Chicken Madeira Recipe with Mushrooms and Madeira Wine Sauce Made Easy at Home

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Madeira

  • Ease of preparation: This Chicken Madeira recipe is easy to follow and cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinners. With simple steps and a manageable ingredient list, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour without fuss.
  • Health benefits: The dish features lean chicken breasts packed with protein, complemented by nutrient-rich mushrooms and fresh asparagus. Madeira wine brings antioxidants, and by controlling butter and cream amounts, the recipe supports a balanced, nutritious diet.
  • Versatility: This recipe adapts effortlessly to various dietary needs. You can make it gluten-free, lower in calories by reducing fats, or vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or plant-based proteins, all while preserving the signature flavors and textures.
  • Distinctive flavor: The rich Madeira wine sauce coated over tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus delivers a harmonious blend of savory, slightly sweet, and creamy tastes. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish offers a unique flavor profile that shines at any meal.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Madeira

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large), halved lengthwise and pounded thin – provides the lean protein base.
  • 1 pound blanched asparagus (approximately 12 spears, trimmed and cut into thirds) – adds fresh, crisp texture and nutrients.
  • 16 ounces button or cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced – contributes umami flavor and savory earthiness.
  • 1 small or half medium yellow onion, finely diced – enhances sweetness and aroma.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 large cloves) – boosts fragrance and depth of flavor.
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, divided – balances seasoning throughout the dish.
  • Black pepper to taste – adds mild heat and complexity.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – enriches sautéed mushrooms and sauce.
  • 3-5 tablespoons olive oil, divided – used for sautéing chicken and vegetables, maintaining moisture.
  • 1 1/2 cups Madeira wine (sweet white wine preferred) – key to authentic sauce flavor.
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups low sodium beef stock or broth – forms a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional) – adds creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water or broth (optional) – for thickening the sauce as desired.
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish) – adds freshness and color.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, cheesy finish.
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme – enhance flavor complexity.

Special Dietary Options:

  • Vegan: Replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan, use vegetable broth instead of beef stock, and omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Gluten-free: Ensure Madeira wine and broths are gluten-free certified, and avoid including wheat-based thickeners.
  • Low-calorie: Use cooking spray in place of oil, reduce butter and cream quantities, and substitute chicken with leaner options or omit cheese.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Madeira: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by trimming and halving the chicken breasts lengthwise. Pound them gently to about 1/4 inch thickness for even cooking. Clean and blanch asparagus by snapping off the woody ends and boiling spears in salted water for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside. Slice mushrooms thickly, finely dice onions, and mince garlic.

Second Step: Cook Mushrooms and Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms until golden and soft, about 5 minutes. Add diced onion and continue cooking until translucent. Stir in garlic, half of the sea salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon parsley. Remove mixture from the pan and set aside to preserve texture.

Third Step: Sauté Chicken

In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Season chicken breasts with the rest of the salt and pepper. Cook chicken breasts for about 3-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.

Fourth Step: Make Madeira Wine Sauce

Deglaze the skillet with Madeira wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Boil and reduce wine by half, then add beef broth. Simmer until liquid reduces to about a quarter of the original volume (10-20 minutes). Optionally stir in cornstarch slurry and add cream to enrich the sauce. Season with Worcestershire sauce and thyme if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Final Step: Combine, Bake, and Serve

Return chicken breasts to the skillet or transfer everything into an oven-safe dish. Layer sautéed mushrooms and reserved asparagus on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly. Broil or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with sides like mashed potatoes or angel hair pasta.

Pro Tip: Cooking chicken in batches prevents overcrowding so the pieces brown evenly, adding delicious flavor and preventing steaming.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Madeira

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

  • For vegan or vegetarian options, replace chicken with firm tofu, seitan, or tempeh, adjusting cooking times to ensure proper texture.
  • Turkey breast or pork tenderloin are good lean protein substitutes for a twist on the dish.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

  • Swap cremini mushrooms for shiitake or portobello mushrooms for earthier flavor notes.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to deepen umami while accommodating gluten intolerance.
  • Enhance flavor with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon instead of parsley.
  • For creamier sauces, add more heavy cream or substitute with coconut cream (for dairy-free adaptation).

