why make this recipe
This dish warms you on cool nights. It has a creamy sauce with a touch of whiskey. The chicken stays tender and the sauce feels rich. You can make it in about 30–40 minutes. It works well for a weeknight meal or a relaxed dinner with friends.
introduction
This simple Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce mixes savory chicken, onions, garlic, and a smooth cream sauce with Irish whiskey for warm flavor. If you enjoy rich sauces, try a similar idea like the steak crostini with creamy horseradish sauce for another creamy, bold twist.
how to make Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Brown chicken on both sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Pour in Irish whiskey and let it simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add chicken broth and scrape any brown bits from the pan.
- Return chicken to the pan. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken again. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the sauce to warm. Sprinkle chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients :
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Irish Whiskey (Bourbon can be used as a substitute)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Light cream can be used for a lower-calorie option)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian option)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) (Yellow onions are preferred)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh is best, but jarred can work)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with neutral oil)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Directions : Preparation Steps
- Prep: Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Brown: Heat oil, brown the chicken on both sides, then remove.
- Sauté: Cook onion until soft, add garlic and cook briefly.
- Deglaze: Pour in whiskey and let alcohol reduce by simmering 1–2 minutes.
- Add broth: Stir in chicken broth and scrape pan bits.
- Simmer: Return chicken, cover, and cook until done.
- Finish: Remove chicken, add cream, reduce to a thick sauce, then warm the chicken in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
how to serve Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Add a green side like steamed broccoli or a simple salad. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and the side. A crusty bread works well to mop up the sauce.
how to store Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
Cool the dish to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the cream. For longer storage, freeze without cream for up to 2 months and add fresh cream when reheating.
tips to make Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
- Pat chicken dry to get a good brown crust.
- Use fresh garlic for better flavor.
- Let the whiskey simmer a little to reduce harsh alcohol taste.
- Stir sauce gently and do not boil the cream to avoid curdling.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
variation (if any)
- Use bourbon instead of Irish whiskey for a sweeter flavor.
- Swap heavy cream for light cream for lower calories, but sauce will be thinner.
- For a mushroom twist, add sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions.
- Make it vegetarian: use seitan or thick tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip the whiskey?
A: Yes. Replace with extra chicken broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a small tang.
Q: Is the alcohol fully cooked off?
A: Simmering reduces alcohol but may not remove it all. Cook longer if you want less alcohol flavor.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes. Increase cooking time until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it is thin?
A: Simmer longer to reduce. You can also mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the sauce, then cook until thick.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the chicken and sauce, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream if the sauce looks separated.
Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A savory dish combining tender chicken with a creamy Irish whiskey sauce, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Irish Whiskey (or Bourbon as a substitute)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or Light cream for lower calories)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet, brown the chicken on both sides, then remove.
- Cook onion until soft, add garlic and cook briefly.
- Pour in whiskey and let simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits.
- Return chicken, cover, and cook until done.
- Remove chicken, add cream, and simmer until thickened.
- Warm chicken in the sauce and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve over mashed potatoes or rice, and pair with a green side like steamed broccoli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg