Chicken Madeira

Most everyone I know will go out for dinner at some fancy restaurant for a celebrated Birthday; this thought was no exception in our house for my wife’s 40th milestone extravaganza.  After consideration of where to take our appetite, a place that would be kid friendly for two toddlers too, we (she) decided to put my cooking skills to use.  Dining-In in flavorful style was a great decision when this Chicken Madeira meal was completed and devoured.

This recipe is simple and delicious needless to say, whether on a busy weeknight or you’re having company over on the weekend.

Ingredients (Chicken):
- 4 skinless chicken breasts; the thinner the better for this particular recipe
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 3 TBSP EV Olive Oil
- 1 Cup of Reduced Fat mozzarella cheese

Ingredients (Sauce):
- 8 oz fresh white mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 TBSP EV Olive Oil
- 3 Cups Madeira Wine (Darn near an entire bottle)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Cups beef broth (1 can)
- 2 TBSP cornstarch
- 1 TBSP salted butter (optional)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Preparation Directions:

Pound and flatten chicken breast to 1/4 inch thickness (if necessary). Lightly sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 3 TBSP of EV olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, until hot. Place chicken breasts in skillet without overcrowding and cook 3 – 4 minutes on each side until nicely brown (obviously no longer pink in the middle). Transfer cooked chicken into a separate pan; cover and keep warm on the side.

In the same skillet (don’t wash skillet) add 2 TBSP EV olive oil over medium heat until oil is hot.  Add mushrooms and and stir for 1 minute. Continue to add the remainder of sauce ingredients; stir and bring to a boil.  Immediately reduce heat to a simmer.  Simmer for 20 minutes.  Finished sauce will be darker brown and thickened.

When there is approximately 10 minutes remaining in the sauce simmering process, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the chicken breasts in a baking pan.   Broil for 3 – 4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve chicken immediately once sauce is done.  Generously drizzle your chicken with the Madeira Sauce.  Enjoy.