mary berry chicken in cream sauce

Mary berry chicken in cream sauce is a classic British dish that features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce. The recipe typically includes ingredients like white wine, mushrooms, onions, garlic, thyme and double cream to create a savory and flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent weeknight dinner.

Why people also love mary berry chicken in cream sauce

People love Mary Berry’s chicken in cream sauce for its delicious and comforting flavors. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a dish that is both rich and satisfying. It’s also a versatile recipe that can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Additionally, the recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require too many ingredients, making it an accessible option for home cooks of all levels.

Growing up in rural France, my grandmother would often prepare her famous chicken in cream sauce for our family dinners. It was always a crowd-pleaser – tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich and savory sauce made with sherry and double cream.

As I got older and started traveling more, I discovered new flavors from around the world but nothing quite compares to my grandmother’s cooking. Whenever I miss home or want to feel closer to my roots, I make this dish along with some garlic mashed potatoes on the side.

One year during Christmas break, my whole family gathered at our grandparents’ house for a festive dinner. My aunt brought over her homemade cranberry relish while my uncle whipped up his signature green bean casserole. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of delicious food and the sounds of laughter and chatter.

As we sat down to eat, my grandmother proudly presented her chicken in cream sauce dish along with a big bowl of garlic mashed potatoes. The chicken was cooked to perfection – juicy and tender, while the sauce was creamy and flavorful. The mashed potatoes were fluffy yet rich with just enough garlic flavor.

We all dug in eagerly, savoring each bite as if it were our last. My grandfather even poured us some red wine from his favorite vineyard in Bordeaux to complement the meal.

After dinner, we gathered around the fireplace for some hot cocoa and shared stories about our travels throughout Europe. It was a cozy evening filled with warmth, love, and good food – a memory that I will always cherish.

Nowadays whenever I make this dish or any other family recipe like my aunt’s cranberry relish or my uncle’s green bean casserole, it brings back fond memories of that Christmas dinner with my family. It reminds me of the importance of tradition and how food can bring people together no matter where they are in the world.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Leaves from a few sprigs of fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup double cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
4. Add the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet and cook them until they turn golden brown on both sides (around three minutes per side).
5. Transfer the chicken breasts to an ovenproof dish and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add onions and mushrooms, then cook for 5 minutes until they are soft.
7. Add garlic and thyme leaves to the skillet, stir well and cook for another minute or two.
8. Pour in white wine into the skillet and let it simmer until reduced by half (around 3-4 minutes).
9. Stir in double cream into the mixture until combined thoroughly.
10. Bring everything to a boil while stirring constantly before reducing heat down to low-medium heat setting.
11. Let it simmer gently for around five minutes or so until sauce thickens slightly.
12. Taste test your sauce; season with salt & pepper if necessary
13. Pour this creamy sauce over your chicken breasts inside of oven-proof dish making sure that each breast is coated evenly with sauce
14. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked and tender.
15. Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
16. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Quick Facts

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Difficulty:Easy
• Yield:This recipe yields four servings.

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet
• Ovenproof dish

Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice pilaf or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

1. To ensure even cooking and prevent dryness, use boneless chicken breasts that are similar in size.
2. Be sure to season your chicken breasts generously before cooking them.
3. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water into the mixture while simmering the sauce.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 493kcal
• Fat: 37g
• Saturated fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 198mg
• Sodium: 218mg
• Potassium: 870mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber:1 g
• Sugar:<1 g
• Protein :33 g

Presentation:
To present this dish, place the chicken breasts on a plate and spoon over the creamy mushroom sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Serve hot with your desired side dishes.

Variations and substitutions for Mary berry chicken in cream sauce recipe:

1. For a healthier option, you can substitute the double cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
2. To add more flavor to the dish, you can use different herbs such as rosemary or oregano instead of thyme.
3. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the skillet along with mushrooms and onions for added nutrition.
4. If you’re vegetarian, you can replace chicken breasts with tofu or paneer cubes and follow the same cooking instructions.
5. To make it gluten-free, swap out regular flour used for coating chicken breasts with almond flour or cornmeal.
6. Another variation is to add a splash of lemon juice at the end of cooking time to give your dish an extra zingy taste.
7. For those who love spicy food, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
8. If you don’t have an ovenproof dish, transfer the chicken and sauce into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper before putting it in the oven.
9. You can also use different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or portobello for added texture and flavor.
10. For those who are lactose intolerant, replace double cream with lactose-free milk or cream alternative like oat milk or soy cream.

Recommendations and notices:

1. Make sure to season the chicken breasts well before cooking them to enhance their flavor.
2. When adding the mushrooms to the skillet, make sure they are cooked through and tender before adding other ingredients.
3. To prevent curdling of cream while simmering, add it slowly into the skillet while stirring continuously on low heat.
4. If you’re using an ovenproof dish that is not non-stick, grease it lightly with oil or butter before placing your chicken breasts inside.
5. Always use a meat thermometer when checking if your chicken is fully cooked – its internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. If you want a thicker sauce consistency, add cornstarch mixed with cold water gradually until desired thickness is reached while stirring constantly on low heat.
7. Serve the chicken in cream sauce hot and fresh to fully enjoy its flavor and texture.
8. If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating it thoroughly.
9. Don’t forget to garnish your dish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added color and aroma.
10. Finally, be careful while handling hot dishes and utensils during cooking – use oven mitts or pot holders as necessary to avoid burns or injuries.

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