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Irish Chicken: Deliciously Decadent in 4 Steps

Okay, so I’ve always been a sucker for anything Irish. Maybe it’s the rolling green hills I dream of visiting, or the fact that my grandma swore she had a wee bit of Irish blood in her! Either way, I’m all in whenever St. Patrick’s Day rolls around! I was never the best at making it to the parties (I can’t wear green!), but the food! Oh my gosh, the Irish food! I knew there had to be some Irish recipes that I could bring home with me, and I wanted something I could experiment with.
Plated Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce, served with mashed potatoes and garnished with fresh thyme.
Now, something I’d love to make every year is this creamy, dreamy Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce. It’s pure comfort food, with such a special blend of flavors! Trust me, the creamy sauce is what it’s all about. This Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce is a star, born from my love for all things Irish and my need for easy dinners. I’ve tweaked this over the years, and I can tell you that it’s a safe bet for the family nights. And the sauce? Wow! It’s got the richness of the creamy sauce, the brightness of Irish whiskey, and pairs great with chicken. The years of recipe trials have really paid off to make this shine. I am going with the experience factor here, as those years really showed me how special this recipe is and led me to become a home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce

Okay, seriously, you *need* this recipe in your life! Here’s why:

  • The sauce. Oh my gosh, the **sauce**! It is lick-your-plate good. Need I say more?
  • Super quick and easy. Seriously, this is faster than ordering takeout, I promise!
  • That whiskey kick! It really brings out fantastic flavors in the chicken.

Ingredients for Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce

Alright, so here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce. Don’t worry, it’s all stuff you can easily find at the store!

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Irish whiskey (Jameson’s is my go-to!)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried, if that’s all you have!)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Seriously, that’s it! See? Told ya it was easy!

How to Make Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce: Step-by-Step

Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We’re about to dive into making this amazing Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce. Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it sounds. Just follow these steps and you’ll be golden!

  1. First! Let’s get that chicken ready! Season those 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy, really get it in there! This is where the flavor party *starts*.
  2. Heat things up! Grab your favorite large skillet and put it over medium-high heat, and add a tablespoon of olive oil. We want it nice and hot so those chicken breasts brown up deliciously.
  3. Chicken Time! Add the chicken to the skillet and let it cook until it is browned, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per side. You’ll also want to make sure it’s cooked *all the way through*. Nobody wants any undercooked surprises! Remove the chicken from the skillet, and oh, don’t you dare clean that skillet yet! We need all that lovely flavor for the sauce!) Put that chicken breast aside for a bit.
  4. Onion Time! Now, add that chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened up, around 5 minutes. Then toss in those minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. Careful, garlic burns easily! Keep that stirring, friend! The aroma should be making you drool by now – yum!
  5. Sauce Time! Pour in that chicken broth AND the Irish whiskey (that’s the secret weapon here!). Make sure you scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. That’s where all the *good* stuff is hiding.
  6. Simmer Down! Bring the sauce to a simmer. By the way, simmering is *not* the same as boiling! Cook until the sauce has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly.
  7. Creamy Goodness! Stir in the heavy cream of 1 cup, Dijon mustard and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where it all comes together, folks!
  8. Chicken Reunion! Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Make sure you’re stirring occasionally, just to keep things moving and ensure nothing sticks!
  9. Serve it HOT! You can serve this however you like! My recommendations are below, but have fun!

See? Easy peasy! Now, wasn’t that fun? I love how simple this recipe is, but how fancy it tastes! Give it a shot and tell me what you think!

Tips for Perfect Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce

Okay, wanna take your Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are my top tips for making it absolutely perfect, every single time!

  • Searing the chicken is KEY! Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t brown properly. You want that beautiful color and the flavor that comes with it!
  • Watch that sauce simmer! Don’t rush the reduction process. Letting it thicken up a little is what makes it so rich and flavorful.
  • Taste, taste, TASTE! Seriously. Adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt, a pinch of pepper, maybe even a tiny splash more whiskey if you’re feeling brave! Trust your taste buds.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be Irish Chicken royalty, I guarantee it!

Variations for Your Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce

Listen, I LOVE this Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce, and I betcha you do too – but sometimes it’s fun to mix things up, right? So, here are a few ways you can tweak this recipe to make it your own!

  • Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. Woo-hoo!
  • Veggie Power! Toss in some sliced mushrooms and bell peppers when you’re cooking the onions.
  • Herb It Up! Swap the thyme for rosemary or sage. It’ll give it a whole new vibe!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with this! After all, cooking should be an adventure!

Serving Suggestions for Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce

Okay, so you’ve got this *amazing* Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce all ready to go… but what do you serve it with? Don’t worry, I got you covered! This creamy chicken is super versatile, so you’ve got tons of options. My personal favorite? Creamy mashed potatoes – talk about comfort food heaven! They soak up all that delicious sauce. Also, I have a few potato wedges that would go great with your chicken that are baked, not fried!
Plated Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce, served with mashed potatoes and garnished with thyme.
Seriously, you cannot go wrong with serving it over white rice, or with a side of steamed green beans as well! Mmmm, delicious!

FAQ About Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce

Got questions about this Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce recipe? Don’t worry; I’ve got answers! Here are the most common questions I get asked (and, you know, the ones I asked myself the first time I made it!).

Can I use a different type of whiskey?

Sure, you *can*. But honestly, Irish whiskey is what makes this Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce special! I prefer Jameson, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Just don’t use anything too smoky, you want something smooth!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yep! The Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce is great leftover! The sauce gets even thicker and richer! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop. A little milk will help it out!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Okay, so heavy cream is what makes the sauce super decadent. But, if you don’t have any, you can use half-and-half. Just know that the sauce won’t be quite as thick. You could also try a little sour cream at the end for tang and interest!

Can I freeze this Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce?

I wouldn’t, to be honest. Cream sauces can get a weird texture once they thaw. It’s always best if eaten fresh of the first or second day. Maybe just reduce how much you make so there are less leftovers!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce, and maybe, *just maybe*, you have some leftovers. Let me tell you how to make ‘em shine just like the first time!

To store: place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last for up to three days, easy. Reheating is super simple. Pop it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk while reheating. And I’d *not* recommend freezing it. Cream sauces can get a bit… weird when thawed. Best devoured fresh!

Plated Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce with mashed potatoes and thyme garnish.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutritional information provided for this Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce is just an estimate. I mean, it can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, the brands you buy, and your skill level in pouring whiskey (oops!). So it’s not, you know, an exact science! Enjoy!

A plate of Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce, served with mashed potatoes and garnished with fresh thyme.

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Close-up of Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce served with mashed potatoes and garnished with thyme.

Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce


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  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Chicken with a creamy whiskey sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Irish whiskey
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and Irish whiskey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
  9. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

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