Brandied Chicken
A flavorful braised chicken dish with brandy, cherries, and apricots, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes, perfect for special occasions or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken in butter and steak sauce.
- Mix the remaining ingredients except the fruits.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken and sauce in a greased casserole with cherries and apricot halves.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes until well browned and glazed.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in the brandy, lemon juice, and A.1. sauce mixture for at least an hour before browning. If you don't have dark cherries, frozen or dried varieties can be used as substitutes. You can also replace the brandy with white wine for a lighter taste. Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the brandied chicken with a side of fluffy rice or a green salad to balance the rich flavors. It pairs beautifully with Rainbow Soup for a complete meal. Consider adding crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover brandied chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil, then heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brandied Chicken contains roughly 1151 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is a good source of potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 488mg per serving (21% 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 a different type of fruit in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches or pears, which would add a unique twist. Just ensure the fruits are canned or pre-cooked for best results. Fresh fruits can also work, but they may require additional cooking time.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken. Alternatively, you could serve it with a side of spicy pickles to complement the flavors.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
To lighten the dish, use skinless chicken pieces and reduce the butter quantity. You can also substitute part of the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, which can enhance the flavor while reducing refined sugar content.
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).