Chicken Madison is a classic dish that brings together tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful sauce. Originating from American cuisine, this recipe has stood the test of time thanks to its comforting taste and elegant presentation. It’s perfect for those evenings when we want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes Chicken Madison truly stand out is the combination of creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheese that melts over the chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience. Whether we’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Let’s dive into making this timeless favorite that’s sure to become a staple in our recipe collection.
Ingredients
To create our classic Chicken Madison with its rich, creamy flavors and elegant presentation, we use fresh, quality ingredients. Below is a detailed list organized by component to guide us through assembling this delicious dish.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, for seasoning the chicken
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil), for searing
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Provolone), to melt on top
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup mushrooms (cremini or button), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional but adds freshness)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing mushrooms |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup | Finely chopped, cremini preferred |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves | Minced |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons | To thicken the sauce |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Low sodium recommended |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | Adds richness |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | For a mild tang |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Season the sauce |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tablespoon | Finely chopped, for garnish |
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley leaves – a few sprigs for visual appeal
- Lemon wedges – optional, to brighten flavors upon serving
We recommend preparing all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and ensure each element of our Chicken Madison shines in flavor and texture.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Chicken Madison Recipe flawlessly, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
- Skillet or Sauté Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan for browning the chicken breasts evenly without sticking. A 10-12 inch pan works well for size and heat distribution.
- Saucepan: A medium saucepan is ideal to prepare the creamy mushroom sauce, allowing for precise control over simmering and thickening.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: For finely chopping mushrooms and garlic, a sharp chef’s knife ensures clean cuts and maintains the freshness and texture of ingredients.
- Cutting Board: A large, sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for prep work.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for seasoning and sauce ingredients. We recommend a set of standard measuring cups and spoons.
- Tongs: Useful to turn the chicken breasts gently while cooking without piercing, preserving juices.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps during thickening.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce and scraping the pan without damaging cookware surfaces.
- Oven-safe Baking Dish or Skillet: To finish the chicken with melted cheese under the broiler or oven.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Skillet or Sauté Pan | Browning chicken breasts |
| Saucepan | Cooking the creamy mushroom sauce |
| Sharp Chef’s Knife | Chopping mushrooms and garlic |
| Cutting Board | Food preparation surface |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements |
| Tongs | Turning chicken during cooking |
| Whisk | Blending sauce ingredients smoothly |
| Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula | Stirring sauce, preventing cookware damage |
| Oven-safe Baking Dish or Skillet | Melting cheese to finish the dish |
By gathering this essential cookware before starting, we set ourselves up for an efficient and enjoyable cooking experience that highlights the elegance of Chicken Madison.
Prep Work
Before diving into cooking Chicken Madison, it’s essential that we complete several key preparation steps. These will ensure our ingredients are ready and perfectly prepped for a smooth cooking process.
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by patting the boneless skinless chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve a perfect sear and crisp exterior.
- Use a sharp knife to butterfly each chicken breast, slicing horizontally but not cutting all the way through, so we can open them flat like a book. This ensures even cooking and a tender bite.
- Gently season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a light dusting of paprika for added flavor and color.
- Place a generous slice of Swiss or Provolone cheese inside each butterflied breast, then fold them back carefully to enclose the cheese.
- Secure each breast with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Dry chicken | Use paper towels to pat dry |
| Butterfly | Slice horizontally without cutting through |
| Season | Salt, black pepper, paprika |
| Add cheese | Swiss or Provolone, inside breast |
| Secure | Toothpicks or kitchen twine |
Making the Sauce
- Finely chop fresh mushrooms and minced garlic to build a robust flavor base.
- In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat until foamy.
- Add the chopped mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until the mushrooms are golden and the mixture is fragrant.
- Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and stir constantly to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps, followed by heavy cream to create the creamy texture.
