Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal has a way of wrapping around you like a cozy blanket, doesn’t it? I found that to be oh-so-true when I discovered the delight of Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce. This recipe brings together crispy, tender chicken drenched in a creamy whiskey-infused sauce, perfect for those who crave a little indulgence without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and quick prep time, it’s a genuine crowd-pleaser that lets you embrace the comforting essence of Irish cuisine. Plus, it’s easy to adapt for a dairy-free diet, ensuring everyone at your table can savor it. Curious about how you can whip up this cozy dish for your next dinner? Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Why Make Irish Chicken in Whiskey Sauce? Comforting Appeal: This dish is all about the warmth of homemade food; it wraps you up in a delicious embrace. Rich Flavor Balance: The whiskey brings a deep, complex flavor that plays beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating a unique taste profile. Quick and Easy: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests. Versatile Options: Whether you prefer it with a hearty whiskey kick or a dairy-free alternative, this recipe easily adapts to your needs. Crowd-Pleaser: It’s an impressive dish that is sure to enchant your family and friends, making it a memorable meal at any gathering. For additional comfort food inspiration, check out my recipes for Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup or Chicken Pot Pie. Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Ingredients Here’s what you need to create this delightful dish! For the Chicken Chicken Breasts – Use boneless, skinless for juicy, tender bites. Salt and Pepper – Essential for elevating the flavor; adjust to your taste. Olive Oil – Perfect for sautéing your chicken; healthy fat alternative includes vegetable oil. For the Whiskey Cream Sauce Butter – Adds a luscious richness; swap for non-dairy butter if dairy-free. Irish Whiskey – The heart of the sauce, Jameson adds authenticity; bourbon or chicken broth can substitute for different flavors. Heavy Cream – Creates that velvety texture you crave; use coconut or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Chicken Broth – Provides depth to the sauce; can be replaced with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. Onion – Adds sweetness; finely chop for even cooking or use shallots as an alternative. Garlic – Brings rich aroma and flavor; fresh garlic yields the best result. Thyme – A fresh herb that complements the whiskey beautifully; dried thyme works if fresh isn’t available. Dijon Mustard – Adds a tangy depth; yellow mustard can work in a pinch. For Garnishing Fresh Parsley – Use it as an optional garnish to brighten up the dish and add freshness. This Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–8 minutes per side or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Step 2: Make the Whiskey Cream Sauce In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Carefully pour in ¾ cup of Irish whiskey, allowing it to simmer for 3–4 minutes while scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Step 3: Whisk in the Cream and Broth Lower the heat to medium and stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, ½ cup of chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to balance the rich flavors in your Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce. Step 4: Combine and Simmer Return the beautifully browned chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Allow the chicken to simmer in the whiskey cream sauce for another 5–7 minutes to absorb all the flavors, ensuring it is warm throughout. The sauce should be creamy and velvety, coating the chicken nicely. Step 5: Serve It Up To serve, plate the chicken alongside your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or sautéed vegetables. Generously drizzle the Irish whiskey cream sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Dive into this comforting meal, and relish each bite of your Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce! What to Serve with Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Imagine a hearty table set with delicious sides, elevating your comforting chicken dish into a memorable feast for family and friends. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly fluffy, they soak up the rich whiskey sauce beautifully, creating a comforting combination that’s hard to resist. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp and fresh, these add a pop of color and a delightful crunch that contrast with the creamy sauce. Garlic Bread: The warm, crusty texture makes it ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce, enhancing every bite with a burst of flavor. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy flavor offers a delicious balance to the creaminess of the chicken, creating a plate full of varied textures. Colcannon: This traditional Irish dish combines mashed potatoes with cabbage, making a hearty and nostalgic pairing that complements the whiskey-infused sauce. Irish Soda Bread: Soft and slightly sweet, it’s a wonderful accompaniment, allowing you to enjoy every drop of that velvety cream sauce. Chilled Guinness: This iconic Irish beer enhances the flavors of your meal, adding a robust depth that pairs beautifully with the whiskey chicken. Apple Crumble: For a touch of sweetness to round off your meal, this warm dessert serves as a comforting finish that’s sure to put smiles on faces. How to Store and Freeze Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Fridge: Store leftover Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to wait for the dish to cool before refrigerating. