Chicken Bonne Femme (Julia Child)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 2

Julia Child's classic Chicken Bonne Femme recipe

by The Chefin Main

Prep

30 min

Cook

60 min

Ready In

90 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1/2 lb piece bacon
	4 tablespoons butter
	3 lbs roasting chickens , trussed and buttered
	15 -25 peeled white onions ( about 1-inch diameter )
	1 - 1 1/2 lb boiling potato
	1/4 teaspoon salt
	1 medium bouquet garni , made with 4 parsley sprig , 1/2 bay leaf , and 1/4 teaspoon thyme

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

4-6

Calories

563

Sugar

Fat

42g

Chicken Bonne Femme is a classic French dish that has been around for centuries. The name means 'good woman's chicken' and it's said to have originated as a hearty meal for the working-class women in the countryside. Julia Child popularized the recipe in America, and it has been a staple in French cuisine ever since. The dish is relatively simple to prepare and requires only a few ingredients. The chicken is roasted with bacon, potatoes, and onions, making it a one-pan meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. It's a comforting and hearty meal that is sure to please the whole family.

Instructions

1.	Preheat oven to 425°F/218°C.
2.	Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet until brown and crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3.	Add butter to the skillet and heat until melted.
4.	Sprinkle the chicken with salt and place it in the skillet, browning it on all sides.
5.	Remove the chicken and set it aside.
6.	Add onions to the skillet and cook until brown. Remove the onions and set them aside.
7.	Peel and quarter the potatoes and place them in a bowl of cold water.
8.	Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
9.	In a large bowl, combine the bacon, onions, potatoes, and bouquet garni, and mix well.
10.	Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour the bacon, onion, and potato mixture over the top.
11.	Roast the chicken for 45-60 minutes or until cooked through.

PROS

Chicken Bonne Femme is a classic French dish that is easy to prepare and delicious.
The bacon and onions add rich flavors to the roasted chicken, while the potatoes make it a one-pan meal.

It’s a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for a cool evening.

CONS

This recipe uses a lot of butter and bacon, which can make it high in fat.

It’s not a low-calorie dish and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chicken is a good source of protein, while onions are high in fiber and vitamin C.
Potatoes are a starchy vegetable that provides energy and are a good source of vitamin C.
However, this recipe uses a lot of bacon and butter, which are high in saturated fat.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use less bacon or substitute it with a leaner protein like chicken breast.