- Stir in Dijon mustard for a subtle tang that elevates the sauce’s depth.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Keep the sauce on low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a smooth, velvety consistency.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Sauté base for mushrooms | 2 tablespoons |
| Mushrooms | Flavor and texture | 1 cup, finely chopped |
| Garlic | Aromatic flavor | 2 cloves, minced |
| All-purpose flour | Thickening agent | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken broth | Liquid base | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | Creaminess | ½ cup |
| Dijon mustard | Flavor enhancer | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt & pepper | Seasoning | To taste |
By completing these prep steps carefully, we lay the groundwork for a luscious and satisfying Chicken Madison that delivers on both flavor and presentation.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s walk through the precise steps to create our Chicken Madison with a perfectly cooked chicken breast, a rich creamy mushroom sauce, and a beautifully melted cheese topping. Following these steps guarantees the classic flavors and elegant presentation we want.
Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter or oil for browning.
- Place the prepared and cheese-stuffed chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear each breast for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a nice crust.
- After browning, transfer the chicken breasts carefully to an oven-safe baking dish or skillet. This allows us to finish cooking in the oven without drying the meat.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the chicken browns.
- Bake the chicken breasts uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to seal in the juices and maintain tenderness.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add 8 ounces of finely chopped mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
- Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mushroom mixture. Stir continuously for 2 minutes, creating a roux that thickens the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to deepen flavor layers.
- Continue cooking on low heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency—about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Optionally, stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for brightness and garnish.
Assembling the Dish
- Spoon a generous amount of the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the cooked chicken breasts in the oven-safe dish.
- Top each breast with 1 to 2 slices of Swiss or Provolone cheese.
- Return the assembled dish to the oven and broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely. Melt and lightly brown the cheese for that perfect finish.
- Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired to enhance visual appeal and freshness.
| Step | Temperature | Time | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sear Chicken | Medium-high | 3-4 minutes per side | Achieve golden brown crust |
| Bake Chicken | 375°F (190°C) | 15-18 minutes | Cook until 165°F internal temp |
| Sauté Mushrooms | Medium | 5-7 minutes | Brown mushrooms properly |
| Make Roux | Medium | 2 minutes | Prevent flour lumps in sauce |
| Thicken Sauce | Low | 5-7 minutes | Stir to creamy consistency |
| Broil with Cheese | High (Broil setting) | 2-3 minutes | Melt and lightly brown cheese |
By following these steps, we ensure every element of our Chicken Madison recipe shines—from tender chicken to velvety sauce and melted cheese topping.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate our Chicken Madison experience, pairing it with complementary sides enhances both flavor and presentation. Here are our recommended Serving Suggestions to complete this classic dish:
Perfect Side Dishes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Their smooth texture balances the richness of the mushroom sauce. We suggest using Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally buttery flavor.
- Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans
These crisp vegetables add a vibrant color contrast and a refreshing crunch, cutting through the dish’s richness.
- Buttery Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread
Soft rolls or crusty garlic bread soak up the luscious sauce, allowing no drop of flavor to go to waste.
Wine Pairing
For an ideal beverage match, we recommend a light to medium-bodied white wine. Consider:
| Wine Type | Characteristics | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Buttery with mild oak notes | Complements creamy mushroom sauce |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Crisp with citrus and herbaceous notes | Cuts through richness for balance |
Garnishing Tips
To add a finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme on top. This provides a fresh herbaceous aroma and an appealing pop of green color.
Serving Temperature
Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the cheese topping is perfectly melted and golden brown. This ensures every bite encapsulates the complex layers of tender chicken, silky sauce, and gooey cheese.
Make-Ahead Tips
To elevate our Chicken Madison experience and save valuable time on a busy day, we can prepare several components in advance. Here are the essential make-ahead strategies that maintain the dish’s flavor and texture while streamlining the cooking process.
Prepare and Store Stuffed Chicken Breasts
- Butterfly and stuff the chicken breasts with Swiss or Provolone cheese as directed. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
This step lets the cheese meld with the chicken while chilling significantly reduces prep time when ready to cook.
Pre-Make the Mushroom Sauce
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic, then prepare the roux as per the recipe.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Cool completely at room temperature (no longer than 2 hours), then transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Before serving, gently reheat the sauce over low heat while stirring frequently to prevent separation, then spoon over the chicken.
