Chicken Madeira Recipe

A homemade Chicken Madeira recipe made from scratch using simple ingredients. With a beautifully flavoured rich wine sauce, this is a classic everyone should know!

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Made the traditional way by pan-searing chicken cutlets, you can toss in any mushrooms, sides or pasta and it’s going to be amazing. And everybody knows Chicken Madeira is the best dish for a cozy night in!

Simmering tender chicken with golden mushrooms and garlic creates a delicious homemade sauce for the dish, into which the chicken meat is nestled alongside melted mozzarella. This is a Chicken Madeira made the restaurant style way!

Regular readers know that “fancy” is certainly not my middle name. I’m not one for following complicated techniques. I just like good food done right. I’ll give sous-vide and deconstructed plates a miss thanks! 😂

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Madeira recipe brings big flavor with easy steps and familiar ingredients.

Rich sauce: The Madeira wine blends with broth and butter to create a glossy sauce that coats every bite.

Juicy chicken: Light flour helps the chicken stay tender while cooking evenly.

Mushroom goodness: Cremini mushrooms soak up the sauce and add deep savory flavor.

Comfort food feel: Every forkful tastes warm, cozy, and filling.

Great for guests: The dish looks elegant while staying very approachable.

Weeknight friendly: The process stays calm and organized from start to finish.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 1 pound chicken breasts skinless and boneless
• 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups Madeira wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 half teaspoon salt
• 1 and a half teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

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Step by Step Instructions

1 .Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt and pepper, then lightly dust them with flour. The flour helps the chicken brown nicely and supports the sauce later. Keep the coating thin so the texture stays soft and clean.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Once the oil looks glossy, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook each side for about five minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep it warm while the sauce comes together.

3. Cook the Mushrooms

Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the cremini mushrooms and stir gently. Let them cook until they release moisture and turn deep brown. This step builds strong flavor and creates a base for the sauce that tastes rich and earthy.

4. Add Garlic and Wine

Stir the minced garlic into the mushrooms and cook for about thirty seconds until fragrant. Pour in the Madeira wine slowly and scrape the pan bottom with a spoon to lift all the browned bits. Let the wine simmer for several minutes until it reduces and smells mellow.

5. Build the Sauce

Pour the chicken broth into the pan and stir everything together. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly and looks glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should feel smooth and balanced with deep flavor.

6. Finish the Dish

Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish right before serving for color and freshness.

Tips and Variations

• Let the sauce simmer gently instead of rushing it so it thickens naturally.
• Add a small knob of butter at the end for shine and smoothness.
• Button mushrooms work well if cremini stay unavailable.
• Add an extra clove for stronger flavor without overpowering the sauce.
• Cook the sauce earlier in the day and finish with chicken before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Madeira pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of sauce. Steamed rice also works well and keeps the meal simple and filling. For a lighter plate, serve it with roasted green beans and a crisp salad on the side.

When friends come over, I like placing the skillet in the center of the table and serving it family style. The mushrooms and glossy sauce always grab attention and make the meal feel inviting and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs work well and stay very juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly so they cook through fully.

Does the alcohol cook out?

The wine simmers long enough to mellow the alcohol while keeping the flavor.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer a few extra minutes until it reaches the texture you enjoy.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

What reheating method works best?

Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the sauce smooth.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Madeira brings comfort, richness, and simple elegance to the dinner table. The tender chicken, the savory mushrooms, and the silky sauce come together in a way that feels satisfying without feeling heavy.

I enjoy how this recipe feels flexible and reliable at the same time. Serve it for a quiet night in and it feels special. Share it with guests and it still feels effortless. That balance makes this dish one I return to often.