Recipe: Fish or Chicken in Parchment Paper

Fish or Chicken in Parchment Paper
rec.food.cooking/Christy Corse Kalahar

Something that I have made quite a few times that is easy, quick, guaranteed and a lovely presentation is fish or chicken in parchment paper. You can do this in aluminum foil but it is much more elegant in the paper. I had quite a bit of trouble finding the paper but you should be able to find it, if not at the grocery store, then at a gourmet shop. You can do quite a few variations on this theme and the directions are basically the same. I will give you a basic recipe that I used for chicken.

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parchment paper
boneless/skinless chicken breasts (however many you prefer)
dijon large grained mustard
thyme
onion thinly sliced
carrot julienned

Cut the parchment paper into circles large enough to be folded over and sealed around the breasts.

Pound chicken breasts to make an even thickness. Slightly salt and pepper breasts. Spread a thin layer of mustard on each breast. Cover each breast with about 1/8 cup of carrots each and a few rings of the onion then sprinkle about an 1/8 of a tsp of thyme on each breast. Place each breast on half of the circle of parchment paper and fold over to form a semi-circle and seal the edges well by folding them a few times.

Cook on a cookie sheet for about 10-20 minutes (depending on thickness) in a 400 degree F oven or until done. Cut an X in the top to serve.

This is so simple and can be done with fish using any sort of toppings. Some of my favorites are:
fish with tomato slices, olives, oregano, and zucchini
chicken with lemon slices, onion, lemon pepper and carrots

Just use your imagination and enjoy!