Chicken Parmentier

Story behind the dish

Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of roasted chicken and simmering vegetables, topped with a luscious layer of creamy mashed potatoes. Chicken Parmentier is a hearty, rustic dish that wraps up humble ingredients into an elegant, soul-satisfying meal. Its origins lie in French comfort food tradition, transforming leftovers into a sophisticated casserole that’s perfect for sharing around the table. Whether you’re making this on a chilly evening or hosting a family dinner, it’s a dish that conveys warmth and culinary ingenuity in every bite.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 lbs (1.5 kg) potatoes
• 1 oz (30 g) butter, plus 1 oz (30 g) for the filling
• 2 1/2 tbsp (5 tbsp) double cream
• 2 egg yolks
• 7 shallots, sliced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 sticks celery, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp white wine
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 14 oz (400 g) tinned tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) chicken stock
• 1 1/4 lbs (600 g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 16 black olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 3/4 oz (50 g) Gruyère cheese, grated

Step-by-step

1. Prepare the potato topping: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well. Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or mash thoroughly until smooth. Stir in 1 oz butter, 2 1/2 tbsp cream, and egg yolks. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
2. Make the filling: In a large pan, melt 1 oz butter over medium heat. Add the shallots, carrots, and celery, and gently cook until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Pour in the white wine and cook for 1 minute to reduce slightly. Stir in the tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
3. Add chicken and olives: Fold in the shredded chicken, sliced olives, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4). Transfer the filling into a 20x30cm (8x12-inch) ovenproof dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top and sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until bubbling hot and the potato topping is golden-brown. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of thyme or rosemary to the filling as it simmers.
• Serve with a side of mixed greens or a simple green salad to add freshness to this hearty dish.

Closing thoughts

With its rich flavors and rustic charm, Chicken Parmentier is a celebration of wholesome comfort food. Perfect for any day when you want to bring warmth to the table, this dish transforms simple leftovers and pantry staples into a gourmet-worthy casserole. Gather your loved ones and enjoy every hearty, satisfying bite — a true testament to the magic of home-cooked classics.