Chicken In Tomato Cream Sauce
Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce with mushrooms, herbs, and sherry, resulting in a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The creamy sauce complements the tender chicken, making it a versatile and delicious choice for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg.
- Brown the chicken lightly in heated butter in a large pan.
- As you turn the chicken to brown the second side, add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms around the edges of the pan.
- Sprinkle the chicken with chopped parsley and dried basil leaves.
- Pour in the dry sherry and bring to a boil.
- Cover the pan and reduce heat to simmer until the chicken is cooked, about 20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a warm serving dish.
- Stir Dijon mustard into the liquid in the pan.
- Add peeled, seeded, and chopped tomato, then stir in the whipping cream.
- Bring to a boil, cook, and stir until the sauce is shiny, reduced, and slightly thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be substituted. You can also experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the dish. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of whipping cream. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Breast With Sage And Nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad would complement the meal nicely. This dish also pairs well with crusty bread for a complete dining experience. Consider serving with a glass of dry white wine for a delightful pairing.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain sauce consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling the cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Tomato Cream Sauce contains roughly 319 calories, with 13g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (118% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), and potassium (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 685mg per serving (30% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
What can I substitute for whipping cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk, although the sauce may be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or a cashew cream can work well, adding a unique flavor to the dish.
How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of nutmeg or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Additionally, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for more depth without increasing the spice level.
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).