CHICKEN ‘BONNE FEMME’

Bonne femme translates as ‘good woman’ or ‘good wife’, and refers to the simplicity of this tasty dish. In culinary terms, it has come to refer to a dish with a mushroombased sauce. There are lots of versions of Bonne Femme, made using oysters or sole as well as chicken. This is my version of a Louisiana Creole classic – the Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavour.

Serves 4

4tbsp olive oil

100g (3½oz) bacon lardons

100g (3½oz) plain flour

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1.5kg (3lb 5oz) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces

1 green pepper, deseeded and diced