The Coziest Morel Chicken Recipe: Ina Garten’s Magic Touch

Succulent chicken takes on a luxurious twist with Ina Garten’s chicken with morels recipe that promises pure culinary elegance.

Earthy morel mushrooms infuse deep, rich flavors into this classic dish.

The combination of tender poultry and woodland mushrooms creates a symphony of taste that delights the senses.

morels bring a sophisticated touch to an otherwise simple meal, elevating every single bite.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this recipe for its complex yet approachable flavor profile.

The harmonious blend of ingredients speaks to Garten’s exceptional cooking style.

Savor each mouthwatering moment and let this extraordinary recipe become your new favorite dinner companion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 749 kcal

Servings: 6

What to Prep for Chicken with Morels by Ina

• Chicken Breasts: Tender canvas for the luxurious sauce, select plump, even-sized breasts for consistent cooking and elegant presentation.
• Flour: Creates golden, crispy exterior that locks in chicken's moisture and provides silky sauce thickening foundation.

• Morel Mushrooms: Earthy woodland treasures with complex nutty undertones, requiring careful cleaning to remove hidden grit.
• Onions: Aromatic base that adds sweet depth and subtle complexity to the sauce.
• Garlic: Robust flavor bomb that elevates the entire dish's sensory profile.

• Clarified Butter: Provides rich, clean cooking medium with higher heat tolerance and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Madeira Wine: Introduces deep, sophisticated wine notes that complement mushroom's earthiness.
• Heavy Cream, Creme Fraiche: Silky smooth sauce builders that create luscious, velvety texture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that cuts through richness and balances flavor complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that amplify and harmonize all dish components.

Tools That Help Create Ina’s Chicken with Morels

• Large frying pan: essential for browning chicken and sautéing ingredients.
• Oven-safe dish: perfect for finishing the chicken in the oven.
• Paper towels: used to dry morels after rinsing.
• Strainer or colander: helpful for draining morels from soaking water.
• Cutting board: for preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: for any necessary chopping.
• Measuring spoons: to accurately measure salt and pepper.
• Tongs: great for handling and flipping chicken in the pan.

Ina Garten’s Cooking Method for Chicken with Morels

• Kitchen Setup

Create a calm cooking environment with all necessary tools nearby, ensuring a smooth culinary experience.

• Morel Preparation

Carefully clean delicate mushrooms by gently rinsing multiple times, removing any hidden soil or debris. Pat dry with soft towels.

• Chicken Seasoning

Generously coat chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with flour, allowing excess to fall away naturally.

• Searing Technique

Brown chicken pieces in clarified butter over gentle heat, developing a golden exterior that locks in rich flavors.

• Vegetable Aromatics

Introduce onions, drained mushrooms, and garlic into the pan, creating a fragrant base that will enhance the overall dish.

• Liquid Reduction

Splash Madeira into the pan, allowing it to simmer and concentrate, then blend in cream, creme fraiche, and a hint of lemon juice.

• Oven Finishing

Transfer chicken and sauce to a preheated oven, letting the ingredients meld together and create a harmonious, luxurious meal.

• Serving Considerations

Allow dish to rest briefly after cooking, which helps distribute flavors and ensures tender, succulent chicken.

Ingredient Swaps for Chicken and Morels

• Expert Cooking Tips & Variations
• Soak dried morels in warm water carefully, lifting them gently to avoid disturbing sediment. Rinse multiple times to ensure no grit remains, then pat dry with paper towels.
• Use clarified butter for better browning and a rich, clean flavor. If unavailable, slowly melt butter and skim off milk solids for a similar effect.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for deeper flavor or use turkey cutlets for a different protein option. Ensure meat is evenly pounded for consistent cooking.
• Experiment with wine substitutions like dry sherry or white wine instead of Madeira. Add fresh thyme or tarragon for an herbal depth that complements the earthy morel mushrooms.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, refrigerate, and reheat slowly on the stovetop. The flavors will intensify, creating an even more delicious meal.

Ways to Serve Chicken with Morels the Elegant Way

• Pair with Silky Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes create the perfect base for soaking up the rich, luxurious morel sauce. The smooth texture complements the tender chicken beautifully.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: A light, zesty green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish, providing a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce and providing a balanced meal.
• Complement with Crusty French Bread: Warm, crusty bread becomes the ideal tool for mopping up every last drop of the decadent Madeira cream sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken with Morels

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover chicken with morel sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dish sealed to maintain maximum flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Reheat Gently: Warm the chicken slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce seems thick. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
• Freeze Carefully: Pack the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving slight room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead Trick: Chop morels and measure ingredients the night before cooking to streamline your meal preparation process. This simple step saves time and reduces kitchen stress during busy weeknights.

Elegant Ina Garten Chicken With Morels Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken with morels brings elegant French countryside comfort to classic poultry dishes. Delicate mushrooms and creamy sauce elevate this sophisticated meal that home cooks will adore.

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Ingredients

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• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 oz (28 g) dried morels, soaked for 30 minutes in 3 cups very hot water
• 1 cup Madeira wine
• 1 cup (8 oz / 236 ml) creme fraiche
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cup (285 ml) clarified butter
• ⅓ cup chopped shallots (2 large)
• all-purpose flour, for dredging
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Mushroom Preparation: Meticulously extract morel mushrooms from soaking water, rinsing thoroughly to eliminate sediment, then delicately pat dry with paper towels.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, lightly dust with flour, shaking off excess coating.
3. Searing Process: Melt clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sear chicken in batches until golden brown on both sides, transferring to an oven-safe dish.
4. Aromatic Sauté: In the same skillet, introduce drained morel mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic, stirring constantly over medium-low heat for approximately 2 minutes.
5. Liquid Reduction: Deglaze pan with Madeira wine at high heat, reducing liquid by half, then incorporate heavy cream, creme fraiche, and fresh lemon juice, seasoning with salt and ground black pepper.
6. Sauce Development: Simmer sauce for 5-10 minutes until it thickens, creating a luxurious consistency, then cascade over chicken in the oven-safe dish.
7. Final Cooking: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For advance preparation, refrigerate and gently reheat before serving.

Notes

• Morel Mushroom Prep: Clean morels meticulously by rinsing multiple times to remove hidden grit and sand, which can ruin the delicate dish’s texture and flavor.
• Flour Coating Technique: Lightly dust chicken with flour, ensuring a thin, even layer that creates a golden-brown crust and helps thicken the sauce without making it heavy.
• Sauce Reduction Secrets: Watch the Madeira wine reduction carefully, allowing it to concentrate flavors and create a rich, silky sauce that beautifully coats the chicken.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat without any risk of undercooking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 749
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 56 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 178 mg