Drunken Chicken in Rum-Flavored Cream Sauce
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Category: Chicken Breast
Servings: 4
This Drunken Chicken recipe comes from an old McCormick cookbook I found at a thrift shop, and it turned out to be an absolute winner. The chicken breasts are tender and infused with a rich, rum-flavored cream sauce, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Served over noodles, the creamy sauce soaks into the pasta perfectly, but it pairs well with many other sides as well. The dish is incredibly easy to prepare and takes just 35 minutes, excluding the marination time.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves | 4 breasts |
| Light rum | 1/4 cup |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 3/4 tsp |
| Ground ginger | 1/4 tsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 361.4 kcal |
| Fat | 19.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 109 mg |
| Sodium | 402.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugars | 4.2 g |
| Protein | 30.7 g |
Recipe Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Pound each breast to about 1/2-inch thickness to ensure even cooking. Then, pierce the chicken several times with a fork to help the marinade soak in more effectively. Place the chicken in a shallow glass dish, arranging them in a single layer. Set aside. -
Make the Marinade:
In a separate bowl, combine the light rum, ground nutmeg, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. Mix all ingredients well until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are completely covered. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes, turning the breasts once halfway through. -
Cook the Chicken:
While the chicken marinates, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chicken breasts to the pan, discarding the marinade (but be sure to reserve it). Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm by covering it loosely with foil. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender and browned. Reduce the heat to low and add the reserved marinade to the pan. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. -
Make the Cream Sauce:
Gradually add the sour cream to the pan, stirring constantly to blend the ingredients together. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be sure to monitor the heat during this step to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce thickens too much, you can thin it by adding a small amount of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the sauce is well-combined and simmering, return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously coated. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top for an added touch of flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy the rich, creamy chicken served with your choice of side dish, such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Additional Tips and Notes:
- Substitutions: If you don’t have the specific “Bon Appetit” seasoning blend called for in the recipe, you can easily substitute a mix of celery salt and onion powder in equal parts. Alternatively, you could use crushed celery seeds and dried onion flakes if you have them on hand.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is perfect over pasta, but it also works well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. The creamy rum sauce is flavorful and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
- Thinning the Sauce: If you find that the sauce is getting too thick as it simmers, simply add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up and maintain a smooth consistency.
Enjoy the warmth and richness of this easy-to-make Drunken Chicken recipe, which is sure to become a favorite for your family and friends!
