Chicken Madeira Recipe

Chicken Madeira is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts, asparagus, and mushrooms in a rich Madeira wine sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy recipe combines simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal. Pair it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 thin asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Madeira wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Prepare the Asparagus:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third.
   • Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and cut into thirds.
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus, and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
   • Drain, rinse under cool water, and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. (The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.) Transfer to a plate.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   • Add the remaining butter to the skillet, then add the mushrooms and minced garlic.
   • Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • Pour in the Madeira wine and beef broth. Scrape the browned bits from the skillet’s bottom.
   • Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   • Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce.
   • Cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   • Turn off the heat. Place the chicken back in the skillet, spoon mushrooms over each piece, and arrange the asparagus around the chicken.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Bake and Finish:
   • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
   • Broil for 1-2 minutes if desired for a golden cheese topping (watch closely).
7. Serve:
   • Season with additional salt and pepper as needed and serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Yet Easy: A restaurant-quality dish made with minimal effort.
• Rich and Flavorful: The Madeira wine sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms.
• Perfect for Entertaining: A crowd-pleaser that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Tips

• Use thin asparagus spears for even cooking and tender texture.
• If you don’t have a skillet that’s oven-safe, transfer everything to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
• Let the wine simmer for the full 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol and enhance the flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Wine Alternative: Substitute Madeira wine with Marsala wine or dry sherry for a similar flavor.
• Cheese Swap: Try grated Parmesan or Gruyère for a different cheesy topping.
• Vegetables: Add baby spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add richness to the dish.

What can I substitute for beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth can be used if beef broth isn’t available.

Is Madeira wine necessary?
Madeira wine provides a unique flavor, but Marsala wine, dry sherry, or a mix of white grape juice and a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch.

Serving and Suggestions

• Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce.
• Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Add a side of crusty bread for dipping into the rich Madeira sauce.