Introduction
Croque Monsieur Poulet is a delightful variation of the classic Croque Monsieur, replacing ham with tender grilled chicken. Combined with melted cheese, creamy béchamel sauce, and crispy bread, this indulgent sandwich is grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. It’s a gourmet take on a traditional French favorite, perfect for lunch or brunch.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 8 slices of thick-cut white bread or sourdough
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced (grilled while the Arteflame is hot)
- 8 slices of Gruyère, Emmental, or Raclette cheese
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 tbsp butter (for grilling)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Start by lighting the Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches medium heat, ideal for grilling the sandwiches and preparing the béchamel sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
Melt the butter in a small grill-safe pan or saucepan on the flat cooktop. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. For a cheesier sauce, stir in grated Gruyère or Emmental. Set aside.
Grill the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Assemble the Croque Monsieur Poulet
Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. Layer the thinly sliced chicken and a slice of Gruyère on 4 slices of bread. Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce on top of the cheese, then top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Melt butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Place the sandwiches on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until the bread is golden brown, crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve
Once the sandwiches are grilled and the cheese is melted, remove them from the grill. Serve immediately with a side of salad, French fries, or pickles for a complete bistro-style meal.
Tips
- Perfect Chicken: If grilling the chicken on the Arteflame, season with salt and pepper and grill until fully cooked before slicing for the sandwich.
- Crispier Bread: Press the sandwiches gently with a spatula while grilling to get extra crispy, golden bread.
- Extra Flavor: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the béchamel for an herbal touch.
Variations
- Croque Monsieur Poulet Madame: Top the sandwich with a fried or poached egg for a Croque Madame Poulet.
- Herb Chicken Croque: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor before grilling.
- Spicy Croque Monsieur Poulet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the béchamel for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Croque Monsieur: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.
- Truffle Croque Poulet: Drizzle a little truffle oil on the sandwich before grilling for a luxurious twist.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with a light green salad, roasted potatoes, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon.
Conclusion
Grilled Croque Monsieur Poulet is a delicious twist on the classic French sandwich, featuring tender chicken, melted cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a smoky touch, making it the perfect indulgent lunch or brunch option.
