Chicken Lombardy

Embark on a culinary journey as we unravel the exquisite Chicken Lombardy—a dish that embodies the essence of Italian flavors and culinary finesse. In this gastronomic adventure, we’ll guide you through crafting a masterpiece that combines succulent chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and a symphony of cheeses, all bathed in a rich Marsala wine sauce. Join us in the exploration of this classic recipe, and elevate your home-cooking experience to a new level of sophistication.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• 4 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

For the Lombardy Sauce:

• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced provolone cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Keto Version:

• Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for dredging.
• Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum for the sauce.
• Choose a dry white wine with low residual sugar or a keto-friendly wine.

For the Low-Carb Version:

• Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour.
• Utilize a low-carb thickener for the sauce.
• Opt for a dry white wine with low residual sugar or a low-carb white wine.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Season each chicken breast with salt and black pepper. Dredge the seasoned chicken breasts in flour, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the dredged chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, ensuring they are cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Lombardy Sauce In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown and the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the Marsala wine, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce by half.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering sauce. Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and sliced provolone cheeses.

Step 5: Melt and Bake Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust on top of the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the Chicken Lombardy with fresh parsley. Serve the chicken over a bed of your favorite low-carb pasta, cauliflower rice, or sautéed spinach.

Cook Notes:

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Ensure the skillet is oven-safe before placing it under the broiler.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce to your preference by simmering longer for a thicker consistency.

Variations:

Sun-Dried Tomato Elegance: Add a touch of sweetness and intensity by incorporating chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the Lombardy sauce. The Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Lombardy variation elevates the dish with bursts of flavor.

Spinach and Artichoke Symphony: Create a harmonious blend of textures by mixing in sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts. The Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Lombardy variation transforms the dish into a creamy and vibrant delight.

Pesto Infusion: Introduce a burst of fresh herbal notes by swirling in a spoonful of pesto into the Lombardy sauce. The Pesto Chicken Lombardy variation offers a fragrant and lively twist.

Keto Version: For a keto-friendly adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for dredging, use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum for the sauce, and choose a dry white wine with low residual sugar or a keto-friendly wine. This version allows you to relish the exquisite Chicken Lombardy while adhering to keto dietary guidelines.