Monday, July 13, 2009

Spicy Brandied Chicken

If you're looking for a simple, tasty, elegant chicken dish, look no further. This is a savory show stopper! Talk about take the ho-hum out of the mid-week menu!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Extra-virgin olive oil
Butter
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound of sliced mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons of chopped chives
1/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup heavy cream

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken on the both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and brown on both sides completely, about 7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a platter and tent with foil to keep warm.

Place the skillet back on the burner over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the butter has melted, add the mushrooms and saute, stirring, about 10 minutes, until golden brown. Then add the thyme leaves and garlic, and season well with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from the burner and add the brandy, return to burner and cook until almost evaporated. Add the cream and cook that down 2 to 3 minutes until reduced by about one-half and thickened. Add the red pepper flakes and adjust seasonings. Return chicken to skillet and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Garnish with chopped chives and serve with penne pasta and a fresh salad!



36 comments:

theUngourmet said...

Katherine, this looks so rich, creamy and delicious! I know I would love it!

Selba said...

Wow! It looks so delicious... I like the ingredients that you used for this chicken. The brandy part sounds good! :)

NKP said...

Mushrooms, chicken, brandy.. cream.. sounds heavenly!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

You're right - this looks very simple but I know the brandy really makes it special. It's amazing how one ingredient can take a recipe to a higher level. This looks terrific Katherine. I'll have to give it a try. I've been away without internet access. Looks like I've missed a lot of good food.
Sam

Debbie said...

Katherine that chicken looks delicious. I just love all your recipes!

Chef E said...

Oh yum! Hubby is going out of town again, so I might not be cooking for myself, but you have tempted me with this recipe...I could eat leftovers :)

Donna-FFW said...

What a lovely, elegant dinner. Id love to try some!

Sherri Murphy said...

A blend full of flavors that I love! Thank you- it's as if this one's just for me!

Cathy said...

I love adding brandy to sauces! This looks like the perfect after work meal for me!

gigi said...

Looks wonderful! How did you know all my suppers lately were ho-hum?
Thanks and Happy Monday!
Off and running today.

buffalodick said...

As you know, I did chicken yesterday... George Gobels, a comedian in the 60's was on Johnny Carson's show once, and all the other guests that night were legends in the Entertainment business... George looked around at all the famous people and said to Johnny, "Did you ever feel you were in a room full of tuxedos- and you were a pair of old, brown shoes?" Well, that's what your chicken dish did to mine!

The JR said...

Lookin good.

Ramona

Heather S-G said...

This looks like a perfect dinner! I bet the flavors are so decadent :)

Marjie said...

Yes, this sounds like my kind of meal. I prefer sherry in my cream sauce, but brandy would work, too!

Pam said...

Oh Katherine - you have me drooling and it's only 10:00 am.

Jennifer said...

Girl, that sounds and looks fantastic, can't wait to make it!

Greg C said...

Whoa that looks great. It sounds easy too.

B His Girl said...

Wow this looks very good. I came over from Greg's blog. Your comment made me laugh about the giant fork and spoon. After seeing your blog, I might want those to taste these recipes. Blessings, B

Dewi said...

Sounds delicious Katherine!

Anonymous said...

This sound decadent, yet simple. Perfect!

The Blonde Duck said...

I know I love it. And I've only drooled from afar.

Heidi said...

This looks amazing! I want to eat at your house :)

Mary Bergfeld said...

This really does look and sound delicious. The combination of cream, brandy and mushrooms is pretty hard to beat.

Chris said...

This reminded me of our sherried chicken breast we made a few years ago (http://www.bigoven.com/162245-Sauteed-Chicken-Breast-with-Sherried-Mushroom-Cream-Sauce-recipe.html)

I'll definitely be giving yours a try because I happen to have some brandy downstairs and I don't drink liquor! This looks awesome, can't wait to tray.

Hey, we improved your summer corn this weekend. How? We cooked it in a cast iron pan over a camp fire in Cades Cove. Sure it was the same dish but I swear it tastes better campside, lol.

Reeni said...

What a heavenly chicken dish! How delicious with the brandy and cream!

Kathy said...

Looks delicious!!!! Can I come over? ;)

Joanne said...

Anything with brandy in the title would definitely spice up a weeknight meal! Looks delicious.

Lyndas recipe box said...

This dish sounds delicious!I love dishes that look and taste like you spent a lot of time cooking, but are really quite easy.Thanks, Katherine!

Marguerite said...

This chicken with brandy looks divine, Katherine. After eating seafood for five days in a row, think I'll have to try this one, tonight. Cest bon, cher!

La Bella Cooks said...

I love indulging in a yummy cream sauce at times but I really like the addition of the brandy. This is a must-try!

momgateway said...

Yummy dish, thanks for the recipe!

Claudia said...

I don't cook too much with Brandy. Hmmm, THAT'S about to change. Great recipe - and easy for a busy weekday (loving that these days - the easier the better till September). So rich. so decadent. So tasty!

amycaseycooks said...

Always on the lookout for new chicken recipes and this one looks unique.

pigpigscorner said...

This looks gorgeous! The creamy sauce sounds wonderful.

Northern Thunder said...

Can't resist , I guess the diet starts next week!

Thanks,

Northern Thunder said...

Can't resist , I guess the diet starts next week!

Thanks,