Horseradish Mustard Chicken with Cheddar and Bacon

Chicken Chesterfield: A Savory Delight

When it comes to hearty, flavorful, and soul-satisfying meals, few dishes can match the sheer comfort and appeal of Chicken Chesterfield. This delightful dish combines tender chicken breasts with a zesty horseradish and mustard sauce, all topped with melted white cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, served over a bed of steamed green beans. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Ingredients and Quantities

To recreate this delectable dish, you will need the following ingredients in the specified quantities:

Mayonnaise: 1 cup
Spicy Brown Mustard: 1/2 cup
Worcestershire Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper: 1 teaspoon
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: 4 (about 1 pound)
White Cheddar Cheese: 8 ounces, shredded
Bacon: 4 slices, cooked and crumbled
Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed and steamed
Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon, for garnish

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of Chicken Chesterfield is essential for those mindful of their dietary intake. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 642.2 kcal
Fat Content: 41.6 g
Saturated Fat Content: 18.4 g
Cholesterol Content: 156.9 mg
Sodium Content: 1086.7 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 19.3 g
Fiber Content: 4.8 g
Sugar Content: 5.7 g
Protein Content: 48.8 g

Cooking Instructions

The process of making Chicken Chesterfield is straightforward and can be broken down into a few simple steps:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the chicken.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of spicy brown mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth, well-blended sauce. Once mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the chicken.
Bake the Chicken: Lightly spray a foil-lined baking pan with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the baking pan. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. When the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to an ovenproof serving platter.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chilled sauce from the refrigerator. Generously top each chicken breast fillet with the horseradish-mustard sauce. Sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded white cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon (from 4 cooked slices) over the cheese.
Broil to Perfection: Adjust your oven setting to broil. Place the serving platter under the broiler for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, blended with the sauce, and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on the dish during this step to prevent burning.
Serve and Garnish: To serve, place a generous portion of steamed green beans on each plate. Top the green beans with a chicken breast fillet. Lightly sprinkle each serving with 1/4 teaspoon of paprika for a touch of color and added flavor.

Tips for Success

Choosing Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness for even cooking. If the breasts are too thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness.
Cheese Melting: For the best results, use high-quality white cheddar cheese. Its sharp flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy mustard sauce.
Bacon Crispiness: Ensure the bacon is cooked to a crisp but not burnt. It adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
Green Beans: Steam the green beans just until tender-crisp to retain their bright color and fresh flavor.

Variations

While Chicken Chesterfield is delightful as is, here are a few variations to consider:

Spicier Version: Add more cayenne pepper or include a dash of hot sauce in the mustard mixture for an extra kick.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Gruyère, Swiss, or even a sharp provolone for varied flavor profiles.
Vegetable Bed: Swap out green beans for other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or a mix of bell peppers for a different base.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Chesterfield is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent accompaniment, providing a smooth contrast to the crispy bacon and tender chicken.
Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf can absorb the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing element to the meal.

Reviews and Feedback

Chicken Chesterfield has garnered positive feedback from those who have tried it. With an aggregated rating of 5 stars from 3 reviews, it’s clear that this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Here are some comments from satisfied cooks:

Review 1: “This dish was a hit at our family dinner! The sauce is tangy and delicious, and the cheese and bacon add the perfect finishing touch. Will definitely make this again.”
Review 2: “I love how easy this was to prepare. The chicken was tender and juicy, and the flavors were amazing. The green beans were a great side.”
Review 3: “A new favorite in our house! The combination of horseradish, mustard, and cheese is fantastic. Even my picky eaters enjoyed it.”

Final Thoughts

Chicken Chesterfield is a recipe that combines ease of preparation with exceptional flavor, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal at home, this dish delivers on all fronts. With its savory sauce, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly cooked chicken, served over a bed of fresh green beans, Chicken Chesterfield is sure to become a beloved favorite. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor every bite of this delightful dish!