Ina Garten Chicken With Morels Recipe

Ina Garten’s Chicken with Morels is a luxurious dish that combines tender chicken, earthy morel mushrooms, and a creamy sauce infused with white wine and herbs. Perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests, this elegant recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare.

What is Ina Garten Chicken With Morels?

Chicken with Morels is a classic French-inspired dish featuring sautéed chicken cooked in a rich cream sauce with morel mushrooms. The earthy, nutty flavor of the morels pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and the velvety sauce, making this a restaurant-worthy meal you can make at home.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken With Morels

• Elegant and flavorful: Perfect for a dinner party or romantic dinner.
• Rich and creamy: The sauce is indulgent and full of flavor.
• Easy to prepare: Despite its elegance, the recipe is straightforward and approachable.
• Showcases morels: Highlights the unique, earthy flavor of these prized mushrooms.
• Pairs well with sides: Complements a variety of starches and vegetables.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken With Morels

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 1 ounce dried morel mushrooms
• 1 cup boiling water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken With Morels

Step 1: Prepare the Morels

• Rehydrate the mushrooms: Place the dried morels in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for 20–30 minutes until softened.
• Drain and reserve liquid: Remove the mushrooms, rinse them to remove any grit, and strain the soaking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve. Reserve the liquid.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Sear the chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4–5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Shallots and Morels

• Cook the shallots: Add the chopped shallots to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until softened.
• Add the morels: Stir in the rehydrated morels and cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

• Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine and reserved mushroom soaking liquid, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add stock and cream: Stir in the chicken stock and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Thicken the sauce: Whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

• Return the chicken: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some sauce over them. Cover and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Add herbs: Stir in the parsley and thyme just before serving.

Step 6: Serve

• Plate and garnish: Serve the chicken with morels over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken With Morels

• Mashed potatoes: A creamy base to soak up the rich sauce.
• Egg noodles: Pair with buttered noodles for a classic comfort food combination.
• Steamed asparagus: A light vegetable side that complements the richness of the dish.
• Crusty bread: Use to mop up every bit of the delicious sauce.
• Side salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken With Morels

• Use high-quality chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts provide the best flavor and texture.
• Rinse the morels: Rinsing removes any grit or dirt from the mushrooms.
• Don’t skip the soaking liquid: The reserved liquid adds depth to the sauce.
• Cook gently: Simmer the chicken over low heat to keep it tender and juicy.
• Finish with fresh herbs: Parsley and thyme enhance the flavor and add a fresh touch.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken With Morels

• Use other mushrooms: If morels are unavailable, substitute with cremini, shiitake, or porcini mushrooms.
• Add garlic: Include minced garlic with the shallots for extra flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Include a splash of brandy: Add brandy to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
• Try boneless chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker option.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken With Morels

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to refresh the sauce.
• Freeze for later: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh morels instead of dried morels?

Yes, fresh morels can be used instead of dried morels. Simply clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit and skip the rehydration step.

What can I substitute for morel mushrooms?

If morels are unavailable, substitute with cremini, shiitake, or porcini mushrooms for a similar earthy flavor.

How do I prevent chicken from drying out in this recipe?

To keep the chicken moist, cook it over low heat in the sauce and avoid overcooking. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts also helps retain moisture.

Can I make Chicken with Morels ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare the chicken and sauce, refrigerate them separately, and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken with Morels is an elegant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich cream sauce and earthy mushrooms, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting yet sophisticated dinner!

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Grilled Swordfish
• Ina Garten Roasted Rosemary Cashews
• Ina Garten Blue Cheese Crackers
• Ina Garten Cream Cheese Frosting
• Ina Garten Tzimmes

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