Ready in about an hour, this gourmet-style dish provides a restaurant-quality experience right in your own home. The perfectly cooked asparagus adds freshness, while the broiled cheesy topping makes every bite irresistible. Let’s dive into the world of Chicken Madeira!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Madeira

Savory Sauce: The star of the show! Rich and velvety, this sauce is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or dining-worthy pasta.

Impressive Presentation: The layered composition of Chicken Madeira creates a stunning display, ideal for special occasions or a cozy date night in.

Built-In Vegetable Course: Don’t overlook the tender-crisp asparagus—it’s an essential part of the dish, soaking up that rich sauce and adding vibrant color and nutrition.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Pound thinly for even cooking and optimal sauce absorption.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the best flavors in the chicken and mushroom sauce.
• Olive Oil & Butter: This combination adds flavor and aids in creating a beautifully golden, caramelized finish.
• Mushrooms: Use fresh mushrooms for an earthy, savory depth in your Madeira sauce.
• Onion & Garlic: Aromatic additions that provide a deliciously savory foundation to the dish.
• Madeira Wine: A mildly sweet fortified wine that contributes a signature rich flavor to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the hearty flavor of the sauce and adds savory depth.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient grants a silky texture that wonderfully complements the rich reduction.
• Asparagus: Adds a crisp and vibrant note to the dish, balancing the richness of the rest of the ingredients.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to form a luscious, golden topping, tying all the flavors together.
• Fresh Parsley: A colorful, herbaceous garnish that brightens the plate.

How to Make Chicken Madeira

Creating this exquisite dish is an achievable feat! Although it involves a few steps, don’t worry; you’re just a few moves away from a flavor-packed meal that impresses. Let’s jump into the preparation.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the chicken breasts and pounding them to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season them generously with salt and pepper for that heightened flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, set aside the chicken.
3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and butter, then toss in the mushrooms and onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften. In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic.
4. Deglaze: Pour in the Madeira wine, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it boil vigorously for 5 to 7 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
5. Simmer: Add this mixture of deglazed wine and sautéed veggies to the beef broth, then let it simmer for an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Cook the Asparagus: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Quickly blanch the asparagus for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
7. Combine: Place the chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it’s well-coated in that delicious sauce. Top it with the blanched asparagus and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
8. Broil: Set the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
9. Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and serve your Chicken Madeira alongside mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece!

Tips for the Best Chicken Madeira

• Invest in Good Wine: Choosing a higher quality Madeira wine helps develop that rich, complex flavor essential for the sauce.
• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure great browning and prevent steaming.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Grate whole-milk mozzarella yourself—fresh cheese melts beautifully compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Opt for Fresh Mushrooms: Use fresh cremini or baby Bella mushrooms for better texture and flavor. Avoid overcrowding in the pan and stir less frequently to achieve perfect caramelization.
• Don’t Rush Sauce Reduction: Allow the wine and beef broth to reduce fully to ensure a rich flavor concentration. It makes a world of difference.
• Check Sauce Consistency: To test if the sauce is ready, coat the back of a spoon—it should leave a clean line when you run your finger through it.

What to Serve with Chicken Madeira

For an ideal pairing, serve your Chicken Madeira with a simple dish of buttered pasta. Here are some other options:

• Buttered Noodles
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Steamed Rice
• Crusty Artisan Bread
• Mixed Green Salad

How to Store

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but luckily, leftovers hold up quite well!

Storage Instructions

To Store: Place chicken, vegetables, and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store any sides separately. Always let the dish cool down fully before refrigerating.

To Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the main dish into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Be advised that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the cream sauce.