Creamy Chicken in Brandy Sauce with Herbs
Elevate your dinner experience with this luxurious Creamy Chicken in Brandy Sauce. This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety sauce made from rich cream and Metaxa, a Greek brandy known for its unique flavor profile. While Metaxa adds a distinct taste, feel free to substitute it with your favorite brandy for a delightful variation. This recipe guarantees a sauce rich enough to impress your guests or provide a comforting family meal. For a full course, serve it over al dente pasta to soak up every drop of the exquisite sauce. Optionally, you can enhance the flavor with fresh herbs such as tarragon or parsley—just be sure to taste them first, as their potency can vary. Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right in your own home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
4 (Flattened)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Butter
3 ounces (Unsalted)
Metaxa brandy
1/4 cup
Cream
1/2 cup (Heavy cream preferred)
Tarragon or parsley (optional)
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
2
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with lemon juice, followed by a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
3
In a heated frying pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides, cooking for about 10 minutes, or until they are almost cooked through.
4
Gradually pour in the Metaxa brandy, allowing it to evaporate gently. This process helps to concentrate the flavors, contributing to a rich sauce.
5
Once the alcohol has reduced, lower the heat and stir in the cream. Allow the sauce to gently simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency.
6
If you choose to use herbs, sprinkle in the tarragon or parsley, mixing well. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7
Serve the chicken warm, drizzled with the creamy sauce, and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken in Brandy Sauce with Herbs?
It is a luxurious dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety sauce made from rich cream, Metaxa brandy, and fresh herbs.
What is Metaxa?
Metaxa is a unique Greek brandy used in this recipe to provide a distinct and sophisticated flavor profile to the sauce.
Can I substitute Metaxa with another brandy?
Yes, if you do not have Metaxa, you can feel free to substitute it with your favorite brandy for a delightful variation.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 chicken breasts.
Why should I pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness between pieces of parchment paper ensures that the meat cooks evenly.
What seasoning is used on the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and pepper before cooking.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3 ounces of unsalted butter.
How long should I cook the chicken breasts?
You should brown the chicken in butter for about 10 minutes, or until they are almost cooked through.
When do I add the brandy to the pan?
The Metaxa brandy should be poured into the pan gradually after the chicken has been browned.
Why do I need to let the brandy evaporate?
Allowing the alcohol to evaporate gently helps concentrate the flavors, which contributes to a richer sauce.
What type of cream is best for the sauce?
Heavy cream is preferred for this recipe to achieve a velvety and rich consistency.
How do I thicken the sauce?
After adding the cream, allow the sauce to gently simmer while stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.
Which herbs can be added to the dish?
You can use approximately 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh tarragon or parsley.
Are the herbs mandatory for this recipe?
No, the herbs are optional, but they are recommended to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
How should I serve the Creamy Chicken in Brandy Sauce?
It is best served warm, drizzled with the sauce, and ideally placed over al dente pasta to soak up the liquid.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, the luxurious nature of the brandy and cream sauce makes it an excellent restaurant-quality dish to impress guests.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What should I do if my herbs are very strong?
The recipe suggests tasting the herbs first, as their potency can vary, and adjusting the amount used accordingly.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of cream.
Can I use this recipe as a pasta topping?
Yes, one of the primary serving suggestions is to use it as a rich topping for pasta.
How much brandy is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of Metaxa brandy.
What temperature should I use to melt the butter?
The butter should be melted in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it is categorized as a high-end comfort food.
Should I salt the sauce separately?
After mixing in the herbs, you should taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Can I use salted butter?
While unsalted is preferred for control, you can use salted butter and simply reduce the amount of additional salt added later.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to place the chicken breasts between parchment paper and pound them to even thickness.
Do I cook the chicken on high heat the whole time?
No, you should lower the heat once the alcohol has reduced and you are ready to stir in the cream.
What if I don't have tarragon?
You can use parsley as a substitute, or omit the herbs entirely.
How do I ensure the chicken is juicy?
Pounding the chicken for even cooking and simmering it gently in the cream sauce helps maintain its tenderness.
Can I make this dish in advance?
While it is best served fresh, you can prepare the components and combine them just before serving to maintain the sauce texture.