Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a culinary journey with Chicken Lombardy! This dish is a true testament to Italian-American comfort food, marrying tender chicken breasts with earthy mushrooms and a decadent Marsala wine sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a hearty meal, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, evenly pounded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, diced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Marsala cooking wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste (approximately ½ teaspoon each)
- ⅓ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 stalk green onion, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the diced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour the mushroom Marsala sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Sprinkle Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot, preferably over pasta or with a side of mashed potatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cook’s Notes:
- Pounding Chicken: Evenly pounding the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and tenderize faster.
- Mushroom Variation: Try using a mix of different mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer for a thicker consistency or adding more broth for a thinner sauce.
Variations:
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
- Herb-infused: Sprinkle dried Italian herbs or fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Bacon Wrapped: Wrap each chicken breast with bacon strips before cooking for an extra savory touch.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto: Replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for dredging the chicken. Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
- Low-Carb: Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of flour in the sauce. Serve with steamed broccoli or a salad.
Chicken Lombardy is a dish that epitomizes comfort and flavor, perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore variations to suit your taste, this dish promises a delightful dining experience every time.
This recipe not only satisfies your culinary cravings but also enriches your cooking repertoire with its versatility and timeless appeal. Enjoy the journey of creating and savoring Chicken Lombardy, and share the joy of good food with your loved ones.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- What can I serve with Chicken Lombardy? This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and assemble/bake just before serving for convenience.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Is Marsala wine necessary, or can I substitute it with something else? Marsala wine adds a unique flavor to this dish, but you can substitute it with a dry white wine or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.