  15. Oh yes! A combo of two of my favorite go-to food items. Leeks are in our market produce section periodically but you can’t always find them. When I do, I grab them. Nice choice for the Jamie theme!

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  16. comfort food at it's best! I could really go for some right now! :) I am loving leeks right now too!

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  17. look yummy,yummy, love it! xx gloria

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  18. Leeks are one of my favorite veggies ever. This sounds like a great recipe.

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  19. Hi Heather,
    I am not one of the people who will be tempted to use half and half, no girl I am using the real thing. I can't wait this looks heavenly. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you next week!

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  20. i don't cook with leeks near enough, this sounds wonderful. and i just love your pictures!

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  21. This creamy chicken and leek stroganoff looks so good. I agree with using full fat cream, if you're going to cook something like this, do it right!

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  22. I love it when I make dinner and everyone loves it! This looks really good and I'm pretty sure it would be popular at my house as well. I love leeks!

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  23. A great looking dish! Fresh n bright..
    US Masala

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  24. What a delicious and comforting meal. I want to make this as soon as I can! Thank you for sharing with me...and for making me smile. Your words are a source of joy in my life, and in the lives of many others. I hope you have a happy Friday. The weekend is almost here, and I'm ready for it!

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  25. This is awesome meal. Love the way you explain all the dishes.

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  26. Yum! I love stroganoff, looks absolutely delicious.

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  27. This is a great twist on a classic comfort dish. It's funny, spring always makes me feel the same way, like I should throw open all the windows (both literally and metaphorically) and clean things up!

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  28. I love stroganoff--just not on my hips lol ;-) This looks delicious--I like the chicken and leek combination. Great pick for April Showers!

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  29. I think this sounds WONderful. Another bookmarked.

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  30. Wow! what a nice stroganoff, and totally different from the one i'd expected(when i clicked the link).
    It's one my to make list!
    A great light meal to wake up springtime in your head;)

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