Today I want to share with you an unusual yet absolutely delicious chicken recipe. This Chicken with Prunes in Creamy Walnut Sauce is tender, aromatic, and beautifully balanced — the prunes add a gentle sweetness, while the walnuts bring a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2.2 lb (1 kg) chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 cups (1 pint / 16 fl oz) heavy cream (or 20% fat cream)
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ Tbsp (20 g) butter (plus extra for frying)
- 1 cup (150 g) pitted prunes
- 1 cup (100 g) shelled walnuts
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1.Prepare the Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Dredge each thigh well in flour, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat a bit of butter or oil over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
Transfer the browned thighs to a baking dish.
Top each piece with whole pitted prunes (rinse them well beforehand; you can also soak them in warm water for about 1–1½ hours for extra tenderness).
2. Cook the Onions
In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
Add the chopped onions and sauté over medium heat until soft and light golden.
Spread the sautéed onions evenly over the chicken and prunes in the baking dish.
3. Make the Creamy Walnut Sauce
Chop the walnuts finely. In the same pan, melt a little butter and toast the walnuts for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Add the cream, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, prunes, and onions.
4. Bake
Cover the baking dish with a lid or foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve
Serve hot with your favorite side — rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes all pair beautifully with the creamy, nutty sauce.
For a finishing touch, sprinkle with a few toasted walnut pieces before serving.
💡 Tips
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the cream with a little chicken broth.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Toasting the walnuts in a dry pan before adding them enhances their aroma.
Do you like chicken dishes? Take a look at these interesting recipes for delicious chicken dishes.
Chicken satay with peanut sauce