CHICKEN IN MUSHROOM WINE SAUCE

And WELCOME BACK to Let's Cook.

Today we are trying out a NEW Cookbook for you fine folks.

You can find this book at bookstores and online.

I've been watching Natashia's YOU TUBE Channel for a couple of years and love her recipes. I also enjoy her presentation. It's worth a watch just to see and hear her story. Not to mention the great recipes.

The cookbook goes into more detail about her life in Ukraine as well as her journey to You Tube stardom.

Go get the book and start COOKING!

You'll thank me later.

Today, I am making Nateshia's Chicken in Mushroom Wine Sauce.

NOTE: A complete INDEX to our recipes is available.

So, let's get to it.

INGREDIANTS

2 Large boneless chicken breasts

(1.5 lbs.)

1/3 cup All Purpose Flour

1 tsp fine sea salt (divided)

3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (divided)

3 TB unsalted butter (divided)

2 TBL extra virgin Olive Oil (divided)

(more if needed)

6 OZ Cremini or Baby Bella mushrooms thickly sliced.

    (I used 8 OZ WHITE Mushrooms)

1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion.

3 Garlic cloves, minced.

1/4 tsp dried thyme or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 cup homemade chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish. (optional, and I forgot anyway)

Line a cutting board with plastic wrap. (I forgot to do this step too, but I ALAWAYS wash the cutting board) Cut each chicken breast in half (lengthwise) to make 4 cutlets. 

Place the chicken in a single layer on the cutting board and cover with a second sheet of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, or rolling pin, pound the chicken thin (about 1/3 inch) Set aside.

In a shallow bowl, stir together the flour 1/2 tsp of Salt, and 1/2 tsp of the pepper. Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, turning to coat, and tap off any excess.

In a large skillet over medium heat combine 1 TBL butter, and 1 TBL of the oil. When the butter foams, add the chicken in a single layer. Depending on the size of the cutlets, you may have to work in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the cutlets are golden brown on both sides and cooked through (an instant read thermometer inserted in the center should read 165 degrees) Transfer the cutlets to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Repeat with the remaining cutlets, adding more oil if needed.

In the same skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 2 TBL butter, the mushrooms, and onion and sauté stirring frequently for 6-8 minutes, until the onions are soft, and the mushrooms are lightly browned.

Add the garlic, thyme, the remaining 1/2 tsp of the salt, and the remaining 1/4 tsp of pepper. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the wine and broth and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently and using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue boiling for 7-10 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated and turned syrupy. The bigger the skillet, the faster this step will go.

Stir in the cream, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Return the cutlets to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. 

Serve garnished with parsley (if desired) I didn't.

We added some rice to the dish. And a grown-up beverage.

SO, how was it?

It was DELICIOUS. You could taste the mushroom with just a 'hint' of the garlic.

I thought the color of the gravy could have been a bit darker. That's probably due to the white mushrooms' rather than the Baby Bellas.

Other than that, it looked close to Natashia's version.

What do you think?

We thought it was a WINNER, and plan on making it again. This would be a great recipe if you have company coming over. Plan on about an hour for prep and cooking time.

Seriously, this is one cookbook that should be on your shelf.

So, what's next???  

I think I may go rabbit hunting. I also have a bunch of Venison in the freezer we need to play with. Penny has suggested Rabbit Stew or 'Bambi' Tacos. I may do both next week.

See you then!

God Speed, Mother Nature.

Good day from the President.