Chicken with Turnip Boiled and Sauce Recipe: Nutritious and Delicious

Chicken with Turnip Boiled and Sauce Recipe: Nutritious and Delicious
Learn how to make a nutritious and delicious Chicken with Turnip Boiled and Sauce recipe. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken and turnips with a creamy sauce, offering numerous health benefits such as immune support, improved digestion, and heart health. Perfect for a healthy and hearty meal.
Chicken with Turnip Boiled and Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Turnip
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 2 large turnips (peeled and cut into cubes)
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups water
For the Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth (reserved from boiling)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Boiling the Chicken and Turnip
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts, cubed turnips, quartered onion, crushed garlic, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper in a large pot.
- Add Water: Pour in 6 cups of water to cover the ingredients.
- Boil: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the turnips are tender.
- Remove Chicken and Turnips: Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken breasts and turnips from the pot. Set aside and keep warm. Reserve 1 cup of the chicken broth for the sauce.
Making the Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Make Roux: Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Broth and Milk: Gradually whisk in the reserved chicken broth and milk (or cream) until smooth.
- Season and Thicken: Add the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Place the boiled chicken and turnips on a serving platter. Pour the sauce over the chicken and turnips. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Benefits of Chicken with Turnip
- Rich in Nutrients:
- Chicken: High in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides B vitamins (B6 and B12), which are vital for energy production and brain health.
- Turnips: Low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- Supports Immune Health:
- Turnips: Vitamin C in turnips boosts the immune system and aids in the absorption of iron from the diet.
- Chicken: Zinc in chicken supports immune function and wound healing.
- Promotes Digestive Health:
- Turnips: High fiber content aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy gut, and prevents constipation.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
- Turnips: Contains antioxidants like vitamin C and compounds like glucosinolates that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Heart Health:
- Chicken: Lean protein source that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
- Turnips: Potassium in turnips helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
- Bone Health:
- Turnips: Rich in calcium and vitamin K, both essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis.