Chicken Madeira – Cheesecake Factory Copycat

This Chicken Madeira recipe is an irresistible replica of the popular dish from The Cheesecake Factory. It’s a stunning combination of tender chicken breasts, buttery sautéed mushrooms, and crisp asparagus all smothered in a rich, savory Madeira wine sauce. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper perfect for any special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.

The flavors in this recipe come together beautifully: the sweet Madeira wine balances the savory beef broth and cream, while the fresh parsley adds a vibrant finish. Served with a side of mashed potatoes or rice, this dish is luxurious yet approachable, offering restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients:

Servings: 4 (as a main course)

• 1 lb Chicken Breasts (2 large)
• 1 lb asparagus, blanched
• ¾ tsp sea salt, divided, and black pepper to taste
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 16 oz button mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 1 small or ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1½ cups Madeira wine (sweet white wine)
• 1½ cups low-sodium beef stock or broth
• ½ cup whipping cream (heavy or regular)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

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Instructions:

1. Blanch the Asparagus:

• Trim the fibrous stems from the asparagus by snapping them off. Boil 6 cups of water with 1 Tbsp salt in a medium pot. Add the asparagus and boil for 2-3 minutes, until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

• Heat 2 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, until they soften. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
• Add the minced garlic, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 2 Tbsp parsley. Cook for another 2 minutes, then transfer the mushroom mixture to a plate. Wipe the skillet clean with a damp paper towel.

3. Prepare the Chicken:

• Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound them between plastic wrap to about ¼-inch thickness. Season the chicken with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper.
• In the same skillet, heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp oil. Once the butter foams, sauté the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to the plate with the mushrooms.

4. Make the Madeira Sauce:

• In the same skillet, pour in the 1½ cups of Madeira wine and bring to a vigorous boil. Let it reduce by half, about 5 minutes. Scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
• Add the beef broth and continue boiling until about ⅔ cup of liquid remains, around 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the Dish:

• Return the chicken to the pan, turning to coat it in the sauce. Top the chicken with the sautéed mushrooms and blanched asparagus. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top.
• Broil for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.

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Tips for Success:

• Wine Substitute: If you can’t find Madeira wine, you can substitute it with Marsala or a dry white wine. The taste will vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
• Blanching the Asparagus: Blanching helps keep the asparagus crisp and bright. To keep the vibrant color, you can immediately transfer them to an ice bath after boiling.
• Cheese Melt: Keep an eye on the chicken while broiling. You want the cheese to melt and bubble, but avoid over-browning it for the best presentation.
• Side Pairing: This Chicken Madeira pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even pasta to soak up the savory sauce.

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This Chicken Madeira copycat recipe delivers all the rich, bold flavors of the restaurant favorite. It’s a great choice for dinner parties or for when you want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home. With its layers of flavor and textures, each bite offers something unique—making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again!