How to Make Herb Velouté Sauce with Chicken Breast
Welcome to another delicious recipe guide! Today, we’re taking a classic French sauce—velouté—and elevating it with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Paired with a beautifully seared and oven-finished chicken breast, this dish is perfect for a special dinner at home. Let’s dive in!
What is Velouté Sauce?
Velouté sauce is a classic French sauce made by combining a roux (butter and flour) with a flavorful stock, typically chicken. The result is a smooth, rich sauce that enhances the dish’s depth and taste.
Homemade Chicken Broth
The key to a flavorful velouté sauce starts with a good broth. While store-bought versions work, making it at home allows for better control over taste and ingredients.
To make homemade chicken broth:
Simmer chicken bones, herbs, and vegetables for about 8 hours.
Strain the broth to remove solids.
Store it for later use in soups, sauces, or stews.
Preparing the Chicken Breast
A well-cooked chicken breast should be juicy and flavorful.
Here’s how to prepare it:
1. Preheat the Oven – Set it to a high temperature and place a brick inside. The brick adds an extra layer of heat, similar to a brick oven, giving the chicken a slightly charred, restaurant-style taste.
2. Sear the Chicken – Spray a pan with oil and sear the marinated chicken breast skin-side down first. This step locks in the juices and creates a crispy outer layer.
3. Transfer to the Oven – Once seared, move the chicken to the oven on the heated brick. This technique enhances the flavor while ensuring even cooking.
4. Keep it Moist – To prevent the chicken from drying out, baste it with melted butter and a bit of chicken broth while it finishes cooking.
Making the Herb Velouté Sauce
Now for the star of the dish—the herb-infused velouté sauce!
Ingredients:
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups homemade chicken broth
Black pepper, salt, and seasoning of choice
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and spinach)
Instructions:
1. Make the Roux – Melt butter in a pan, then add flour and stir continuously until it forms a smooth paste. Reduce the heat to prevent burning.
2. Add Seasonings – Mix in black pepper and any additional seasonings to enhance the flavor.
3. Incorporate the Broth – Slowly add warm chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Let it simmer until thickened.
4. Blanch the Herbs – Boil parsley, thyme, and spinach briefly to remove bitterness and enhance their natural green color.
5. Blend the Sauce – Transfer the velouté sauce and blanched herbs to a blender. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
Plating the Dish
Place the velouté sauce on a plate as a base.
Slice the chicken breast and arrange it over the sauce.
Garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Final Thoughts
This herb-infused velouté sauce brings a refined touch to a simple chicken breast, making it a great option for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a complete fine-dining experience at home!
Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!
