why make this recipe
This dish is simple, rich, and full of flavor. It uses common ingredients and cooks fast. It makes a special weeknight meal or a dinner for guests.
introduction
Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce pairs seared chicken with a smooth whiskey cream sauce. The sauce is silky and warm with a hint of whiskey. This cream sauce is similar to the one used in steak crostini with creamy horseradish sauce, but it has an Irish whiskey twist.
how to make Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
Start by searing the chicken to get a golden crust. Sauté garlic and shallots in the same pan to pick up browned bits. Add whiskey to deglaze and reduce a little. Stir in cream and stock to form the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan to finish cooking and soak in the sauce.
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 cup smooth whiskey (your favorite)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and shallots. Sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2 minutes).
- Deglaze with Whiskey: Pour whiskey into the pan while scraping up browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and chicken stock, bringing to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Add Chicken Back In: Return seared chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
how to serve Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
Serve the chicken hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and the side. Add a green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a simple salad to balance the plate.
how to store Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat so the cream does not separate. For longer storage, freeze without garnish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
- Pat chicken dry before searing to get a better crust.
- Use medium-high heat for searing, then lower heat for the sauce.
- Do not boil the cream; keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper after the sauce reduces.
- Use a good smooth whiskey you like to drink; it shapes the sauce flavor.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced mushrooms when you sauté the shallots for extra texture.
- Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy lift.
- Crisp some bacon and add on top for smoky flavor.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes. Adjust cooking time and check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
Q: Can I skip the whiskey?
A: You can use extra chicken stock or a splash of apple cider for a different flavor, but the whiskey gives this dish its character.
Q: Will the alcohol stay in the sauce after cooking?
A: Most alcohol cooks off when you simmer, but a small trace may remain. Simmer for a few minutes after adding whiskey to reduce it.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: You can make the sauce and store it separately in the fridge for one day. Reheat gently and add cooked chicken when ready to serve.
Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: None
Description
A simple yet rich dish that pairs seared chicken with a silky whiskey cream sauce, perfect for a special weeknight meal or dinner for guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 cup smooth whiskey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and shallots. Sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2 minutes).
- Pour whiskey into the pan while scraping up browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in heavy cream and chicken stock, bringing to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Return seared chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before searing for a better crust. Use a good smooth whiskey to shape the sauce flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg