Chicken à la Maryland

Chicken à la Maryland Recipe - French Classic with Mushrooms and Brandy

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken à la Maryland is a classic dish that features tender chicken pieces smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for a special dinner or gathering.

History

Chicken à la Maryland is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. It was a popular dish in Maryland, hence the name. The dish typically features fried chicken served with a creamy sauce and is often accompanied by rice or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

12 chicken pieces of your choice
flour, salt, and ground black pepper
0.25 cup of butter or margarine
1 x 10.75 oz (305 g) can of condensed golden mushroom soup
1 x 4 oz (113 g) can of sliced mushrooms, drained
2 tbsp of chopped chives
3 tbsp of brandy
1 cup of sour cream

Vegetable rice

3 cups of cooked rice
2 tbsp of butter or margarine, melted
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can of green peas, drained
2 tbsp of diced pimento

How to prepare

Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and brown on all sides.
Blend soup, mushrooms, and chives; pour over chicken.
Heat to boiling, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until chicken is tender.
Carefully blend in brandy and sour cream; heat but do not boil.
Serve over beds of vegetable rice.

Vegetable rice

Combine rice, butter, peas, and pimento in a saucepan.
Heat; toss lightly, and serve.
If you wish, substitute a package of frozen peas, cooked and drained, for canned peas.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for a different flavor and texture.
Add diced bell peppers or onions to the sauce for extra flavor.
Use white wine or chicken broth instead of brandy for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces well before adding the sauce to ensure a flavorful dish.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.

- Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken à la Maryland over a bed of vegetable rice, with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and develop flavor.

- Be sure to simmer the chicken gently to ensure it cooks through evenly and stays tender.

- Stir the sauce gently to incorporate the brandy and sour cream without curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth or stock instead of condensed golden mushroom soup.

- Substitute fresh mushrooms for canned mushrooms for a more intense flavor.

- Use Greek yogurt or coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative to sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Cook the rice in advance and reheat it before serving with the chicken.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken à la Maryland on a large platter with the vegetable rice arranged around the chicken pieces. - Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a decorative touch. - Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken à la Maryland with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve with a side of buttered corn or green beans for a classic combination.

- Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or sorbet.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

- Reheat the vegetable rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Chicken à la Maryland may contain around 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used in the recipe.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrate content of Chicken à la Maryland will vary depending on the amount of rice and peas used in the recipe. On average, a serving of this dish may contain around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Chicken à la Maryland is a rich and indulgent dish, with a significant amount of fat coming from the butter, margarine, and sour cream used in the recipe. A serving of this dish may contain around 20-30 grams of fat.

Proteins

Chicken is a great source of protein, and a serving of Chicken à la Maryland will provide a substantial amount of this essential nutrient. On average, a serving of this dish may contain around 20-30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken à la Maryland is a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. The mushrooms and peas used in the recipe also contribute to the overall nutrient content of the dish.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any specific allergens in the ingredients used.

Summary

Chicken à la Maryland is a delicious and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy it as part of a well-rounded meal.

Summary

Chicken à la Maryland is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or family dinner. With its creamy mushroom sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It takes me back to a time when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from anyone willing to share their knowledge with me. Little did I know that this particular recipe for Chicken à la Maryland would become one of my most cherished culinary creations.

It all began one summer when my family took a trip to Maryland to visit some relatives. My Aunt Margaret, a fantastic cook, invited us over for dinner one evening. As soon as we walked into her kitchen, the savory aroma of herbs and spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I watched as she expertly seasoned the chicken and fried it to golden perfection, creating a dish that was both elegant and delicious.

I begged Aunt Margaret to share her recipe with me, but she simply smiled and said, "You'll have to earn it, my dear. Come back tomorrow and I'll teach you how to make it yourself." I could hardly contain my excitement as I eagerly agreed to her terms.

The next day, I arrived at Aunt Margaret's house bright and early, ready to learn the secrets of her famous Chicken à la Maryland. She patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, explaining the importance of seasoning the chicken just right and frying it until it was crispy and golden brown. As we worked together in the kitchen, I soaked up every bit of knowledge she had to offer, determined to master this dish.

After hours of cooking and tasting, we finally sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The chicken was tender and juicy, with a perfect balance of flavors that danced on my tongue with each bite. As I savored the dish, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my Aunt Margaret's recipe for Chicken à la Maryland, adding my own twist here and there to make it my own. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its delicious taste and asked for the recipe themselves. Each time I made it, I couldn't help but think back to that summer day in Maryland when I first learned how to create this culinary masterpiece.

As the years passed, I gathered more recipes from various places and people, each one adding a new dimension to my culinary skills. But no matter how many recipes I collected, Chicken à la Maryland remained my favorite, a dish that never failed to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.

Now, as I pass on my knowledge and recipes to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will find as much joy and satisfaction in cooking as I have. And who knows, perhaps one day they too will stumble upon a recipe that captures their heart and soul, just like Chicken à la Maryland did for me all those years ago.