Description
Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce is a rich, comforting dish featuring pan-seared chicken smothered in a silky whiskey–infused cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Dijon. It’s elegant yet simple — perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner night.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- For the Whiskey Cream Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1/2 cup Irish whiskey (such as Jameson)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and shallot. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Carefully pour in the whiskey. Allow it to bubble and reduce by half (2–3 minutes), scraping up brown bits from the pan.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir and simmer 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer 1–2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Notes
- Use Irish cream (like Baileys) instead of whiskey for a sweeter twist.
- Replace whiskey with apple juice or broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for a deeper, earthier sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Irish-American