Chicken Gloria is a creamy and savory dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich sauce made from mushrooms, sherry, and heavy cream. This elegant yet easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sherry
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge in Flour:
- Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the Butter:
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Deglaze with Sherry:
- Pour in the 1/2 cup of sherry, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sherry is reduced by half.
- Add Chicken Broth:
- Stir in the 1 cup of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Heavy Cream:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Cook
- Return Chicken to Skillet:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Simmer:
- Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Chicken Gloria with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the chicken hot, with the creamy mushroom sauce spooned over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken Breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
- Sherry: Use a good quality dry sherry for the best flavor. You can substitute with white wine if desired.
- Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms provide the best texture and flavor. You can use button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or a mix of both.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Gloria
- Add Heat:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Chicken Gloria with Spinach
- Add Spinach:
- Stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach to the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
Lemon Chicken Gloria
- Add Lemon:
- Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon to the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
- Rice:
- Serve the Chicken Gloria over steamed jasmine rice or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes:
- For a comforting option, serve with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Pasta:
- Pair the dish with your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, for a complete meal.
Garnishes
- Fresh Herbs:
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley or fresh thyme for a burst of color and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan:
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They will add more flavor and remain juicy during cooking.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Chicken Gloria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cream? A: Heavy cream is recommended for its rich texture, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. The sauce will be thinner with half-and-half.
Q: Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for sherry? A: Yes, you can use chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice as a non-alcoholic substitute for sherry.
Chicken Gloria is a creamy and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken breasts and rich mushroom sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is easy to make and always satisfying. Enjoy making and sharing this flavorful meal with your family and friends!
