The art of French cooking has long been admired for its delicate and sophisticated flavors, and one of the most delightful dishes to emerge from this culinary tradition is the chicken and spinach quiche. This savory tart is a beautiful symphony of tender, flaky pastry, filled with a creamy custard that’s studded with succulent chicken and tender spinach leaves. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this versatile dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. So, grab your rolling pin and preheat your oven, because it’s time to embark on a delicious journey to the heart of French cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust, store-bought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups grated Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate or quiche dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Layer the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, and grated cheese evenly in the chilled pie crust.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Pour the egg mixture over the chicken, spinach, and cheese in the pie crust, making sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Bake the quiche in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Allow the quiche to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. The quiche can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
In conclusion, a chicken and spinach quiche is a delicious and elegant French dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. To ensure the best flavor and texture, it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. When selecting your spinach, look for crisp, vibrant green leaves without any signs of wilting or yellowing. Additionally, using a good-quality Swiss or Gruyère cheese will add a rich depth of flavor to your quiche. With its beautiful presentation and mouthwatering taste, a chicken and spinach quiche is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!