Company Chicken
Company Chicken is a delightful and elegant dish, perfect for serving guests or special occasions. It features tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory, creamy sauce, often made with ingredients like garlic, mushrooms, and herbs. The dish can be prepared quickly but has a sophisticated flavor profile, making it a go-to recipe for entertaining. The chicken is usually pan-seared to achieve a golden crust, then simmered in the creamy sauce until fully cooked and infused with flavors. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile main course that will impress any dinner guest.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Calories:
A typical serving of Company Chicken (1 chicken breast with sauce) contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes.
How to Cook:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter, then sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it. Simmer for 3-4 more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
History:
Company Chicken became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, a time when home-cooked meals with simple, luxurious ingredients were a staple of American entertaining. It was often featured in cookbooks as a “fancy” yet easy-to-make dish for guests, thanks to its rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken.
