Noreen’s Chicken: A Delightful Dish for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a simple yet scrumptious chicken recipe, look no further than Noreen’s Chicken. This delightful dish is a testament to the easy elegance of classic cooking, inspired by the generosity of a great lady and her friend, Noreen. With its crisp bacon-wrapped chicken breasts and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a delightful crispiness from the bacon.
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Prepare the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breast halves in a baking dish. For each chicken breast, wrap two slices of bacon around it, ensuring the bacon covers the breast entirely. This will help to keep the chicken moist and infuse it with a delicious smoky flavor as it cooks.
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Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for approximately 40 minutes or until the juices run clear. The bacon should be crispy, and the chicken should be thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and carefully drain off any excess fat from the baking dish.
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Make the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce. In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously to combine. This mixture will form a roux, which is the base of your sauce.
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Add the Milk: Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat until it begins to thicken. This process should take a few minutes.
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Season and Finish the Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Broil the Chicken: Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. Place the baking dish under the broiler for a few minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and has developed a golden brown color. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is bubbly and browned, remove it from the oven. Serve the chicken breasts with the rich Parmesan sauce poured over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
Serving Suggestion
Noreen’s Chicken is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The creamy sauce and savory bacon add layers of flavor that will impress your guests and make any meal feel special.
Nutritional Information
For those keeping track of their nutritional intake, here’s a brief overview per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 552.3
- Fat: 37.4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 16.7 grams
- Cholesterol: 154.7 mg
- Sodium: 1133.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 10.8 grams
- Fiber: 0.2 grams
- Sugar: 0.1 grams
- Protein: 41.6 grams
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Noreen’s Chicken, a dish that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or a weeknight meal, this recipe will surely become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Bon appétit! 🌟🍗🧀
