Chicken Madeira

Craving something special for dinner? Chicken Madeira is the ultimate restaurant-style dish you can easily copy at home. This Cheesecake Factory favorite never disappoints!

Tender chicken cutlets, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and melty mozzarella all come together under a luscious, wine-infused sauce. 

It’s the perfect balance of elegance and comfort!

Pair it with mashed potatoes or homemade bread to soak up every drop of that rich, savory sauce. Once you try Chicken Madeira, regular roasted chicken won’t cut it! 

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Madeira

Luxurious Taste: The rich Madeira wine sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese create a sophisticated blend of sweet and savory notes. Every bite rivals the original Cheesecake Factory version.

Make-Ahead Magic: The components can be prepped in advance, making it an excellent choice for stress-free entertaining. 

Cook-Once, Impress-Twice Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully. It’s great for meal prep or indulging in gourmet leftovers the next day.

Dinner Party and Date Night Winner: The impressive presentation with layered chicken, asparagus, and melted cheese creates a stunning “wow factor.” It’s deal for special occasions, date nights, or dinner parties.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the dish. Pound them thinly for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness. Best when fresh and high-quality.
  
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients. Kosher salt works particularly well here.
  
• Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter: The combination creates an ideal searing medium. Olive oil prevents the butter from burning, and the butter adds rich flavor.
  
• Fresh Mushrooms: Either white button or cremini mushrooms add an earthy, meaty texture and absorb the Madeira sauce beautifully.
  
• Asparagus: It provides a crisp-tender texture, nutrition, and bright green color.
  
• Mozzarella Cheese: It creates a melty, creamy topping that browns nicely. Fresh mozzarella can be used, but low moisture works better for melting.
  
• Madeira Wine: The signature ingredient that gives the dish its name and distinct flavor. Sweet Madeira wine is preferred for its rich, complex notes and caramel undertones.
  
• Beef Stock: Beef stock and the wine form the base of the sauce. Low sodium allows better control of salt levels.
  
• Onion and Garlic: They build flavor in the sauce. Fresh garlic is preferred, but powder works in a pinch.
  
• Heavy Cream and Cornstarch: Optional ingredients transform the sauce. Cream adds richness, while cornstarch thickens without changing the flavor.

How to Make Chicken Madeira

This restaurant-quality meal is so easy to make in your own kitchen. Just follow these steps.

1. Pound the chicken. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Place each piece between plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thick for even cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the chicken. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter to a large skillet. Warm over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear 3–4 minutes per side or until golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

3. Saute the veggies. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and browned, about 5–6 minutes. Add the garlic for one minute at the end.

4. Deglaze the pan. Pour the Madeira wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the beef stock. Bring to a gentle boil. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch mixture.

5. Simmer. Lower the heat. Let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes or until it reduces by roughly half and thickens. For a rich, silky texture, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

6. Cook the asparagus. While the sauce simmers, blanch or steam the asparagus until bright green and slightly tender. It usually takes 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness. Drain and set aside.

7. Combine and add the cheese. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce and mushrooms. Arrange the asparagus on top of the chicken. Then, sprinkle or lay the mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken. Cover the skillet briefly, or place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. It’s ready when the cheese melts and lightly browns.

8. Serve. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and asparagus. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, pasta, crusty bread, or anything that lets you soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Madeira

To rival The Cheesecake Factory’s recipe, follow these tips and tricks.

• Don’t skip the chicken prep! For tender, evenly cooked chicken, ensure you pound it to an even thickness. This tenderizes the meat and helps it to cook uniformly.
  
• Pick your asparagus prep. Not a fan of blanching or steaming? You can sauté the asparagus in a separate pan with olive oil and a pinch of salt. You can also grill the asparagus for a little char.
  
• Go easy on the mushrooms. Resist the urge to turn up the heat when sautéing mushrooms. They need time and space to release moisture and develop a rich flavor.
  
• Thicken it up. Create a slurry with cold water and add it gradually to avoid lumps. Overuse can lead to an undesirable gummy texture.
  
• Crisp it up. Broiling can give the cheese a nice golden brown top and add a bit of char to the asparagus. Ensure your skillet is oven-proof. If covering instead, use aluminum foil to keep in the steam.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Make the recipe your own with these variations.

• Swap the meat and veggies. Substitute pork for chicken. Use different mushroom varieties (porcini, shiitake). Swap the asparagus for spinach or kale. Or add sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist. 
  
• Choose a different cheese. You can also use smoked Gouda or Gruyere cheese for a different cheese flavor profile.
  
• Make it creamy. Adding heavy cream to the sauce can provide a luxurious mouthfeel. However, it might slightly alter the traditional taste profile.
  
• Can’t find Madeira wine? You may substitute Marsala wine (it will be more like Chicken Marsala). You can also try a dry sherry or port.
  
• Ditch the booze. Increase the beef stock and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tangy sweetness.

How to Store

Keep your leftover chicken fresh by following these steps.

To Store: Place the cooled chicken Madeira in an air-tight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Store the chicken, vegetables, and sauce in the same container for the best flavor.

To Freeze: Store chicken, vegetables, and sauce in separate freezer bags for up to 4 months. The cream sauce may separate upon thawing, so freezing is best reserved for the chicken cutlets.

To Reheat: Heat leftovers in a 300°Fahrenheit oven until the sauce bubbles and the chicken is warm. Or microwave it in 20-second increments until hot. For the best results, add a splash of broth while reheating to keep the chicken moist.