Chicken meat in a pouch with sauce is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breast, flavorful mushrooms, and a creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests with your cooking skills. The combination of the juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich sauce creates a comforting meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish!
What You’ll Need for Chicken Meat in a Pouch with Sauce
To make this scrumptious chicken dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs)
- 300 g mushrooms (e.g., champignon or oyster mushrooms) (about 10.5 oz)
- 100 g mozzarella cheese (about 3.5 oz)
- 200 g heavy cream (about 7 oz)
- 100 g water (about 3.5 oz)
- 20 g grated Parmesan cheese (about 0.7 oz)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil for frying
- 20 g butter for frying (about 0.7 oz)
- 30 g butter (about 1 oz)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Meat in a Pouch with Sauce
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Fry the Mushrooms: In a hot pan with melted butter and cooking oil, add the chopped mushrooms. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked through. Set the mushrooms aside.
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Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to create wider pieces. Gently pound the chicken until it’s an even thickness, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Stuff the Chicken: Place half of the sautéed mushrooms on one side of each chicken breast, adding a piece of butter on top of the mushrooms. Then, fold the other half of the chicken breast over to cover the filling.
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Cook the Chicken: Secure each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks. In the same pan, heat more melted butter and cooking oil, then fry the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the remaining pan drippings, add the heavy cream and water. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and crushed garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Combine and Cook: Return the stuffed chicken to the pan and let it cook in the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Meat in a Pouch with Sauce
When it comes to serving this dish, presentation can make all the difference! Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is rich and creamy, carefully remove the toothpicks and place the chicken on a warm plate. Drizzle some of the delicious sauce from the pan over the chicken, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an extra touch.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. A side of crusty bread is also a great option for soaking up the flavorful sauce!
Expert Tips for Chicken Meat in a Pouch with Sauce
- Mushroom Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms. Shiitake and portobello can add exciting flavors and textures to the dish.
- Cheese Selection: If you’re not a big fan of mozzarella, you can try using shredded cheddar or a melty gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
- Making it Creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine before the heavy cream. Just be sure to let it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol.
Chicken Meat in a Pouch with Sauce FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen chicken breasts can work fine, but you’ll want to ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter version.
This Chicken meat in a pouch with sauce is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. Give it a try, and enjoy a homemade meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant!