Chicken Imperial
Chicken Imperial features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich mushroom and cream sauce, accented with a hint of onion and seasoned with salt and pepper. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it pairs well with rice or noodles and showcases a creamy, savory flavor profile that appeals to all.
Ingredients
Instructions
- On waxed paper, coat each chicken breast half with 1/4 cup of flour.
- In a 12-inch skillet, cook the chicken in hot margarine over medium heat until lightly browned on all sides. Cook a few pieces at a time if necessary.
- Set the cooked chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms and minced onion in the drippings over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper; blend well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- In a cup, blend 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the skillet liquid, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using olive oil instead of margarine and substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. If you want extra texture, try using panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. Be sure to coat the chicken evenly with flour to ensure a nice sear.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Imperial over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the cream sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Honey Baked Chicken Breasts for a delightful family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, covered, to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Imperial contains roughly 821 calories, with 33g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 747mg per serving (32% 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 as a substitute. They will add a slightly different flavor and remain juicy during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What can I use if I don't have heavy cream?
If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and butter. For every cup of heavy cream, use 3/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of melted butter. This will give you a similar richness in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Imperial ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate them separately. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce's consistency.
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).