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 a simple yet flavorful baked chicken dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy mushroom sauce and the distinctive tang of capers. The chicken bakes gently beneath a foil cover, helping it stay moist and juicy, while a brief uncovered finish allows the sauce to bubble and develop deeper flavor. Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough for guests, this recipe delivers rich comfort with minimal preparation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded 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 |
| Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish) | 1 tbsp |
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If needed, place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms, and capers until well combined. If using, mix in the white wine or lemon zest for additional flavor.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is completely covered with sauce.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Tip
The short resting period helps the chicken retain its juices and gives the sauce time to thicken slightly, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive dish.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
