Chicken Diane: The Ultimate Restaurant-Style Skillet Chicken

Chicken Diane: The Ultimate Restaurant-Style Skillet Chicken

Key Info:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Tags: Gluten Optional, Not Vegetarian

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet
• Measuring cups
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup brandy (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Pro Tips Before Cooking:

Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly.
Pat chicken dry before seasoning.
Have all ingredients prepped before starting.

Method:

1. Prepare Chicken
   – Pound chicken breasts to even thickness
   – Season generously with salt and pepper
   – Pat dry with paper towels
2. Sear Chicken
   – Heat oil in skillet over high heat
   – Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
   – Internal temperature should reach 165°F
   – Remove chicken, set aside
3. Build Sauce
   – Reduce heat to medium
   – Add butter and mushrooms
   – Sauté until mushrooms release moisture
   – Add shallots and garlic, cook 1-2 minutes
4. Deglaze and Create Sauce
   – Pour in brandy (carefully)
   – Scrape pan to release browned bits
   – Add chicken broth and Dijon mustard
   – Simmer and reduce by half
5. Finish Sauce
   – Stir in cream
   – Add Worcestershire sauce
   – Simmer until sauce thickens
   – Return chicken to pan
   – Coat chicken in sauce
6. Serve
   – Garnish with fresh parsley
   – Spoon extra sauce over chicken

Crucial Storage Tips:

– Refrigerate within 2 hours
– Store in airtight container
– Consume within 3 days
– Reheat gently to prevent sauce separation

Variations:

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs
• Use white wine instead of brandy
• Add fresh thyme for extra flavor
• Make dairy-free with coconut cream

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don’t overcook chicken
• Use high heat for initial sear
• Add cream gradually to prevent curdling
• Rest chicken before cutting

Perfect Pairings:

• Roasted asparagus
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Simple green salad
• Crusty bread to soak up sauce

Nutritional Insight:

Per Serving (Approximate):
– Calories: 380
– Protein: 28g
– Fat: 22g
– Carbs: 4g

Final Chef’s Note:

Chicken Diane is your ticket to restaurant-quality dinner at home. Master this technique, and you’ll impress everyone at the table!