Napa Valley Chicken Bake
Overview:
The Napa Valley Chicken Bake is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful sauce enhanced by mushrooms and a touch of white cooking wine. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields delicious results every time.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup white cooking wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 403.3
- Total Fat: 20.6g
- Saturated Fat: 8.9g
- Cholesterol: 93.7mg
- Sodium: 322.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugars: 2.7g
- Protein: 32g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Wash the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
-
Coat the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the flour, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast with the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered. This will help thicken the sauce later.
-
Brown the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken breasts on both sides, ensuring they are lightly cooked but not fully cooked through. You want them golden brown.
- Optional: Use the remaining flour mixture in the skillet to help thicken the sauce.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the browned chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle sliced mushrooms over the chicken.
-
Mix the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and tomato paste until smooth.
- Gradually add the white cooking wine, stirring until the mixture is well combined and has a liquid consistency. For best results, use a hand beater on low speed.
-
Season and Pour Over Chicken:
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and mushrooms in the baking dish.
-
Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Once done, let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to further thicken.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Napa Valley Chicken Bake over cooked white rice, spooning the creamy sauce and mushrooms over each portion.
Tips:
- Adjusting for Taste: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of garlic powder or paprika. Conversely, for a more robust flavor, increase these spices slightly.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers the next day.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have white cooking wine, you can use chicken broth as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Conclusion:
The Napa Valley Chicken Bake is a cherished recipe that brings together savory chicken, creamy sauce, and earthy mushrooms in a comforting dish that’s sure to please your family and guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty satisfaction of this beloved recipe!