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Savory Chicken Madeira with Mushrooms & Melted Cheese

Savory Chicken Madeira with Mushrooms & Melted Cheese
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Savory Chicken Madeira with Mushrooms & Melted Cheese combines tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich Madeira wine reduction sauce with earthy mushrooms and a creamy layer of melted Gruyere or mozzarella cheese. This comforting yet elegant dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or make-ahead meals, offering a harmonious balance of rich, creamy, and umami flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Mushrooms & Aromatics

  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1 cup Madeira wine
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup grated cheese (Gruyere or mozzarella)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or parsley)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In the same skillet, add chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes, building a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes, intensifying their flavor.
  4. Deglaze with Madeira Wine: Pour in the Madeira wine, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half to concentrate its sweet, nutty flavors.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the sauce to thicken gently and coat the mushrooms.
  6. Combine and Add Cheese: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the mushroom sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheese on top. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt slowly until gooey and golden.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for color and freshness. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a crisp, golden crust; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Use a dry Madeira wine to balance sweetness and acidity in the sauce.
  • Allow the sauce to reduce well for a thicker consistency and intensified flavor.
  • Gruyere cheese is ideal for melting due to its nutty flavor but mozzarella or fontina are great alternatives.
  • Let the chicken rest after searing to keep it juicy and tender.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free; verify wine and ingredients to ensure no gluten content.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken madeira, chicken with mushrooms, creamy chicken recipe, baked chicken with cheese, Madeira wine sauce, comfort food, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/savory-chicken-madeira-with-mushrooms-melted-cheese/