What the heck is this?
Picture this: crispy, tender chicken smothered in a rich and creamy whiskey sauce with a touch of Irish flair. This Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. You’ve got that deep, smooth whiskey flavor perfectly balanced with the creaminess of the sauce, making every bite an indulgent experience. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite veggies to soak up all that goodness. Trust me, this will become your new go-to weeknight dinner for when you want to impress (without breaking a sweat).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You get crispy chicken and a silky, flavorful sauce in one dish.
- The whiskey adds an unexpected depth of flavor that is anything but boring.
- Perfectly comforting for a cozy night in, or to impress guests.
- Simple ingredients, easy to make, yet fancy enough for a special dinner.
- Comes together in under 30 minutes — yep, it’s weeknight friendly.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Whiskey Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Irish whiskey (Jameson works great!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt + pepper to taste
For Finishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables (for serving)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Whiskey Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Carefully pour in the whiskey and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 3–5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken.
Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 5–7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of that delicious whiskey cream sauce.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies. Spoon the creamy whiskey sauce generously over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with roasted garlic mashed potatoes to soak up all that sauce.
- Want a lighter option? Serve it over a bed of sautéed spinach or green beans.
- For a complete Irish-inspired meal, pair with a cold pint of Guinness or your favorite beer.
Switch It Up
- Go boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Try adding some mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook them when you’re ready.
- The sauce can be made and stored for a few days in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove before adding the chicken.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the skillet for the best texture.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use a different type of alcohol?
A: Yes! You can swap out the Irish whiskey for bourbon or even a splash of brandy. Just keep in mind, it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this sauce without alcohol?
A: Absolutely! Simply swap the whiskey with more chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. You can also try using a non-dairy butter substitute.
Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Picture this: crispy, tender chicken smothered in a rich and creamy whiskey sauce with a touch of Irish flair. This Irish Chicken in Whiskey Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. You’ve got that deep, smooth whiskey flavor perfectly balanced with the creaminess of the sauce, making every bite an indulgent experience. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite veggies to soak up all that goodness. Trust me, this will become your new go-to weeknight dinner for when you want to impress (without breaking a sweat).
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
For the Whiskey Cream Sauce:
1/2 cup Irish whiskey (Jameson works great!)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt + pepper to taste
For Finishing:
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Whiskey Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Carefully pour in the whiskey and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 3–5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken.
Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 5–7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of that delicious whiskey cream sauce.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies. Spoon the creamy whiskey sauce generously over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Pair it with roasted garlic mashed potatoes to soak up all that sauce.
Want a lighter option? Serve it over a bed of sautéed spinach or green beans.
For a complete Irish-inspired meal, pair with a cold pint of Guinness or your favorite beer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 calories
- Protein: ~40g