Chicken and Mushroom Crepe

This Chicken and Mushroom Crepe recipe is a perfect dish for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. Made with tender roasted chicken, sautéed leeks and mushrooms, and a rich béchamel sauce, these crepes are baked with gruyere cheese for an irresistible finish. The best part? Many of the steps can be prepared ahead of time, making this a great recipe for entertaining!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crepes:

  • 1 ¾ cup (210g) flour
  • ½ tsp (5ml) salt
  • 2 ½ cups (595ml) milk
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 4 tbsp (60ml) melted butter
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh dill

For the Filling:

  • 2 chicken breasts, bone-in, skin-on
  • 1 tbsp (15g) butter
  • 4 leeks (white parts only), sliced into ½-inch moons
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) mushrooms, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) parsley, minced

For the Béchamel Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp (30g) butter
  • 2 tbsp (15g) flour
  • 2 ⅓ cups (555ml) milk
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Paprika, to taste
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) fresh parsley, minced

Directions

  1. Roast the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet with a rack and roast for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool, then shred with forks. (This can be done a day ahead.)

  2. Make the Crepe Batter: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt, then slowly add milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Add beaten eggs, melted butter, and fresh dill. Whisk until smooth.

  3. Cook the Crepes: Heat a non-stick 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Grease with a small amount of vegetable oil. Pour in a ladleful of batter, swirling the pan to spread it evenly. Cook until edges turn golden, then flip and cook for 30 seconds more. Repeat with remaining batter. Stack crepes with paper towels between them.

  4. Prepare the Filling: Melt butter in a large skillet, then sauté leeks until soft. Add mushrooms, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until mushrooms release their liquid and become tender. Stir in parsley and set aside.

  5. Make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

  6. Assemble the Crepes: Place a crepe in a small baking dish. Fill with 2 tbsp of the mushroom mixture and ¼ cup of shredded chicken. Spoon 2 tbsp of béchamel over the filling, then roll up the crepe. Drizzle additional béchamel on top and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese and paprika.

  7. Bake and Broil: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with a side salad.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 404
  • Total Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg
  • Sodium: 437mg
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 20g

Enjoy this savory and elegant Chicken and Mushroom Crepe, perfect for any special occasion! 🍽️

The Appeal of Chicken and Mushroom Crepes

Crepes have long been a staple of French cuisine, known for their versatility and delicate texture. Whether served sweet or savory, crepes provide the perfect canvas for an array of flavors. In this dish, the combination of chicken and mushrooms creates a comforting yet gourmet experience. The creamy béchamel sauce elevates the filling, adding a luxurious texture that ties everything together. Finished with Gruyere cheese and a touch of paprika, these crepes are rich, flavorful, and ideal for entertaining.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

The success of this dish lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients. The chicken provides a hearty protein base, while the mushrooms lend an earthy depth of flavor. Leeks, with their mild onion-like taste, complement the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. The béchamel sauce, made with butter, flour, and milk, enhances the richness while binding all components together. Finally, Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that becomes irresistibly melty when baked.

Why This Recipe is Great for Entertaining

One of the best aspects of this Chicken and Mushroom Crepe recipe is its flexibility when it comes to preparation. If you’re hosting a brunch or dinner party, you can easily make the crepes and the filling in advance, cutting down on last-minute cooking stress. The chicken can be roasted a day before, shredded, and stored in the fridge. The crepe batter also benefits from a brief rest before cooking, making it an ideal choice for those who like to plan ahead.

When it’s time to serve, simply assemble the crepes, top them with cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling. The final dish not only looks elegant but is also packed with comforting flavors that are sure to delight your guests.

The Role of Béchamel Sauce in This Recipe

Béchamel sauce is one of the five classic French mother sauces, and it plays a crucial role in this recipe. It provides a creamy, velvety texture that envelops the chicken and mushrooms, preventing the filling from becoming dry. The subtle hint of garlic in the béchamel adds a depth of flavor, making it an essential component of this dish. If you’re looking for a variation, you can enhance the sauce by adding a touch of nutmeg or substituting part of the milk with heavy cream for an even richer result.

Customizing the Recipe to Suit Your Preferences

One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your personal taste or dietary restrictions:

  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more mushrooms or substitute with spinach for an equally delicious alternative.
  • Cheese Variations: If you don’t have Gruyere, try Swiss cheese, Parmesan, or even a mild cheddar.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for both the crepes and the béchamel sauce to make the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Protein Variations: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, ham, or even smoked salmon for a different take on the recipe.

The Perfect Pairing: A Simple Side Salad

To balance out the richness of the crepes, a light side salad is the perfect accompaniment. A simple mix of greens dressed with a tangy Dijon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess and provides a refreshing contrast. The salad also adds a crisp texture that complements the softness of the crepes. This combination ensures a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and well-balanced.

The Art of Making Perfect Crepes

For those unfamiliar with making crepes, the process might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple with the right technique:

  1. Consistency of the Batter: The crepe batter should be thin and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until you achieve the right consistency.
  2. Resting Time: Letting the batter rest for at least 30 minutes helps the flour fully absorb the liquid, resulting in more tender crepes.
  3. Proper Pan Temperature: A non-stick skillet heated over medium-high heat is ideal. The pan should be hot enough to set the batter quickly but not so hot that it burns.
  4. Swirling the Batter: As soon as the batter is poured into the pan, swirl it around to spread it evenly and achieve a thin, delicate crepe.

Following these steps will help you achieve restaurant-quality crepes that are soft, pliable, and perfect for filling.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover crepes, they store beautifully in the refrigerator or freezer. Here’s how you can keep them fresh:

  • Refrigeration: Store cooked crepes in an airtight container for up to three days. You can also refrigerate the filling and sauce separately.
  • Freezing: Stack crepes with parchment paper between each one, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months.
  • Reheating: Warm individual crepes in a skillet over low heat or microwave them briefly. If reheating a fully assembled crepe dish, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, preparing a special dinner, or simply looking for a comforting meal, these Chicken and Mushroom Crepes are a fantastic choice. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, creamy béchamel, and melted Gruyere creates an irresistible dish that is both elegant and satisfying.

With its make-ahead elements and easy customization options, this recipe is a convenient addition to your repertoire. Serve it alongside a fresh salad, a glass of white wine, or even a warm bowl of soup for a truly memorable dining experience. If you’ve never tried making savory crepes before, now is the perfect time to explore this French-inspired delight and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

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