Mastering Chicken Madeira: Advanced Tips and Variations

  • Pro cooking techniques: Slowly reduce Madeira wine on low heat to intensify its natural sweetness and richness in the sauce. Deglaze pan thoroughly to capture all flavor bits.
  • Flavor variations: Incorporate caramelized onions or sun-dried tomatoes for additional sweetness and depth. Fresh thyme sprigs or a splash of lemon juice can brighten the sauce.
  • Presentation tips: Serve chicken Madeira on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered angel hair pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
  • Make-ahead options: Prepare and store sauce separately, reheating gently before combining with cooked chicken for easy meal prep during busy days.

How to Store Chicken Madeira: Best Practices

Storage Method Guidelines Tips
Refrigeration Keep leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Reheat gently over low heat to preserve sauce creaminess and prevent asparagus from overcooking.
Freezing Frozen storage is not recommended due to asparagus texture changes; if freezing, separate asparagus and chicken and reheat individually. Use freezer-safe containers and label with date to manage storage duration.
Meal Prep Portion chicken, sauce, and vegetables separately for convenience. Add fresh asparagus when reheating to maintain crispness and vibrant color.
Chicken Madeira

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Madeira

What is Madeira wine and why is it used in Chicken Madeira?

Madeira wine is a fortified wine from the Madeira Islands of Portugal, known for its rich, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. It adds depth and complexity to Chicken Madeira’s sauce, creating the dish’s distinctive savory and sweet balance. The wine undergoes a unique heating process during aging, which enhances its flavor and stability in cooking.

What can I use if I don’t have Madeira wine for Chicken Madeira?

If Madeira wine is unavailable, good substitutes include Marsala wine, dry sherry, or dry port, as they provide similar sweetness and richness. For a non-alcoholic option, try mixing water with apple juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce to mimic the flavor profile, though the taste will differ slightly.

Can I prepare Chicken Madeira in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can cook Chicken Madeira ahead of time and reheat it gently over low heat to avoid curdling the creamy sauce. It is best to prepare and cook the asparagus fresh before serving to maintain its bright color and crisp texture.

How do I blanch asparagus correctly for this recipe?

To blanch asparagus, break off the tough ends, then boil the spears in salted water for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender. Immediately transfer them to cold water or ice to stop the cooking process and preserve their color and texture.

Is this recipe similar to the Chicken Madeira served at the Cheesecake Factory?

Yes, this Chicken Madeira recipe is designed to replicate the Cheesecake Factory version’s flavor and presentation closely. It features tender chicken, rich Madeira sauce, mushrooms, and asparagus, aiming to deliver the same satisfying taste you enjoy at the restaurant.

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Chicken Madeira


  • Author: Valentina Lewis
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

🍗 Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Chicken Madeira, a perfect blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus.
🍷 Made with a luxurious Madeira wine sauce and topped with bubbly mozzarella, it’s an elegant, restaurant-quality dish you can easily create at home.


Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 pound blanched asparagus

16 ounces button or cremini mushrooms

1 small yellow onion

4 cloves garlic

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

Black pepper

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

35 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 cups Madeira wine

1 1/2 to 2 cups low sodium beef stock or broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon cold water or broth

12 tablespoons fresh parsley

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme


Instructions

First Step: Prepare Ingredients. Begin by trimming and halving the chicken breasts lengthwise. Pound them gently to about 1/4 inch thickness for even cooking. Clean and blanch asparagus by snapping off the woody ends and boiling spears in salted water for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside. Slice mushrooms thickly, finely dice onions, and mince garlic.

Second Step: Cook Mushrooms and Aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms until golden and soft, about 5 minutes. Add diced onion and continue cooking until translucent. Stir in garlic, half of the sea salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon parsley. Remove mixture from the pan and set aside to preserve texture.

Third Step: Sauté Chicken. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Season chicken breasts with the rest of the salt and pepper. Cook chicken breasts for about 3-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.

Fourth Step: Make Madeira Wine Sauce. Deglaze the skillet with Madeira wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Boil and reduce wine by half, then add beef broth. Simmer until liquid reduces to about a quarter of the original volume (10-20 minutes). Optionally stir in cornstarch slurry and add cream to enrich the sauce. Season with Worcestershire sauce and thyme if desired. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Final Step: Combine, Bake, and Serve. Return chicken breasts to the skillet or transfer everything into an oven-safe dish. Layer sautéed mushrooms and reserved asparagus on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly. Broil or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with sides like mashed potatoes or angel hair pasta.

Notes

🥬 Snap asparagus at the natural breaking point to ensure tender pieces.
🍗 Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
🍷 Deglazing the skillet with wine lifts all the flavor-packed bits for a rich sauce.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing and Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Chicken Madeira, Madeira Wine Sauce, Easy Chicken Dishes, Elegant Dinner

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