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts. Make-Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored separately. Just reheat the sauce and combine with freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve! Make Ahead Options These Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce make-ahead options are ideal for busy weeknights! You can season and cook the chicken up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container. The whiskey cream sauce can also be made ahead, as it holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture. Simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove, stirring to maintain its consistency. When you’re ready to enjoy, combine the chicken with the heated sauce for restaurant-quality results without the rush. This way, you save time while still serving a delicious, comforting dish to your family! Expert Tips for Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy results. Infuse Flavor Slowly: When adding whiskey, let it simmer to build depth; rushing this step can mute the rich flavors in your sauce. Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or add a touch more cream; remember, always adjust your Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce gradually. Dairy-Free Options: For those avoiding dairy, replace butter and heavy cream with their non-dairy counterparts and keep the flavors vibrant. Extra Sauce Love: Consider doubling the sauce amount to drizzle liberally over your sides; everyone loves a saucy dinner! Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley doesn’t just add color; it brightens the dish’s flavors, so don’t skip this step for a fresh finish! Variations & Substitutions for Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Feel free to let your imagination run wild while making this recipe! Taste and texture can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy texture that’s completely dairy-free. Your taste buds won’t even notice the difference! Alcohol-Free: Swap Irish whiskey with chicken broth for a family-friendly version that still packs flavor. This option keeps your dish rich and savory without the alcohol. Herb Boost: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to elevate the flavor profile. They complement the creamy sauce and add an aromatic twist that’s simply delightful. Vegetable Twist: Serve over sautéed zucchini noodles or a medley of roasted veggies to lighten things up. This gives a fresh balance to the richness of the sauce while being oh-so-colorful! For a Hearty Kick: Mix in diced mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for extra texture and flavor. These additions bring an earthy depth that makes each bite satisfying. Creamy Dijon Alternative: Experiment with spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon for a bolder taste. It adds a nice kick to the sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Extra Sauce: Doubling the sauce will allow you to drizzle even more over your favorite sides, just like with my recipe for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, ensuring every bite is oozing with flavor. As you play around with these variations, each time will feel like a new and exciting experience at the dinner table! Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender and juicy result. They’re easy to cook and absorb the flavors of the whiskey cream sauce beautifully. How long can I store leftovers? You can store leftover Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remember to let the dish cool down before packing it away to maintain the best texture and flavor. Can I freeze Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce? Absolutely! To freeze, place the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent separation. What should I do if the sauce is too thick? If you find the sauce too thick while cooking, simply whisk in a little extra chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. It’s always best to adjust gradually to maintain that luxurious texture without making it too runny. Is this dish suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe for a dairy-free diet by substituting regular butter and heavy cream with non-dairy versions like olive oil and coconut cream. Be sure to check the whiskey brand you choose for any potential allergens. Savor the Comfort of Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce Enjoy the indulgent flavors of Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce, a comforting dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: IrishCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use for juicy, tender bites.to taste Saltto taste Pepper2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing; substitute vegetable oil if desired.For the Whiskey Cream Sauce1 tablespoon Butter Can be substituted with non-dairy butter.3/4 cup Irish whiskey Jameson recommended, bourbon or chicken broth can substitute.1/2 cup Chicken broth Can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.1 cup Heavy cream Substitute with coconut or cashew cream for dairy-free.1 medium Onion Finely chopped.2 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh garlic recommended.1 teaspoon Thyme Fresh thyme preferred.1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Yellow mustard can substitute.For Garnishingto taste Fresh parsley Optional garnish. Equipment Skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsSeason the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to 165°F.In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional minute. Pour in whiskey and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.Lower the heat and add mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Mix and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until warmed through.Serve with your choice of sides, drizzled with sauce and garnished with parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesThis dish can be made dairy-free by using non-dairy substitutes for butter and cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
