Are you craving a sophisticated yet easy dinner that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This creamy chicken recipe with gorgonzola cheese is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight meal or a more impressive dinner party dish. The combination of rich, pungent gorgonzola and tender chicken is a match made in culinary heaven. This recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can transform into a truly delicious and healthy meal. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 oz gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (more for serving, optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pasta or crusty bread for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. This process, called deglazing, adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the chopped walnuts (if using) and parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, with crusty bread for dipping, or simply as is. A sprinkle of extra gorgonzola adds a beautiful visual appeal and extra pungent flavor.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
- For even cooking, ensure your chicken cubes are relatively uniform in size.
- Don't overcook the chicken; it should be cooked through but still juicy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Gorgonzola is quite strong, so start with less salt and pepper and add more to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use higher-quality gorgonzola cheese.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions.
- Use different nuts: Almonds or pistachios would also work well.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Creamy alternative: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. A general estimate for one serving is roughly 350-400 calories, with a moderate amount of fat and protein. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, consider using an online nutritional calculator with the specific ingredients and quantities used.
This gorgonzola chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Its elegant flavor profile makes it perfect for any occasion, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious. Enjoy!