Cheshire Chicken

Background of Cheshire Chicken

Cheshire Chicken is a classic British dish, noteworthy for its rich use of dairy and its origins from the historic county of Cheshire. The county is renowned for its Cheshire cheese, one of the oldest recorded cheeses in England. This dish marries succulent chicken with the creamy, slightly tangy flavor of Cheshire cheese, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.

The history of Cheshire dates back to Roman times when it was known for its fertile soil and excellent agriculture. Over the centuries, its cheese-making traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, becoming integral to the local cuisine. The dish Cheshire Chicken not only showcases the cheese but also highlights traditional British flavours with herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Ingredients for Cheshire Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Cheshire cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation of Cheshire Chicken

To prepare Cheshire Chicken, start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper.

Next, prepare your workstation by gathering all the ingredients, including heating up a large skillet over medium heat. This not only ensures an organized approach but also reduces cooking time as everything will be within reach.

Grate the Cheshire cheese and juice the lemon. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking Cheshire Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in the skillet over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to sizzle. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 6 minutes on each side until they are nicely golden brown and cooked through. You can check this by making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a timing device.

Once done, remove the chicken breasts and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir well to combine, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet, which will enrich the sauce with flavor.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.

Sprinkle the grated Cheshire cheese over the chicken breasts. Place a lid over the skillet and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and the flavours marry together perfectly.

Serving and Enjoying Cheshire Chicken

Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the juice of the lemon over the chicken breasts, adding a fresh zing to the dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Serve the Cheshire Chicken immediately. It's best paired with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, allowing the rich flavors of the chicken dish to shine. Enjoy this comforting meal with a light salad or a crusty bread roll to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the Cheshire Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.