Tips for Timing and Assembly
Using a make-ahead checklist helps us coordinate cooking steps smoothly:
| Task | Make-Ahead Timing | Storage Method |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffed chicken breasts | Up to 24 hours | Wrapped in plastic or airtight |
| Mushroom sauce | Up to 2 days | Airtight container in fridge |
| Final baking and broiling | At serving | Freshly cook for best texture |
Additional Helpful Notes
- Always bring stuffed chicken breasts to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even browning.
- Reheat sauce on low heat to keep the silky texture intact without curdling.
- Assemble the final dish with freshly shredded cheese to achieve that signature melted golden crust just before broiling.
By mastering these make-ahead techniques, we ensure our Chicken Madison maintains its luxurious, creamy mushroom sauce, tender cheese-stuffed chicken, and effortless elegance every time.
Storage and Reheating
To keep our Chicken Madison fresh and maintain its rich flavors, proper storage and reheating are essential. Follow these guidelines to ensure every bite stays delicious.
Storing Chicken Madison
- Allow the chicken and mushroom sauce to cool completely before storing.
- Place the cheese-stuffed chicken breasts and mushroom sauce in separate airtight containers to preserve texture.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the assembled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil for best protection against freezer burn.
| Storage Method | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Duration | 3-4 days | Up to 2 months |
| Container Type | Airtight jar or container | Freezer-safe airtight container + plastic wrap + foil |
| Notes | Store sauce and chicken separately if short-term | Freeze fully assembled for convenience |
Reheating Chicken Madison
- Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish. Spoon mushroom sauce over them if stored separately.
- Cover loosely with foil to retain moisture.
- Heat in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove foil, add additional cheese on top if desired, and broil for 2-3 minutes to re-melt and brown cheese.
- Avoid reheating on the stovetop as it can cause the sauce to separate and the chicken to dry out.
“Reheating Chicken Madison gently in the oven preserves the tenderness of the chicken and the creamy texture of the mushroom sauce, delivering a fresh-from-the-kitchen experience even on busy days.“
Make-Ahead Tips for Storage
- Prepare and assemble Chicken Madison up to the baking step, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prepare mushroom sauce separately and add fresh cheese just before broiling to maintain its meltiness.
- Use our make-ahead checklist to coordinate tasks and reduce day-of cooking time.
By following these storage and reheating tips, our Chicken Madison will stay flavorful and elegant, ready whenever we want to enjoy a comforting, impressive meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Madison offers a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication that fits any occasion. With its creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheese, it’s a dish that impresses without demanding hours in the kitchen.
By following the steps carefully and prepping ahead, we can easily bring this classic recipe to life. It’s a versatile meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and wines, making it a go-to choice for both family dinners and special gatherings.
Once you’ve mastered the technique, Chicken Madison will quickly become a cherished favorite in our recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Madison?
Chicken Madison is a classic American dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with cheese, topped with a creamy mushroom sauce, and finished with melted cheese. It’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Madison?
You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts, Swiss or Provolone cheese, mushrooms, garlic, butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Fresh parsley is optional for garnish.
What equipment do I need to make Chicken Madison?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan, medium saucepan, sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, tongs, whisk, wooden spoon or silicone spatula, and an oven-safe baking dish or skillet.
How do I prepare the chicken for this dish?
Pat chicken breasts dry, butterfly them evenly, season well, stuff with cheese, and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the cheese inside while cooking.
How is the mushroom sauce made?
Sauté chopped mushrooms and garlic in butter, create a roux with flour, gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in Dijon mustard and season to taste for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
How should I cook Chicken Madison?
Brown the cheese-stuffed chicken breasts in a hot skillet without overcrowding, finish cooking in the oven to keep them tender, spoon mushroom sauce over, top with cheese, then broil until melted and golden.
What are good side dishes to serve with Chicken Madison?
Creamy mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus or green beans, and buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread pair wonderfully with Chicken Madison. A light to medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish.
Can I prepare Chicken Madison ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and mushroom sauce in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before baking and broiling for convenience while maintaining flavor and texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool Chicken Madison completely, store in airtight containers, refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Separate sauce and chicken if possible for best results.
What is the best way to reheat Chicken Madison?
Reheat in the oven at a moderate temperature to keep the chicken tender and sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out or breaking the sauce’s texture.