Pheasant Or Chicken With Creamy Sauce
Juicy pheasant or chicken pieces coated in seasoned crumbs and baked with a creamy, flavorful sauce, ideal for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fine bread or cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 4 pheasant or chicken breasts, skinned and boned ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sesame seed (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the bread or cracker crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, oregano leaves, thyme leaves, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Rinse the pheasant or chicken breasts and pat dry.
- Cut each breast into 6 to 8 pieces.
- Coat each piece with mayonnaise or plain yogurt, then roll in the crumb mixture.
- Place the coated pieces in a 9 x 13-inch pan sprayed with cooking spray.
- Drizzle melted margarine over the coated pieces.
- Sprinkle with sesame seed, if using.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 30 to 40 minutes until tender and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and tang. If you don't have Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. Ensure the meat is patted dry before coating to help the crumb mixture adhere better. Adding some smoked paprika can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pheasant or chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Martha'S Chicken Pie for a comforting dinner spread. For a heartier option, consider offering mashed potatoes or a grain like quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pieces in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the coating. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the breading soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pheasant Or Chicken With Creamy Sauce contains roughly 1044 calories, with 18g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (179% of the Daily Value), iron (122% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1419mg per serving (62% 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 they should be thawed completely before cooking. It’s best to plan ahead and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even cooking and allows for better flavor absorption.
What can I substitute for margarine in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use margarine, you can substitute it with melted butter or olive oil. Both options will provide a rich flavor and help the crumb coating crisp up nicely. For a dairy-free option, coconut oil can also work well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the crumb mixture. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce on the finished dish. This adds an exciting flavor twist to the creamy sauce.
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).