Champagne Chicken without Cream (Best Recipe)

Champagne chicken is a sumptuous dish packed with flavors and sophistication. It’s a perfect choice for a special occasion dinner or for anyone who simply loves rich, creamy sauces.

However, if you’re looking for a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing taste, this champagne chicken without cream recipe is ideal. It’s still decadent and delicious, but with a lighter touch.

Featuring juicy chicken breast, mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and the tang of champagne, it is a recipe that’s sure to impress. It’s rich, creamy (thanks to whole milk), and a healthier alternative.

Pair the dish with your favorite side like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad. And don’t forget to uncork a bottle of champagne to complete the fine dining experience.

Champagne Chicken without Cream

You’ve probably heard of chicken cooked in white wine, but have you tried it with champagne? The unique flavor profile from the champagne gives it further sophistication.

The light, bubbly drink combined with other well-chosen ingredients makes the chicken more than extraordinary.

It’s also far healthier than a typical cream-based champagne chicken recipe. It uses whole milk, but you can control the amount to tailor it to your preference.

Make sure to prepare enough because it will be hard not to go back for more!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• Chicken breast. Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and eating.
• Salt and pepper. Season the chicken breasts to taste.
• Olive oil. For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• Baby portobello mushrooms. These add a hearty, earthy taste to the dish.
• Shallots. Finely chopped shallots give the recipe a mild onion flavor.
• Garlic cloves. Minced garlic adds a delicious garlicky kick.
• Brut Champagne. Use a dry champagne for the best flavor.
• Whole milk. Provides a rich and creamy sauce.
• Cornstarch. To thicken the sauce.
• Salt and pepper. For additional seasoning, adjust the quantity according to taste.
• Optional: Parsley. For garnishing the dish.

How to Make Champagne Chicken without Cream

Here’s how to prepare this recipe:

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic. Saute until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Add the champagne to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer until it has reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the milk, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

Step 7: Garnish with parsley (if desired), then serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Champagne Chicken

Here are a few tips to make this dish even better:

• Add other veggies. While mushrooms are excellent, experiment with other vegetables like asparagus or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Let the chicken rest. Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing, so it retains its juices.
• Make the sauce to your taste. Adjust the amount of whole milk and champagne for the sauce consistency you prefer. Increase the cornstarch if you want a thicker sauce.
• Don’t skip the garnish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness to the dish.

Variations

Feel free to customize your chicken champagne recipe! Here’s how:

• Make it creamy. If you want a richer sauce, substitute some or all of the whole milk with heavy cream.
• Swap the protein. This sauce pairs deliciously with fish or even tofu if you want a vegetarian option.
• Add herbs and spices. For added flavor, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper.

What to Serve with Champagne Chicken

There are plenty of sides that perfectly complement the champagne chicken:

• Potatoes. Mashed, roasted, or even scalloped potatoes would be delicious.
• Rice. Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice.
• Pasta. A plate of pasta drizzled with olive oil or tossed with butter will make for an excellent side.
• Bread. A fresh baguette or dinner rolls are great for mopping up the flavorful sauce.
• Salad. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a refreshing side dish.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of milk before reheating.

Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Note that the sauce will thicken upon chilling, so you may need to add a little milk or water when reheating to thin it out. It’s always a good idea to check the seasoning when you’re reheating leftovers as well, and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Due to the cream not being used in this recipe, it may freeze well, but I recommend consuming it fresh for the best taste and texture.