Chicken Celeste
Chicken Celeste features tender, skinned chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful sherry sauce with onions, finished with a creamy yogurt and mayonnaise mixture, perfect for elegant family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and skin the chicken breasts, then dust them with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Pour oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven and brown the chicken on both sides.
- Add chopped onion, dry sherry, and water to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer until the chicken is tender, about 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken to a hot platter and keep warm.
- Add mayonnaise and yogurt to the liquid in the skillet, blending until smooth.
- Stir in minced parsley and additional seasoning if desired.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with additional yogurt or a low-fat mayonnaise. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth can work as a substitute. Ensure the chicken is browned well for extra flavor, and consider adding garlic or mushrooms to the sauté for more depth. This dish is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a comforting choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Celeste over a bed of rice or with buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad pairs well with this dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Impossible Broccoli And Chicken for a delicious combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Celeste can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Celeste contains roughly 822 calories, with 8g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1325mg per serving (58% 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 boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts for a richer flavor and juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of nonfat yogurt?
If you don't have nonfat yogurt, you can substitute it with sour cream or full-fat yogurt for a creamier sauce. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor and richness of the dish slightly.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Celeste in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
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).