When it comes to French cuisine, few dishes are as iconic as the humble crepe. These delicate, thin pancakes can be filled with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients, but one of the most popular and delicious options is chicken. Chicken crepes are a staple of French restaurants around the world, and for good reason – the combination of tender chicken, crispy crepe, and rich sauce is a match made in heaven. But what about the sides? What can you serve with chicken crepes to elevate the dish and add some extra flavor and texture?
Why Sides Matter
When it comes to serving chicken crepes, the sides can make or break the dish. A good side can add contrast and balance to the meal, cutting the richness of the crepe and the savory flavor of the chicken. It can also add some extra nutrients and fiber to the dish, making it a more well-rounded and satisfying meal. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
Classic French Sides
When it comes to traditional French cuisine, there are a few sides that are commonly served with chicken crepes. These include:
- Haricots Verts: French green beans are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken crepes. Simply blanch the beans in boiling water until tender, then toss with butter, salt, and pepper.
- Pommes Frites: Thinly sliced French fries are a popular side dish that can add a satisfying crunch to the meal. Simply slice the potatoes thinly, toss with oil and seasoning, and bake until crispy.
- Salade Frisee: A simple green salad made with frisée (a type of endive), cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich crepe.
International Inspiration
While traditional French sides are delicious, you can also look to international cuisine for inspiration. Here are a few ideas:
Asian-Style Sides
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: This Asian green is a great match for chicken crepes. Simply stir-fry the bok choy with some garlic and ginger, and serve with a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Pickled Ginger: Thinly slice some fresh ginger and soak it in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. This can add a nice tanginess to the meal.
Italian-Style Sides
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables, which can provide a nice contrast to the savory flavor of the chicken. Try roasting some zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes with some olive oil and seasoning.
- Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes: Thinly slice some potatoes and toss with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Roast in the oven until crispy.
Healthy Options
If you’re looking for some healthier options to serve with your chicken crepes, here are a few ideas:
Steamed Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus: Asparagus is a natural pairing with chicken, and steaming it can help preserve its delicate flavor and texture.
- Steamed Broccoli: Broccoli is a nutritious and delicious side dish that can be steamed to perfection in just a few minutes.
Quinoa Salad
- Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: Cook some quinoa and let it cool, then toss with cooked black beans, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
Comfort Food Options
If you’re looking for some comfort food options to serve with your chicken crepes, here are a few ideas:
Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic and Butter Mashed Potatoes: These are a classic comfort food that can be made by boiling diced potatoes until tender, then mashing with butter, milk, and garlic.
Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: This is a comforting side dish that can be made by cooking macaroni according to the package instructions, then tossing with a creamy cheese sauce.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many delicious sides that you can serve with chicken crepes. Whether you’re looking for traditional French options, international inspiration, healthy choices, or comfort food, there’s something on this list for everyone. So next time you’re making chicken crepes, don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new!
| Sides | Description |
|---|---|
| Haricots Verts | French green beans blanched in boiling water and tossed with butter, salt, and pepper. |
| Pommes Frites | Thinly sliced French fries baked until crispy. |
| Salade Frisee | A simple green salad made with frisée, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. |
| Stir-Fried Bok Choy | Asian green stir-fried with garlic and ginger and served with a drizzle of soy sauce. |
| Pickled Ginger | Thinly sliced fresh ginger soaked in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Vegetables roasted with olive oil and seasoning to bring out their natural sweetness. |
| Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes | Thinly sliced potatoes tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs and roasted until crispy. |
| Steamed Asparagus | Asparagus steamed to preserve its delicate flavor and texture. |
| Steamed Broccoli | Broccoli steamed to perfection in just a few minutes. |
| Quinoa and Black Bean Salad | Cooked quinoa tossed with cooked black beans, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. |
| Garlic and Butter Mashed Potatoes | Diced potatoes boiled until tender and mashed with butter, milk, and garlic. |
| Creamy Macaroni and Cheese | Macaroni cooked according to package instructions and tossed with a creamy cheese sauce. |
What are chicken crepes and how do they taste?
Chicken crepes are a type of dish that combines the French delicacy of crepes with the savory flavor of chicken. They are essentially thin crepes filled with shredded or sliced chicken, and often accompanied by a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, cheese, and sauces. The taste of chicken crepes is a perfect balance of the delicate flavor of crepes and the richness of chicken.
The filling of the crepes can vary greatly depending on the recipe, but it often includes a mix of sautéed chicken, onions, garlic, and herbs. The crepes themselves are usually light and airy, with a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavor of the filling. When you take a bite of a chicken crepe, the combination of textures and flavors is truly delightful, making it a dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
What are some popular sides to serve with chicken crepes?
There are many delicious sides that you can serve with chicken crepes, depending on your personal preferences and the flavor profile you are aiming for. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, which add a nice crunch and a burst of flavor to the dish. You can also serve the crepes with a side of mashed potatoes or a salad, which provide a nice contrast in texture to the delicate crepes.
Other options might include sautéed spinach or green beans, which add a burst of nutrients and flavor to the dish. If you want to keep things simple, you can also serve the crepes with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad, which provide a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the crepes. Whatever side you choose, it’s sure to be a hit when paired with the delicious flavor of chicken crepes.
Can I make chicken crepes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make chicken crepes ahead of time, which makes them a great option for meal prep or for serving a large crowd. The crepes themselves can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day or frozen for up to a month. Simply fill and cook them when you’re ready to serve.
The filling can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to assemble the crepes. This makes it easy to prepare the dish in advance and then simply assemble and cook the crepes when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to follow safe food handling practices when storing and reheating the crepes to ensure that they remain safe to eat.
How do I store leftover chicken crepes?
If you have leftover chicken crepes, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months. To store them in the fridge, simply place the crepes in an airtight container and refrigerate them at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
To freeze the crepes, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you’re ready to reheat the crepes, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat them in the microwave or oven until they’re hot and steaming.
Can I make chicken crepes in a savory or sweet version?
Yes, you can make chicken crepes in both savory and sweet versions, depending on your personal preferences and the flavor profile you are aiming for. Savory chicken crepes are the most common type and are typically filled with ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, and cheese.
Sweet chicken crepes, on the other hand, are a delicious dessert option that combines the delicate flavor of crepes with sweet ingredients such as fruit, Nutella, or whipped cream. To make sweet chicken crepes, simply substitute the savory filling with a sweet one and top with your favorite sweet ingredients. You can also add sweet spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the crepe batter for extra flavor.
Are chicken crepes a healthy option?
Chicken crepes can be a healthy option, depending on the ingredients and cooking methods used. The crepes themselves are relatively low in calories and fat, and can be made with whole wheat flour for extra nutrition. The filling can also be made with healthy ingredients such as lean chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
However, some recipes may include high-calorie ingredients such as cheese or cream, which can increase the calorie count of the dish. To make chicken crepes a healthier option, be mindful of the ingredients you use and opt for healthier alternatives whenever possible. You can also serve the crepes with a side of fruit or a green salad to add extra nutrients to the dish.
Can I make chicken crepes in a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can make chicken crepes in a gluten-free version by substituting the traditional wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. There are many gluten-free flour options available, including almond flour, coconut flour, and rice flour. Simply substitute the gluten-free flour for the wheat flour in the crepe recipe and proceed with the rest of the instructions.
Keep in mind that gluten-free crepes can be more delicate and prone to breaking than traditional crepes, so be gentle when handling them. You can also add xanthan gum or guar gum to the batter to help improve the texture and structure of the crepes. With a little practice, you can make delicious gluten-free chicken crepes that are perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.