Chicken Madeira is a delightful culinary creation that brings together the succulence of tender chicken, the freshness of crisp asparagus, and the richness of melty mozzarella cheese, all bathed in a sweet and savory wine sauce. If you’re looking to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Chicken Breast: 2 large breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Cremini Mushrooms: 10 ounces, sliced
- Asparagus: 1 lb., trimmed and cut into 2-inch segments
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Madeira Wine: 1 cup
- Low-Sodium Beef Broth: 1 cup
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped
Instructions: Cooking Steps Made Simple
Let’s dive into the cooking process step by step:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s nicely browned on both sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep it warm.
- Prepare Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with the butter. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender. Then, add the asparagus and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until they’re just crisp tender. Remove the veggies from the skillet and set them aside.
- Saute Garlic and Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about a minute while stirring. Next, increase the heat to medium-low and pour in the Madeira wine. Let it gently boil until it’s reduced by half, which should take around 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch. Gradually whisk this mixture into the Madeira wine and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, whisking occasionally.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Arrange the mushrooms and asparagus over the chicken and around the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 4-6 minutes or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven using an oven mitt, as the handle will be hot. Garnish your Chicken Madeira with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes: Handy Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Madeira Wine: Madeira wine comes in a range of dry to sweet varieties. Opt for a medium dry Madeira for this recipe. If you can’t find Madeira, you can substitute it with marsala, dry sherry, or dry port.
- Preparing Asparagus: While blanching asparagus is an option, sautéing it with the mushrooms adds flavor and saves time.
- Checking Chicken Doneness: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. An instant-read meat thermometer is a handy tool to have in the kitchen.
- Choosing Mozzarella: Low-moisture mozzarella works best for this recipe, as it melts beautifully without becoming too watery. Avoid using fresh mozzarella, as it has too much moisture and doesn’t melt well.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 427kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
- Sodium: 472mg
- Potassium: 1165mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 1340IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 4mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use a different type of wine for Chicken Madeira? Yes, if Madeira wine is unavailable, you can substitute it with marsala, dry sherry, or dry port for a similar flavor profile.
- How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through? Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables before baking? Sautéing the mushrooms and asparagus before baking not only enhances their flavor but also ensures they’re cooked to perfection in the final dish.
- What’s the best way to handle the hot skillet after baking? Remember to use an oven mitt when handling the hot skillet, as the handle will be extremely hot. Exercise caution and avoid burns.
- Can I prepare Chicken Madeira ahead of time? While Chicken Madeira is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before baking for convenience.