Crab-Topped Chicken Oscar with Asparagus and Hollandaise
Indulge in the luxurious taste of Crab-Topped Chicken Oscar, a classic dish perfect for special occasions or intimate dinners. This elegant entrée features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts, topped with succulent Dungeness crab and fresh asparagus, all drizzled with a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic evening or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish brings the flavors of the West Coast right to your table. With simple techniques and quality ingredients, you'll create a stunning presentation that's as delightful as it is delicious.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (pounded thin)
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (for dredging)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (for cooking)
crabmeat
1 cup (fresh or canned, picked over for shells)
asparagus spears
12 (cooked)
hollandaise sauce mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (made according to package directions)
Instructions
1
Preheat your heavy skillet over medium heat.
2
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them until they are thin and even, about 1/2 inch thick.
3
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
4
Add the butter to the preheated skillet. Once the butter has melted and stopped foaming, carefully add the dredged chicken breasts.
5
Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until each piece is golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a warmed serving platter.
6
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the hollandaise sauce according to the package instructions. Keep warm until ready to serve.
7
Once all chicken is cooked, top each breast with an even layer of crabmeat.
8
Arrange three cooked asparagus spears on top of the crabmeat for each chicken breast.
9
Drizzle the warm hollandaise sauce generously over the asparagus and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Oscar?
Chicken Oscar is an elegant dish consisting of pan-seared chicken breasts topped with crabmeat, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce.
What kind of crabmeat is best for this recipe?
You can use fresh or canned crabmeat. Dungeness crab is traditional for West Coast cuisine, but lump crab or backfin also work well.
How do I prepare the chicken for Chicken Oscar?
Place the chicken breasts between sheets of wax paper and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
Why do I need to dredge the chicken in flour?
Dredging the chicken in seasoned flour helps create a golden-brown crust and locks in moisture during pan-frying.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people, with one chicken breast per serving.
Can I make hollandaise sauce from scratch?
Yes, while this recipe uses a package mix for convenience, you can certainly make a fresh hollandaise using egg yolks, butter, and lemon juice.
How many asparagus spears go on each chicken breast?
The recipe calls for 3 cooked asparagus spears per chicken breast.
What type of skillet should I use?
A heavy skillet, such as cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel, is recommended for even heat distribution.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt levels of the dish, but salted butter can be used if you adjust the added salt accordingly.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Since the chicken is pounded thin, it only takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium heat.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus; just ensure it is cooked and well-drained before placing it on the chicken.
What should I check for when using canned crabmeat?
Always pick over the crabmeat carefully to ensure there are no small pieces of shell remaining.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
The 'Oscar' style is also commonly prepared with steak (Steak Oscar) or even veal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This specific recipe is not gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour for dredging and a sauce mix that may contain gluten.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Oscar?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad.
Can I prepare the asparagus in advance?
Yes, the asparagus can be blanched or steamed ahead of time and kept warm or quickly reheated.
What temperature should the chicken reach?
Chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I keep the chicken warm while finishing the sauce?
Transfer the cooked chicken to a warmed platter and cover loosely with foil while you prepare the hollandaise.
Can I use lobster instead of crab?
Absolutely! Lobster meat is a delicious and luxurious alternative to crab for this preparation.
What is the origin of 'Oscar' style food?
It is named after King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway, who was said to be very fond of the combination of ingredients.
Can I make this dish for a dinner party?
Yes, it is a perfect choice for entertaining because of its elegant presentation and gourmet flavors.
What can I use if I don't have a meat mallet?
You can use a heavy rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy skillet to pound the chicken.
Is the crabmeat served cold or warm?
The crabmeat should be warmed through, either by the heat of the chicken or by briefly heating it in a pan.
How do I prevent the hollandaise from breaking?
If using a mix, follow the package instructions carefully and keep it over low heat, whisking occasionally.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter for the chicken?
Yes, though butter provides a richer flavor that complements the hollandaise and crab.
Does this dish store well as leftovers?
This dish is best served immediately. Hollandaise sauce does not reheat well as it tends to separate.
What kind of wine pairs best with this dish?
A buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the hollandaise and seafood.
Can I use chicken thighs?
While breasts are traditional, you can use boneless thighs if they are pounded thin, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How do I ensure the asparagus is not mushy?
Cook the asparagus just until tender-crisp, usually by blanching in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Is this a West Coast recipe?
Yes, this variation is often associated with West Coast cuisine due to the use of fresh Dungeness crab.