Chicken Madeira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Madeira recipe delivers a perfect balance of rich, earthy flavors and creamy textures. It’s an excellent dish for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can recreate a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and the deep flavor of Madeira wine creates a luxurious sauce that elevates the dish to something truly special.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Olive oil

• Butter

• Garlic

• Fresh mushrooms (button or cremini)

• Madeira wine

• Beef broth

• Heavy cream

• Mozzarella cheese

• Fresh asparagus

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.

2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté sliced mushrooms until browned and tender.

5. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

6. Pour in the Madeira wine and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce by half to concentrate the flavors.

7. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.

8. Return the chicken to the pan and top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt.

9. While the cheese is melting, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain.

10. Serve the chicken over or alongside the asparagus, spooning the rich mushroom sauce over the top.

11. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use provolone or Swiss cheese instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.

• Swap Madeira wine with dry sherry or marsala if you can’t find Madeira.

• Add caramelized onions to the sauce for extra sweetness and depth.

• Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice instead of asparagus for a heartier base.

• Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken with thick slices of grilled portobello mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Madeira in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, covering loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. If the sauce thickens too much when cold, add a splash of broth or water while reheating to loosen it.

FAQs

What is Madeira wine and where can I find it?

Madeira wine is a fortified wine from Portugal known for its rich, slightly sweet flavor. It can usually be found in the wine section of most liquor or grocery stores.

Can I make Chicken Madeira without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the wine with additional beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar or grape juice for some acidity and sweetness.

Is Chicken Madeira gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if the beef broth used is certified gluten-free, and no flour or thickening agents with gluten are added.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

Button or cremini mushrooms are ideal, but you can also use baby bella or portobello mushrooms for a richer flavor.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Searing it on both sides until just cooked through helps retain moisture.

Can I freeze Chicken Madeira?

Yes, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

Aside from asparagus, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles make great pairings.

Do I need to use fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but shredded mozzarella can be used as a quicker alternative.

Can I prepare Chicken Madeira ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving, adding a bit of broth if needed to refresh the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Madeira is a delicious, elegant meal that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. With its creamy mushroom wine sauce and cheesy topping, it brings a gourmet touch to your table without requiring a complicated process. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home cooking rotation.

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