Baked Chicken A La Mushroom Sauce
Baked Chicken A La Mushroom Sauce features tender chicken baked in a creamy mushroom and lemon sherry sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Disjoint the chicken into pieces.
- Dip the chicken pieces in seasoned flour.
- Fry the chicken in fat until golden brown.
- Place the fried chicken in a casserole dish.
- Cook the mushrooms in the same skillet for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked mushrooms, cream, grated lemon rind, lemon juice, and optional sherry to the skillet and heat.
- Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken in the casserole.
- Bake, covered, until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of cream. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. To save time, you can use pre-cut chicken pieces or rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation. This dish pairs well with sides like roasted vegetables or rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a generous ladle of mushroom sauce over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A side salad or steamed green beans complements it well. For a cozy meal, consider serving with Chunky Broccoli Soup as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Baked Chicken A La Mushroom Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken A La Mushroom Sauce contains roughly 124 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 919mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can definitely substitute chicken breasts for a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts typically cook faster. Bake them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, usually about 30-40 minutes, depending on thickness.
What can I substitute for fresh mushrooms?
If fresh mushrooms are unavailable, you can use canned mushrooms or dried mushrooms rehydrated in warm water. However, fresh mushrooms will provide the best texture and flavor in the sauce. Consider using varieties like cremini or shiitake for added depth.
Is the cooking sherry necessary for the recipe?
The cooking sherry is optional and adds a rich flavor to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with a splash of white grape juice or omit it altogether. The dish will still be delicious without it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).