My mother-in-law served this at her first dinner party in 1959 and it’s still the recipe her friends talk about today.
Chicken Madison
Chicken Madison is an easy baked chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy mushroom sauce accented by the briny flavor of capers. Baking the chicken covered helps lock in moisture, while uncovering it near the end allows the sauce to become hot and lightly golden. It’s a comforting meal that’s simple enough for everyday dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flattened to 1/2-inch thickness | 4 |
| Condensed cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.75 oz) |
| Sliced mushrooms, drained (or 1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms) | 1 jar (4 oz) |
| Capers, drained | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Dry white wine (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh lemon zest (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish) | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If necessary, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them until they are an even 1/2-inch thick. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, blend the condensed cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms, and capers until evenly mixed. For added flavor, stir in the optional white wine or lemon zest.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spoon the mushroom sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly so each breast is fully coated.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Let It Rest
Take the dish out of the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Tip
Allowing the chicken to rest briefly before serving helps keep it juicy while giving the sauce a chance to thicken for a smoother texture.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
