Cafe Special
A rich and flavorful chicken dish featuring apricot brandy, mustard seed, and cream, perfect for a comforting meal with rice or noodles, appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute diced chicken breasts in butter until cooked through.
- Add apricot brandy and cook for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in mustard seed and cook for another minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a rich flavor, consider using a high-quality apricot brandy. If you don't have mustard seed, Dijon mustard can be a good substitute. To enhance the dish, add a touch of garlic or shallots when sautéing the chicken. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be used, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. This dish pairs beautifully with Instant Rice Dressing for an added flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cafe Special hot over rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can complement the richness of the dish nicely. For a special touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. This dish is also delightful when paired with a light white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Avoid microwaving to maintain the sauce's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cafe Special contains roughly 795 calories, with 7g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin D.
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when warmed up.
What can I use instead of apricot brandy?
If you don't have apricot brandy, you can substitute it with peach schnapps or a mix of apple juice with a splash of brandy for a similar sweet and fruity flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with diced firm tofu or seitan. Ensure to sauté them until golden and follow the same sauce preparation steps for a delicious alternative.
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).