Hicham Chicken Lombardy is a delicious, rich, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a savory mushroom sauce, topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 8 oz package of sliced fresh mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 6 skinned and boned chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Flatten the Chicken Breasts:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides and shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are tender and golden brown. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Melt the Butter:
- In the same skillet, melt 1/3 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add the floured chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Deglaze the Skillet:
- Add the chicken broth to the skillet and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Season the Sauce:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper to the broth. Stir well to combine.
- Combine with Mushrooms:
- Return the sautéed mushrooms to the skillet and stir to combine.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
- Top the Chicken:
- Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and mushrooms.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the baked chicken.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Lombardy hot, with your favorite side dishes such as pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken: Make sure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded to ensure even cooking.
- Mushrooms: You can use any variety of mushrooms you prefer, such as cremini or button mushrooms.
- Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, add more mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
Variations
Creamy Chicken Lombardy
- Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier version of this dish.
Spinach Chicken Lombardy
- Add 1 cup of fresh spinach to the mushrooms and sauté until wilted for an extra boost of greens.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Lombardy? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with Chicken Lombardy? A: This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the dish? A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to the mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Chicken Lombardy is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or family dinner. With its tender chicken, savory mushroom sauce, and melted cheeses, it’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful meal with your loved ones!
