Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms

Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The combination of tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a rich sherry sauce creates a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of chicken and mushrooms is a popular one in many cuisines around the world, and the addition of sherry adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

Ingredients

1 (10.5 oz (298 g)) can of low-sodium chicken broth, undiluted
2 tbsp of all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of pepper
4 (4 oz (113 g)) skinned, boned chicken breast halves
vegetable cooking spray
1 tbsp of reduced-calorie margarine, melted
2 cups of sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tbsp of minced shallots
0.25 cup of dry sherry, divided
1.5 tsp of cornstarch
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Place the broth in a small saucepan.
Bring it to a boil and cook for 5 minutes or until it is reduced to 1 cup.
Set it aside.
Combine the flour, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle the mixture over the chicken.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until it is hot.
Add the chicken and cook it for 5 minutes on each side or until it is browned.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Wipe the drippings from the skillet.
Coat the skillet with cooking spray and add the margarine.
Place it over medium-high heat until the margarine melts.
Add the mushrooms and shallots and sauté them until they are tender.
Combine 1 tbsp of sherry and cornstarch, stir well, and set it aside.
Add the remaining 3 tbsp of sherry and broth to the skillet.
Bring it to a boil and cook until the sauce is reduced to 0.75 cup.
Add the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute or until the mixture is thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet, cover it, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes or until it is tender.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and top it evenly with the mushroom mixture.
Sprinkle it with parsley.

Variations

For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
You can also add some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the mushroom mixture for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the chicken breasts before adding them to the sauce. This will help to seal in the juices and create a nice crust on the outside of the chicken.

- Use a good quality dry sherry for the best flavor. Avoid using cooking sherry, as it can be too salty and overpowering.

- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch to the mixture. Just be sure to cook it for a few extra minutes to ensure that the cornstarch is fully incorporated.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. It can also be served over rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of sautéing and simmering to create a tender and flavorful dish. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dry sherry on hand, you can substitute white wine or chicken broth. You can also use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and mushroom mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook the chicken. This can help to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms on a large platter with a garnish of fresh parsley. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (margarine) and may contain gluten (flour). Please check for allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. With a rich sherry sauce and tender chicken breasts, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling, and there was a chill in the air that made me long for a warm and comforting meal. As I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, I stumbled upon a page that was splattered with ingredients and handwritten notes.

The title at the top of the page caught my eye, "Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms." I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it intrigued me. The combination of tender chicken breasts and earthy mushrooms, all cooked in a rich and flavorful sherry sauce, sounded like the perfect comfort food for a cozy evening at home.

I knew that I had to try making this dish, but the recipe itself was a bit vague. It listed the ingredients and basic instructions, but there were no measurements or specific cooking times. It seemed as though this recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own touch to it along the way.

I decided to do some research and ask around to see if anyone else had heard of this Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms recipe. I talked to my friends, my neighbors, and even some of the older ladies at church who were known for their cooking prowess. Surprisingly, none of them had ever heard of it before.

Undeterred, I turned to the internet and found a few similar recipes that gave me a better idea of how to make this dish. Armed with this new knowledge, I set out to create my own version of Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms.

I started by gathering all of the necessary ingredients: chicken breasts, mushrooms, sherry, butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. I carefully measured out each ingredient, trying to capture the essence of the recipe that had sparked my curiosity.

As I began cooking, the aroma of the garlic and mushrooms sautéing in butter filled my kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I added a generous splash of sherry to the pan, letting it simmer and reduce into a rich and flavorful sauce.

The chicken breasts sizzled as I placed them in the pan, allowing them to cook slowly and absorb all of the delicious flavors around them. I watched as the mushrooms softened and caramelized, creating a mouthwatering topping for the tender chicken.

After what felt like an eternity, but was really only about 20 minutes, I finally plated up my Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms. The dish looked and smelled incredible, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

With each bite, I was transported to a place of comfort and contentment. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, while the mushrooms added a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before. The sherry sauce tied everything together, creating a dish that was truly unforgettable.

As I savored the last bite of my Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had taken a simple recipe that had piqued my curiosity and turned it into a culinary masterpiece that I knew would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

I realized then that cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about embracing your curiosity and creativity to create something truly special. And for me, that something special was my Chicken Breasts with Sherried Mushrooms.