Sherried Chicken: A Recipe That Exudes Warmth and Elegance
Welcome to a recipe that is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household, blending simplicity with sophistication to create a delightful dish that’s as perfect for a weeknight family meal as it is for a special occasion with friends. This delectable Sherried Chicken, discovered many years ago in the pages of Bon Appetit, brings together tender chicken breasts and a rich, flavorful sauce enhanced with the distinctive touch of dry sherry. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 40 minutes, you’ll have a gorgeous, savory dinner ready in under an hour. Whether you serve it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish will impress with its deliciously balanced flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 🍗
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt 🧂
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 🌶️
- 4 tablespoons butter 🧈
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup dry sherry 🍷
- 1/2 cup liquid from button mushrooms (if using canned mushrooms) 🍄
- 1 cup chicken broth 🍲
- 1/2 cup water 💧
- 1 cup sour cream 🍶
- 1 cup sliced button mushrooms 🍄
- 1 tablespoon chicken gravy mix 🥄
To Serve:
- Fluffy cooked rice 🍚 or creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breast halves lightly with seasoned salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot and bubbly, add the chicken breasts, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. This initial browning step not only enhances the flavor but also helps to lock in the juices.
Step 2: Create the Sherry Sauce
Pour 1/2 cup of dry sherry and the liquid from the button mushrooms into the Dutch oven with the browned chicken. Ensure that the liquid covers the chicken breasts about halfway. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer it to a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. The sherry and mushroom liquid infuse the chicken with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the breasts and transfer them to a serving dish. Measure the remaining pan juices, adding water or chicken broth as needed to make a total of 1-1/4 cups of liquid. In the Dutch oven, blend this measured liquid with the chicken gravy mix, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps and to ensure the sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, blend in 1 cup of sour cream and add the sliced button mushrooms. Heat the sauce gently, but do not allow it to come to a boil, as this could cause the sour cream to curdle. Stir until the sauce is warm and well-combined. Finally, pour the rich, creamy sauce over the chicken breasts on the serving dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Sherried Chicken with a side of fluffy cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the flavorful sauce to soak into each bite. This meal is not only delightful but also satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the blend of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors that make this dish truly special!
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their diet, here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile per serving:
- Calories: 495.5
- Fat: 25.3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15.2 grams
- Cholesterol: 124.3 milligrams
- Sodium: 200.1 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 9 grams
- Fiber: 0.8 grams
- Sugar: 2.5 grams
- Protein: 31.6 grams
This Sherried Chicken recipe offers a deliciously balanced meal, with a rich sauce that complements the tender chicken perfectly, making it a standout choice for any dining occasion. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the ease of preparation, and savor the satisfaction of a meal that’s both elegant and comforting!
