Manhattan Chicken Recipe: Easy & Delicious Dinner Ideas

Manhattan Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful sauce inspired by the classic Manhattan cocktail. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, enhanced by aromatic herbs and a splash of bourbon or whiskey.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, Manhattan Chicken is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and robust taste.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a simple yet sophisticated recipe that highlights the versatility of chicken while incorporating ingredients that elevate the dish to restaurant-worthy status.

The sauce is the star here, thickened just right, and infused with ingredients like tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme, creating layers of flavor that are simply irresistible.

Ready to transform your chicken dinner routine? Let’s dive into this Manhattan Chicken recipe and discover why it might just become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Manhattan Chicken recipe stands out because it combines everyday ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and special. The juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection, locking in moisture and flavor.

The sauce, reminiscent of a Manhattan cocktail, adds a touch of sophistication with its blend of bourbon, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.

It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Plus, the sauce is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

This dish also stores well, making it ideal for meal prepping or reheating as leftovers.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe is straightforward enough to follow yet rich enough to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup bourbon or whiskey
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs or spatula
• Wooden spoon
• Serving plate or platter

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the skillet: Add the olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste and deglaze: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Slowly pour in the bourbon or whiskey, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the alcohol cook off for about 2 minutes.
6. Build the sauce: Add the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
7. Finish the sauce: Stir in the butter until melted and the sauce becomes silky. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Return chicken to the pan: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the sauce and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors.
9. Serve: Transfer the chicken to serving plates and spoon extra sauce on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use fresh thyme instead of dried when possible, as it provides a more vibrant flavor.

You can swap out the bourbon for a good-quality whiskey or even a splash of brandy if preferred. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of chicken broth and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to maintain some acidity and depth.

To add some extra veggies, toss in sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onions. For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.

For a smoky twist, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika into the sauce alongside the tomato paste. This adds a subtle warmth and complexity that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Manhattan Chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.

Consider serving with a fresh garden salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Crusty bread or garlic rolls are excellent for mopping up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.

If you’re looking to elevate the meal further, a glass of red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot complements the bourbon-infused sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

Manhattan Chicken is a fantastic recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create a dish full of flavor and elegance. Its rich, bourbon-inspired sauce makes it stand out from typical chicken dinners, turning an ordinary meal into something special.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite thanks to its ease of preparation and impressive taste. Don’t be afraid to customize the sauce or add your twist with different herbs and spices.

With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, Manhattan Chicken offers a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out our Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken, Creamy Mushroom Chicken, and Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken for inspiration!

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