Chicken Anastasia

Delicious Chicken Anastasia Recipe from Latvia and Switzerland

Region / culture: Latvia, Switzerland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Anastasia is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy mushroom sauce, sweet apples, and melted Swiss cheese. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy family meal.

History

Chicken Anastasia is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. The origins of the recipe are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe. The combination of chicken, apples, mushrooms, and cheese creates a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breast halves
0.5 cup flour
1 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 egg
0.25 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 medium cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2 tbsp butter
4 oz (113 g) swiss cheese, shredded

SAUCE

8 oz (227 g) fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, crushed
0.5 stick butter
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp flour
1 cup sour cream

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Combine the flour and seasonings.
Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, then dip them in the egg mixture, and coat them again in flour.
Combine the butter and vegetable oil in a sauté pan.
Heat the pan and cook the coated chicken breasts until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on a pan or cookie sheet.
In a separate pan, sauté the apples in the butter until they become tender but not mushy.
Arrange the apple slices on top of the chicken breasts.
To make the sauce, sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in the butter until they become tender (approximately 10 minutes). Sprinkle the flour, salt, and pepper over the vegetables and sauté until the flour has absorbed the fat.
Add the sour cream and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Cover the chicken pieces topped with apples with the sauce and sprinkle them with Swiss cheese.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.

Variations

You can add herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor.
Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
Substitute the chicken breasts with pork chops or turkey cutlets for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the chicken breasts until they are golden brown and cooked through to ensure they are tender and juicy.

- Be careful not to overcook the apples, as they should be tender but not mushy.

- When making the sauce, be sure to sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until they are tender to develop their flavors.

- To prevent the sauce from curdling, be sure to stir constantly while adding the sour cream and allow it to thicken slowly.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Anastasia can be served with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the chicken breasts until golden brown ensures they are cooked through and tender.

- Slowly thickening the sauce with sour cream creates a creamy and flavorful topping for the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets instead of chicken breasts.

- If you don't have Swiss cheese, you can use cheddar or mozzarella cheese as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken breasts and sauce ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking. Store the components separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Anastasia on a platter with the creamy mushroom sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Anastasia pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chicken Anastasia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Anastasia contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Anastasia contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Anastasia contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Anastasia contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Anastasia is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk, cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Chicken Anastasia is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a cold winter's day, and I had just arrived at my friend Anastasia's house for a visit. As soon as I stepped inside, I was hit with the most delicious aroma wafting from her kitchen.

Anastasia greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she took me by the hand and led me into her cozy kitchen. There, bubbling away on the stove, was a pot of the most mouth-watering chicken stew I had ever laid eyes on. The rich, savory scent filled the room, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

I asked Anastasia what she was making, and she told me it was her famous Chicken Anastasia recipe. She explained that it was a family recipe passed down through generations, and she was more than happy to share it with me.

As she guided me through the steps of preparing the dish, I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped vegetables, seasoned the chicken, and added just the right amount of herbs and spices. Her hands moved with such grace and precision, it was clear that she had been making this dish for years.

As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, Anastasia began to tell me the story of how she learned to make Chicken Anastasia. It all started with her grandmother, a woman known for her incredible cooking skills and her generous spirit.

Anastasia's grandmother had grown up in a small village in Italy, where she learned to cook from her own mother and grandmother. She had a natural talent for creating delicious meals from simple ingredients, and she loved nothing more than sharing her creations with friends and family.

One day, when Anastasia was just a young girl, her grandmother sat her down in the kitchen and taught her how to make Chicken Anastasia. She showed her how to sauté onions and garlic until they were golden brown, how to brown the chicken pieces until they were crispy and golden, and how to simmer everything together in a rich tomato sauce until the flavors melded together perfectly.

Anastasia's grandmother passed down the recipe to her, and she had been making it ever since. She told me that every time she cooked Chicken Anastasia, it brought back memories of her grandmother and the happy times they had shared in the kitchen.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal together, I couldn't help but marvel at the flavors dancing on my tongue. The tender chicken, the tangy tomatoes, the fragrant herbs – it was a symphony of taste that left me craving more.

After we had finished our meal, I asked Anastasia if I could have the recipe so that I could make it for my own family. She smiled and handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions neatly written out.

I thanked her profusely and promised to cherish the recipe as much as she did. And true to my word, I made Chicken Anastasia for my family that weekend, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the delicious meal before them.

From that day on, Chicken Anastasia became a staple in my household, a recipe that I would pass down to future generations just as Anastasia had done for me. And every time I make it, I am reminded of that cold winter's day in Anastasia's kitchen, where I learned the secret to creating a dish that would bring joy and satisfaction to all who tasted it.