Chicken Lombardy

When it comes to Italian cuisine, most of us immediately think of dishes like pizza and pasta. However, the richness and diversity of Italian culinary traditions extend far beyond these popular staples. One such hidden gem is Chicken Lombardy, a mouthwatering dish that combines succulent chicken breasts with a flavorful mushroom and wine sauce, all topped with gooey, melted cheese. This recipe will take you on a culinary journey to the Lombardy region of Italy, where flavors harmonize in a symphony of taste. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of Chicken Lombardy!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Mushroom Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Fontina cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch, using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. This ensures even cooking.
2. In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Making the Mushroom Sauce:

4. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
5. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to reduce the liquid by half.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to thicken for another 5 minutes.

Assembling the Dish:

7. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
8. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the mushroom sauce over them.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Fontina cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
10. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley, and your Chicken Lombardy is ready to serve.

Tips

• To save time, you can use chicken cutlets instead of whole chicken breasts. They cook faster and are easier to handle.
• If you don’t have dry white wine on hand, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a non-alcoholic white cooking wine.
• Experiment with different types of mushrooms for a unique flavor profile. Shiitake or cremini mushrooms can add a delightful twist.

Variation: Chicken Lombardy with Spinach

Looking to add some greens to your Chicken Lombardy? Try this variation:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions:

1. Follow the same steps for preparing and cooking the chicken as in the original recipe.
2. While the chicken is cooking, wilt the spinach in a separate skillet with a little olive oil until it’s tender. Drain any excess moisture.
3. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
4. When the chicken is cooked, place a layer of wilted spinach on top of each breast, followed by a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.
5. Broil as directed in the original recipe until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

 

Chicken Lombardy, with its tender chicken, flavorful mushroom sauce, and gooey cheese topping, is a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or venture into the spinach variation, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. So, the next time you’re craving Italian flavors with a twist, give Chicken Lombardy a try and savor the deliciousness of Lombardy, right in your own kitchen. Buon appetito!